How It Feels To Get Dentures
Dentures aren't your own natural teeth. When you first start wearing dentures, you may notice that they feel large in your mouth, and it may feel like your lips are being pushed forward. You may also experience a gag reflex, dry mouth, or even extra saliva in your mouth. These feelings are all common physical reactions that will go away as you get used to your dentures.
In addition to the physical changes, you'll also experience some emotional changes that can be part of the denture journey.
We talked to over 200 denture and partial wearers in a series of focus groups and asked what their denture experience was like - including the emotional impact of getting dentures. For some, the emotional changes begin with the extraction. Some folks told us they were startled at the way they looked without teeth, and that it made them feel instantly old. Others spoke of a depression or a feeling like they'd lost a battle. And that feeling was compounded by the idea that they couldn't talk to anyone about this - or even let it show. To these people, losing their teeth was like losing a part of themselves.
Getting dentures might not have the same emotional impact on your life, but if it does, the important thing to remember is that you're not alone and you're not the only one who's felt these feelings. Telling these stories is a key part of why PoliCare exists.
So count on us for tips on eating and talking with dentures, living well with dentures, or caring for dentures the right way - or just answers to your questions. That's what we're here for.