When you first get dentures, it can feel like a significant adjustment. Whether you’re replacing a few missing teeth or all of them, the transition to wearing dentures requires time, patience, and care. Understanding how long it takes to adjust and what to expect can help make the process smoother. In this article, we’ll explore the typical adjustment period and offer helpful tips to ease the transition.
Understanding the Adjustment Period
For most people, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to fully adjust to wearing them. However, this period can vary depending on several factors, including the type of dentures, the individual’s mouth structure, and prior experience with similar appliances. During this time, it’s important to be patient and wear them regularly to help your mouth get accustomed to them.
What to Expect in the Early Days
The first few days after receiving them can often be the most uncomfortable. Here’s what you can expect during the initial phase:
- Soreness and Irritation: It’s common to experience soreness and irritation as your gums adapt. This is especially true if your mouth has undergone extractions. The pressure from the appliance may cause sore spots, but adjustments from your dentist can help alleviate this discomfort.
- Increased Saliva Production: It’s normal to notice an increase in saliva production as your mouth adjusts to the presence of the appliance. This should decrease as you get more accustomed.
- A Feeling of Fullness: Many people report a sensation of fullness or bulkiness in their mouth when they first begin wearing them. This is a temporary feeling, and over time, it will subside as your mouth adapts.
Adjusting to Speech and Eating
One of the most challenging aspects of getting used to new dental appliances is learning to speak and eat comfortably. You might find it difficult to speak clearly at first, especially if you’re wearing full replacements. A slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words is normal. With practice, your speech should improve over time.
Eating can also be difficult initially. It’s best to start with soft foods that are easy to chew, gradually introducing harder foods as you become more confident. Avoid sticky or tough foods that might cause your appliance to shift or move.
Eating Tips:
- Cut food into smaller pieces.
- Chew slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth.
- Avoid food that is too hot or too cold, as your mouth may be more sensitive during the early stages.
Managing Discomfort and Irritation
During the first few weeks, gum irritation is quite common. The pressure from the appliance can create sore spots, but these are often temporary. If soreness persists, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist to make any necessary adjustments to improve the fit.
If the discomfort doesn’t resolve or worsens after a few weeks, it may indicate that the appliance needs to be relined or adjusted. Be sure to communicate with your dentist about any persistent discomfort.
Full Adjustment (1-3 Months)
After wearing them for 1 to 3 months, most people feel fully adjusted. At this point, your speech should have normalised, and eating will be much easier. Any initial discomfort will have significantly reduced or disappeared entirely.
It’s still important to maintain good hygiene and continue visiting your dentist regularly to ensure the fit remains optimal. As needed, your dentist will adjust your appliance to ensure it remains comfortable.
Factors That Affect Adjustment Time
Several factors can influence how quickly the adjustment period goes:
- Previous Experience: If you’ve used similar appliances before or have had significant tooth loss, your adjustment might be quicker.
- Type of Appliance: Full replacements might take longer to adjust to compared to partial replacements, as they require more adaptation to a completely new set of teeth.
- Oral Health: Healthy gums and a strong jawbone can help speed up the process. However, people who experience gum shrinkage or bone loss may take longer to adjust.
Conclusion
In most cases, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to fully get used to your new appliance. Patience is key during this adjustment period, as it takes time for your mouth to adapt. By following your dentist’s instructions, keeping up with good oral hygiene, and wearing the appliance regularly, you will gradually find that it becomes more comfortable. With time, your new teeth will improve your ability to speak, eat and smile with confidence.
