Life with Dentures

After you get dentures, your life changes for the better in countless ways, but you may need to make a few adjustments before they feel like a natural part of your mouth. Here’s what to expect.

It might surprise you to learn how many people in the United States are toothless. About 36 million Americans are edentulous — missing all their teeth. Most of them are elderly; in fact, half of the senior population (23 million) have no teeth, and 12 million are missing one arch of teeth. Experts estimate that about 90% of edentulous people wear dentures.

Dentures may be common, but they’re new to you, and your experience will be as unique as you are. That’s why our Los Gatos Family Dental team partners with you to ensure your dentures fit your life and lifestyle seamlessly.

Tyler Young, DDS, designs the perfect dentures that hug every curve and contour in your mouth so you can eat, speak, and laugh confidently. Here’s what you can expect after you get dentures.

The perks of wearing dentures

When you’re missing some or all of your teeth, you face multiple oral health, self-esteem, and social issues. Life with dentures offers an affordable and simple solution that addresses these problems. The benefits include:

Few to no diet restrictions
Tooth-colored porcelain
Durable materials
Restored facial features
Bone loss prevention
Preventable wear and tear on your remaining teeth
Removable appliance for easy cleaning

These days, dentures are far more comfortable and natural-looking than their predecessors. You can eat just about anything, although some foods eaten regularly may affect your dentures’ longevity.

In addition to salvaging your oral health, dentures can rescue your self-confidence and social life. Dentures replace missing teeth and complete your smile, making you feel good about opening your mouth to laugh, smile, eat, and talk. Some people find that dentures free them to socialize more and contribute to a happier, healthier outlook.

Getting used to dentures

In the beginning, life with dentures takes some getting used to. Don’t worry; follow these tips and guidelines to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Be patient

Everyone responds to dentures differently. You may feel comfortable within a few days, or your tongue and facial muscles may take a few weeks to adjust to wearing the new appliance. Many say that dentures make their mouth feel overcrowded at first, but the sensation soon fades.

2. Wear your dentures daily

You may want to pop your dentures out at the first sign of discomfort, but the more you wear them, the sooner you’ll get past the feeling of having a foreign object in your mouth. It doesn’t take long for your gums and tongue to adjust to the sensation, and soon you won’t notice them.

3. Practice eating and speaking

When you eat and speak, every aspect of your mouth comes into play — your teeth, tongue, gums, and muscles. Gaps and missing teeth impact how your mouth functions, and new dentures also introduce some changes. Practice at home before debuting your dentures in public to increase your confidence.

Take small bites and start with soft food to practice chewing with your dentures. Read or speak out loud in front of a mirror to practice forming various sounds and words. Laugh, smile, whistle — have fun getting to know your new teeth.

4. Stay in touch with us

You’re not in this alone. We’re your denture care team and here to support you along the way, from fitting your dentures to helping you wear them confidently. Call us if your dentures feel loose or painful. We can help make a difference with simple adjustments.

If you’re ready for dentures or need assistance with your existing appliance, contact our Los Gatos, California, office today by phone or online to schedule an appointment with our denture experts.