Patients Wish They Knew Sooner
If you have recently gotten dentures, you have plenty of company. More than 40 million people in the U.S. wear dentures.
At Hollister Smiles Dental, Diana M. Boado, DDS, knows that a restored smile is about more than just aesthetics. It is about restoring your quality of life. However, the transition to dentures often comes with a learning curve. Here is what most patients wish they had known sooner to make their journey smoother.
Many patients expect to walk out of the office and immediately enjoy a steak dinner. In reality, new dentures often feel bulky or "loose" for several weeks while the muscles in your cheeks and tongue learn to keep them in place.
New dentures cause temporary discomfort for everyone. However, this discomfort lessens as your gums get used to the prosthetic.
Soreness isn’t an indication that your dentures don’t fit properly. Even with a perfect fit, your gums need time to toughen up. However, know that loose or tight dentures will cause more irritation.
You can ease sore gums by rinsing with warm salt water. However, if the discomfort is intolerable or doesn’t improve, call the office, and we’ll help.
It is a common misconception that because dentures are "artificial," they don't need the same level of care as natural teeth. In fact, poor hygiene can lead to denture stomatitis, a fungal infection, or gum irritation.
Standard toothpaste is frequently too abrasive for denture acrylic, creating microscopic scratches where bacteria can hide. Instead, use a soft-bristle denture brush and a non-abrasive cleanser.
Most importantly, never wear your dentures 24/7. Always remove them at night to give your gum tissues a necessary rest and prevent accelerated bone loss.
Perhaps the most important "secret" of denture wear is that your mouth is a dynamic environment. When natural tooth roots are missing, the jawbone begins to resorb or shrink. You may need a professional adjustment to your dentures within the first three years due to natural changes in your mouth shape.
If your dentures begin to slip or cause sore spots, always reach out to Dr. Boado. Never just live with. Ill-fitting dentures can accelerate bone loss and change your facial structure, leading to a sunken appearance.
If needed, Dr. Boado will refit your dentures. If you’re missing teeth and ready for dentures, or if you’ve recently gotten dentures and are experiencing problems, book an appointment with Dr. Boado at Hollister Smiles Dental. Call the office at 831-636-5391 or use the online booking tool.
