What to Expect in the First 30 Days with Dentures

If you’re restoring your smile with the help of a brand-new set of dentures, you may be wondering what to expect during the first month with your new prosthetics. After all, getting used to anything new can sometimes require a bit of adjustment. Thankfully, while the first 30 days may involve some lifestyle changes, you’ll soon be able to use your new dentures to eat, speak, and smile with ease! Here’s what you can expect from day one and beyond.

The First 24 Hours

Your first 24 hours with your new dentures may feel a bit weird. After all, you’re getting used to wearing prosthetics in your mouth, and you will essentially need to relearn to chew and speak while wearing them. While this process is not difficult, it may still take a few weeks to master, so don’t get frustrated with yourself. Here are some care guidelines to help you enjoy your first day with dentures:

• Stick to soft or pureed foods such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, hummus, or anything that does not require much chewing.
• Brush your dentures in your mouth after each meal.
• Leave your dentures in your mouth for the first 24 hours after getting them, even while you sleep. This will help your mouth get adjusted to them.

Moving Forward

Once you have spent the first day wearing your new dentures, you can advance to a regular wear schedule. Be sure to remove your dentures to clean them twice each day.  You may do this by scrubbing the entire surface with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild hand soap. Floss between each tooth and rinse them well before putting them back in your mouth. You can still do touch-up cleanings with them in your mouth as needed.

From now on you’ll also need to remove your dentures when you sleep. Clean them again using the above method, and then keep them submerged in a cup of water or denture soak when they are not in your mouth. This will prevent them from drying out while you sleep. Dentures that lose moisture can become cracked or warped and could require costly repairs or total replacement!

Your diet can gradually change as you master chewing with your prosthetics. Once you are ready, you can begin to add in things like stewed meats, soft breads and cheeses, any other foods you can handle. The goal is to be able to eat a full diet again by the 30-day mark, but don’t stress out if you take a little bit longer.

Infinity and Beyond

After the first month, you should be able to use your dentures much more confidently. However, if you are still struggling to speak or chew properly, talk to your dentist about evaluating your fit.

Remember, your dentures are durable, beautiful, and effective way to restore lost teeth, but they do take a little bit of time to get used to. Allow yourself some grace during the first 30 days of wear and follow these tips, and you’ll be using them like a pro in no time!

About Our Practice

At Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Dr. Steve Stec and his team are proud to offer patients restoration solutions like dentures to help them get back to enjoying the benefits of a full set of teeth. Dentures are durable, natural-looking replacements that allow you to enjoy eating a full diet and speaking properly, just like you used to with your original smile.

If you’re ready to restore your teeth with the help of dentures, please visit our website or call us for an appointment at 308-382-4440.