What to Expect When Adjusting to a New Set of Dentures

For far too long, you’ve lived with missing teeth. But with a set of dentures, you can regain some of your lost chewing capacity and feel more confident about your appearance. However, it’s important to know how to adjust to new dentures in Bridgeville. As you continue reading, you’ll learn how long it usually takes, and what you can do to make the transition process smoother? Additionally, you’ll be introduced to an innovative alternative: implant-retained dentures.

How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Dentures?

When you first receive a set of dentures, you can expect some slight discomfort, as your mouth attempts to adjust to the new appliance. The typical adaptation period is 30 days. If any pain persists beyond this point, it may be the result of slight changes in your jaw structure that have caused the dentures to fit differently.

How to Make the Transition Phase Easier

To aid in adapting to your dentures, it’s a good idea to eat soft foods like apple sauce, mashed potatoes, soup and other items of the like. It also helps to frequently rinse your mouth with salt-water. If these methods don’t seem to be helpful, then you should bring it to your dentist’s attention so some other options can be explored.

What Your Dentist Can Do to Help

For persistent pain, your dentist may first attempt to make some minor adjustments to your dentures. If that doesn’t help, another avenue is to have a new set of dentures fabricated. This will require another mold to be taken to ensure that the dentures will fit any changes in the shape of your jaw.

If you have an adequate amount of existing jawbone and sufficient oral health, there is still another solution for you to consider.

Implant-Retained Dentures

A set of implant-retained dentures eliminates the problem of a poorly-fitting appliance. Instead of relying on dental adhesive and the suction inside your mouth to secure your dentures, a series of strategically-placed dental implants will be used to anchor the appliances in place.

The titanium implants, which mimic the natural roots of your teeth, are surgically inserted into the underlying jawbone. Over the next few months, they will fuse with the same through a process called osseointegration, to provide a stable and lasting foundation. Later, abutments will be added that will allow a set of dentures to be securely and permanently snapped into position.

Here are some of the benefits of receiving implant-retained dentures:

• No slipping or gum irritation
• A more attractive appearance
• Preservation of your existing jawbone
• A more comfortable and natural feeling replacement
• Up to 95% of your original chewing capacity restored

To determine whether traditional or implant-retained dentures will work best for you, and to move forward with having your missing teeth replaced, contact your local dentist to request a visit.

About the Author

Dr. Dan Rairigh is a graduate of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. In his postgraduate capacity, he has received extensive training from the prestigious Midwest Implant Institute. Dr. Rairigh uses his vast knowledge and years of experience to replace his patients’ missing teeth with traditional or implant-retained dentures at Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh. He can be reached for more information through his website.