Preparation before getting dentures includes shopping for certain types of foods and products and reading about the expected lifestyle after dentures. Lifestyle after dentures brings about several changes, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a relatively smooth transition. Dentures are a popular, efficient way to replace missing teeth and to bring back a smile. Most denture treatment plans have certain provisions in case the dentures need adjustments, such as reshaping or relining.
Tips for preparation before getting dentures are available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. The biggest changes occur in the first few days after the procedure. It is critical to stock up on soft foods with the texture of mashed potatoes and ice cream.
Increased salivation is common with new dentures, as are sore spots. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water helps. Our office is here to help if any soreness or pain persists. After about a month, your food consumption and lifestyle should mostly return to how it was pre-dentures. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to make an appointment and learn how to prepare for your new dentures.
Preparing your home before getting dentures
Foods that are soft and easy to chew are key. Here are some suggestions for meals and snacks:
- Breakfast. Scrambled eggs, smoothies, grits, muffins, bagels cut into pieces.
- Lunch and dinner. Pulled pork, ground beef, tuna salad, chicken salad, pasta with meatballs, soft fish such as salmon, crab cakes, chili, soup.
- Snacks and side dishes. Mashed potatoes, fresh seedless blueberries, steamed or baked vegetables, olives.
- Dessert. Pudding, ice cream, frozen yogurt, cake, crepes, baked apples.
The best way to clean dentures is with a denture brush. Patients should brush their dentures several times a day, although not with the same toothpaste that the patient was using pre-dentures (or with toothpaste at all). Instead, patients should use special denture-compatible products. If they are unsure, our team can offer r recommendations. For example, regular household soap may be mild enough to clean dentures well. However, it is crucial to use the proper method.
Also, it is a wise investment to get a daily cleanser. As the American Dental Association notes, these cleansers come in the form of tablets, gels, pastes, creams, and solutions. Look for the ADA seal of acceptance on a cleanser. Dental adhesives are good to have as well, especially if you enjoy foods such as corn on the cob that require more biting force. They come in the form of wafers, strips, creams, and powders.
“Patients should brush their dentures several times a day, although not with the same toothpaste that the patient was using pre-dentures (or with toothpaste at all).”
Lifestyle changes
New denture wearers will experience various lifestyle changes as they adjust to and maintain their appliances. People with new dentures will have to learn how to eat and speak again as the mouth muscles get used to the new feeling. It is normal to experience more saliva flow initially; however, this will fade over time as people get used to wearing dentures.
While speaking may also feel strange with dentures, practicing will help. Practicing will train the mouth muscles and build confidence in speaking with dentures. Other lifestyle changes include diet and oral hygiene routines to keep dentures clean and healthy.
“New denture wearers will experience various lifestyle changes as they adjust to and maintain their appliances.”
Maintaining a clean mouth
It is crucial that patients exercise adequate oral hygiene habits to maintain their new dentures and keep the oral cavity clean and healthy. Patients with removable dentures should be especially careful to clean out their mouth and the dentures after each meal. Removable dentures should be placed in a cleaning solution overnight and rinsed before re-wearing in the morning. Patients with fixed dentures should also brush, floss, and rinse after every meal.
We recommend patients purchase a cleaning solution prior to the denture procedure to ensure they have the necessary materials right away. Many types of mild solutions are sold over the counter, such as Efferdent® and Polident®. There is also a variety of cleaning kits available to clean the dentures throughout the day and overnight. Patients with allergies or sensitivities may also use a mild soap as a solution. However, it is pertinent to discuss any allergies prior to the procedure to ensure that the solution is safe and effective.
“We recommend patients purchase a cleaning solution prior to the denture procedure to ensure they have the necessary materials right away.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: What to Expect When Getting Dentures in Poway, CA
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Set expectations
People should set expectations for before and after getting dentures. The best way for people to set realistic expectations and mitigate worries is by educating themselves on life with dentures. While wearing dentures can help people eat more comfortably, speak more clearly, and boost self-confidence, they also require lifestyle changes. Dentures can affect various aspects of daily life, such as diet, speaking, and smiling. Fortunately, most of these changes are positive.
Once people have gotten used to the feeling of dentures in their mouths, they can experience the beneficial impacts on their daily lifestyle. Although new dentures can have many positive impacts on people's lives, it's important to remember the positive effects will take time. The first few months will involve a lot of learning and practice, so do not get frustrated when dentures are not perfect immediately. It is important for patients to maintain communication with our team to help ensure their dentures look and feel great.
“People should set expectations for before and after getting dentures.”
Questions answered on this page
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your preferences, but many people opt to soak their dentures in a solution. It reduces bacteria, which addresses or prevents odor issues. Other types of cleansers require brushing, which takes more time and attention than a solution.
As WebMD explains, traditional toothpaste is too abrasive for dentures. WebMD adds that products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance are a great and safe choice. We can go over possible cleaning solutions to use during an appointment.
Patients' mouths may feel tired because dentures can seem quite heavy and hard at first. The more they wear them, the quicker their mouths will adjust. If they need to start by wearing them for a few hours daily and work their way up, they can do so. If serious issues with pain or soreness persist, you may need an adjustment.
If the patient lives in a household with others, it helps if they already eat the same things that the patient does. If possible, the patient, and those whom they live with, can go shopping together for food and dental products such as dental brushes, cleansers, and adhesives.
Patients may feel like their speech is hard to understand. Chances are, it is not. This effect is exaggerated because dentures affect the vibrations and sound volume traveling to one's ears. Adhesives can keep dentures from "kicking out" while talking. It is encouraged for patients to practice reading out loud so they can get used to speaking with their dentures.
Possibly, but only to start. Dentists may advise 24/7 wearing as the quickest route to assess whether the dentures need adjustments. After that, dentures should be removed when going to sleep, as it enables the patient's gums to rest.
One option is to rest the gums by taking dentures out. Alternatively, try drinking more water. A third approach is to suck on sugar-free lozenges.
Denture terminology
Call us today
Taking the right preparations before receiving dentures can aid the adjustment process to dentures. Our team at Oak Tree Dental can help. Call us today at 858-748-2101 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.