It’s never particularly thrilling to face the prospect of wearing false teeth. On the plus side, research suggests that more adults than ever before are holding on to their teeth for life. Or at least, most of their teeth. Which for the most part is attributed to two things – the first of which being advances in dental hygiene.
These days, the kinds of professional electric toothbrushes and similar devices that were once exclusive to dentists’ surgeries are now comprehensively available to the public. Likewise, general products like toothpastes and mouthwashes have never been more advanced – neither have the procedures and treatments being carried out by dentists.
In turn therefore, the likelihood of any given individual needing false teeth during their life has reduced significantly over the years. Nevertheless, it is still inevitable that millions will need to wear dentures at some point. That is, if they want to hold onto their healthy-looking smile for as long as possible.
Incredible Advances
Still focusing on the positives of it all, there have also been extraordinary advances in the technology behind false teeth in general. These days, choosing to go for dentures as opposed to alternatives like implants doesn’t necessarily have to mean compromising on quality or appearance. If it’s been some time since you’ve seen dentures in the flesh, you’ll probably be surprised just how far things have come over recent years.
Through a quality dentist, it is perfectly possible to obtain dentures these days that are practically indistinguishable from real teeth. What’s more, they also fit and perform exponentially better than they ever did.
Still, there’s no getting away from the fact that there will always be something of a period of adjustment, while those new to dentures get used to their new additions. So with this in mind, what follows is a brief overview of just a few tips from the experts on how you can get acquainted with your new false teeth as quickly and comfortably as possible:
- First and foremost, it’s important to avoid the temptation to rush things. Instead, you need to accept the fact that there is going to be something of a transitional period which cannot be sidestepped. You are probably going to find certain things frustrating, maybe even a little upsetting along the way. Nevertheless, it is all part and parcel of the process and it is important to be patient. Over time, things will get so much more comfortable and easy than they are on day one.
- For obvious reasons, one of the biggest concerns shared by most of those who are new to dentures is how they are going to eat with them. Particularly when it comes to eating in front of other people, which may feel awkward for the time being at least. As far as the experts are concerned, there is really no better way of getting into the swing of things than to practice. The idea being to choose foods you can eat carefully and intelligently, take your time when you eat and learn how to work with your dentures as you go. No matter how alien it feels to you at first, it will soon become second nature.
- Make no mistake about it – dentures that do not fit flawlessly are not going to work for you. Even with all the adhesive products and practice in the world, loose or ill-fitting dentures are going to cause you nothing but problems. As such, if you believe that your false teeth simply do not fit your mouth properly or are excessively uncomfortable, you need to go back to your dentist as quickly as possible. There is every chance that a mistake may have been made in the manufacturing process, which all the practice in the world isn’t going to reverse.
- Keeping your false teeth as clean and fresh as possible is also important for your own personal comfort and confidence. Your dentist will most probably advise you on the very best electric toothbrush for dentures, so as to keep your dentures and the rest of your mouth as clean and hygienic as possible. Once again however, if you note that excessive amounts of food is finding its way under your dentures and getting stuck where it shouldn’t be, it could be that they do not fit your mouth properly.
- Though it may sound like a relatively silly and obvious tip, attempting to speak while you have food in your mouth while getting used to dentures can be a recipe for disaster. The reason being that it can be difficult enough to get used to eating with dentures in the first place, let alone talk at the same time. And that’s of course without bringing good manners into the equation!
- Your dentist will advise you as to exactly how long you should be wearing your false teeth for, along with the amount of time you should spend without them. It may seem logical to wear your false teeth for as long as possible at first, as a means by which to get used to them. Nevertheless, wearing them more than recommended by your dentist could result in the development of sore spots and irritation in your mouth. For the time being therefore, it is important that you follow the advice of your dentist to the letter.
- Last but not least, don’t be afraid to get back in touch with your dentist or book as many consultations as necessary, should you encounter any difficulties or discomfort along the way. Or for that matter, simply need a little advice and support. There’s no getting away from the fact that getting used to false teeth in the first place can be difficult for anyone. Some adjust more easily and quickly than others – every case being 100% unique. So rather than suffering in silence, bring your concerns and any problems you may have to the attention of the professionals as early as possible. After all, that’s what they’re there for!
