Losing one or more teeth can be a traumatic experience for anyone. Besides affecting an individual’s confidence and self-esteem, it can cause functional issues, including difficulty speaking and eating. While modern dentistry offers several options to replace missing teeth, dentures in Knoxville, TN, remain a popular choice for many people.
It’s worth noting that it may take some time to adjust to wearing your dentures. For this reason, you’ll want to follow your dentist’s instructions and be patient as you get used to wearing your artificial teeth.
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What Are Dentures and Why Are They Popular?
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that mimic the look and function of natural teeth. The dentist can customize this tooth replacement solution to fit your needs, whether you’re missing some or all of your teeth. Moreover, many prefer dentures over other options because they’re a non-invasive and affordable way to restore their smiles and improve their quality of life.
What Should First-Time Denture Wearers Should Expect
Initial Consultation
Your dentist will examine your mouth and take measurements to determine the type and size of dentures that meet your specific needs. For instance, you may need partial or full dentures depending on the number of teeth you’re missing. During your appointment, your dentist will also explain the process and answer your questions.
Impressions
Once your dentist determines the type of dentures you need, they’ll take impressions of your gums to create a model of your mouth. They’ll use these impressions to create your brand-new dentures. It’s important to note that the denture-making process may take several weeks. During this time, you may need to schedule follow-up checkups to ensure your artificial teeth fit well and are comfortable to wear.
Fitting
Your dentist will fit your dentures into your mouth once they’re ready. They’ll also make the necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit.
Adjustments in Eating and Speaking
Since it takes some time to get used to wearing your new teeth, don’t be surprised if they feel a little awkward or uncomfortable while you’re eating or speaking. Furthermore, you’ll want to stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like scrambled eggs, soup, or mashed potatoes when you first start wearing dentures. You can gradually add harder and crunchier foods to your regular diet as you get comfortable.
Taking small bites of food and chewing slowly will help you get used to eating with dentures and adjusting their position if they slip or feel uncomfortable. You can learn to keep your dentures stable, prevent them from moving around too much, and distribute food evenly if you use both sides of your mouth when chewing.
Although speaking with dentures may feel unnatural at first, you can get used to it with practice. Start by talking to yourself in front of a mirror or reading aloud to help you see how your mouth moves when you speak. Since this method allows you to see how your mouth moves while talking, it helps you identify areas where you may need to adjust your speech.
Maintenance
Dentures require proper care and maintenance to keep them clean and in good condition. Your dentist will provide you with a list of instructions on how to clean your artificial teeth, how often you need to clean them, and what products you should use.
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Are You Considering Dentures in Knoxville, TN?
Dr. Brian Rich, DMD, strives to provide the highest quality of dental care to help each patient achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us today to make an appointment!
