Living with Dentures in Ottawa: What To Expect
Living with dentures is a significant adjustment, but one that will become easier with time.
Though change is inevitable, we’re wired to feel anxious and scared about the unknown. Many people baulk at the thought of getting dentures in the near future, as they don’t know what to expect.
Whether you’ve suffered from tooth loss due to tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth trauma, dentures are the best replacement solution out there.
Dentures are prosthetic devices that are custom-fitted to your mouth to replace any missing teeth. No matter if you’ve lost a couple of teeth or all of them, there’s a denture style suitable for you.
Gaining an understanding of how dentures work and what the procedure behind getting them is will help curb some of your fears and worries so that you can begin your journey of getting a new, beautiful smile.
A Glimpse Into Your First Appointments
Although it’s not the most exciting part of getting dentures, an initial consultation is an essential part of the process.
At your first appointment, your denturist will spend some time getting to know you, talk about your dental and medical history, and begin explaining the different types of tooth replacement solutions available.
A decision on the type of denture most suitable for you will mainly depend on your preferences and oral health. Some types of prosthetics, such as Implant dentures, require a certain amount of jawbone material to support the appliance. This means not everyone will be eligible to receive them.
A digital impression of your mouth and teeth will also be taken during the first appointment, using an intra-oral scanner. These scans will then be used when designing your denture.
A series of appointments will follow during which your bites will be recorded, and you’ll be fitted with a denture to see how well it’s adjusted in your mouth. If any modifications need to be made, the denture will be sent back to the lab once more for some fine-tuning before the final delivery.
Getting Accustomed to Your Denture
A common misconception for first-time denture wearers is that the prosthetic will feel comfortable from day one.
It’s completely normal for patients to feel slight discomfort in the initial weeks after receiving their prosthetic – as their gums will be rubbing against the acrylic base. While some people get accustomed to their dentures quicker than others, each person will have their unique transition.
After a few weeks, any discomfort should subside. If it persists, you should consult your denturist to see if they can make any adjustments.
It’s recommended to stick to eating soft foods during the first couple of weeks, as hard and chewy snacks will make chewing harder and more painful. When transitioning to solid foods, be sure to cut them into small pieces to make chewing easier.
Tips for Living With Dentures
Whether it’s your first set of dentures, or you’re an experienced denture wearer, living with dentures is an adjustment. Following these tips, you can get used to your new dentures and make living with your dentures easier:
- Brush Your Dentures Twice a Day
- Soak Dentures Overnight & When Not in Use
- Schedule Regular Denture Check-Ups With Your Denturist
- Practice Speaking With Your Dentures
- Avoid Hard & Sticky Foods When Possible
Denture Care & Maintenance
If you’re thinking about getting dentures, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Just like with your natural teeth, denture care and maintenance is a commitment and requires healthy habits to keep your mouth and dentures in excellent condition. Once you’ve overcome the initial learning curve and have incorporated a health and consistent denture care routine, your dentures will add to your quality of life by helping you speak and eat comfortably, and with confidence.
Denture maintenance involves knowing what should be part of your oral hygiene routine, and what you should avoid. Some general guidelines include: removing your dentures overnight to give your mouth a break, brushing your dentures just like you would with your natural teeth, making adjustments to your diets to avoid damaging foods and more. Contact our team of denture professionals to learn more about denture care, denture maintenance, and how you can make the most out of your dentures!
Restore Your Smile With Ottawa South Denture Clinic
Ready to regain your confidence in your smile?
Our experts at Ottawa South Denture Clinic work hard to ensure our clients are as comfortable as possible. We’re committed to providing a friendly and calming environment the moment they step through our doors.
We understand that the prospect of getting dentures can be a scary one. We’re more than happy to address any concerns you may have while also providing helpful tips and strategies.
Get in touch with us to learn more about living with dentures and book your complimentary consultation today.
