What to Expect When Getting Dentures Los Angeles, CA
For many people, dentures can restore missing teeth and self-confidence. Many people find that maintaining and that a lifestyle after dentures is not difficult to manage. Preparation before getting dentures involves many things to consider, including proper cleaning, overnight storage, and what types of food to keep stocked in the pantry.
Dentures are available at Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS in Los Angeles, and the surrounding area. Our team can help you learn more about dentures and how to prepare for them. Call us today at (310) 402-0156 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Foods to Buy Before the Procedure
Wearing dentures for the first time can take some time to get used to. New denture wearers should be careful with their food choices for a few weeks to ensure that their mouths adjust well. Initially, we recommend sticking with liquids and soft foods such as soups, smoothies, puddings, applesauce, and other liquefied food.
When people are ready to move on to solid foods, they should still avoid hard foods that can dislodge dentures or damage them. WebMD recommends cutting foods into small portions and chewing on both sides of the mouth rather than the front teeth. Avoid smoking and drinking staining foods and drinks since dentures can become discolored like natural teeth.
“New denture wearers should be careful with their food choices for a few weeks to ensure that their mouths adjust well.”
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.”
Keeping Dentures Clean
Caring for removable dentures is a daily task that will help keep them looking, feeling, and functioning well. People should purchase a nonabrasive toothbrush before getting dentures. Along with always handling them with care, the Mayo Clinic recommends rinsing dentures after eating to remove any food particles and then cleaning one's mouth with a soft toothbrush or cloth before replacing them.
Denture-wearers should also soak their dentures overnight. Moisture helps dentures retain their shape, so it is essential to soak them overnight. People should purchase a mild solution to soak their dentures in if they choose not to use water. Before placing dentures in the mouth, people should rinse them thoroughly, especially after using a soaking solution. This step is necessary to remove any harmful chemicals used in the solution.
“Caring for removable dentures is a daily task that will help keep them looking, feeling, and functioning well.”
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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
Q. What foods should people buy to prepare for dentures?
Q. What lifestyle changes will people experience after getting dentures?
Q. How should people clean their dentures?
Q. What expectations should people have before and after getting dentures?
People Also Ask
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which type of cleanser is best for my dentures?
A. 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.
Q. Can I use toothpaste to care for my dentures?
A. 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.
Q. Will my mouth feel tired in my lifestyle after dentures?
A. 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.
Q. What tips should my family members know about my preparation before getting dentures?
A. 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.
Q. Will my speech be affected by wearing dentures?
A. 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.
Q. Should I prepare to wear dentures 24 hours a day?
A. 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.
Q. What should I do if I produce too much saliva with dentures?
A. 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 Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS can help. Call us today at 310-402-0156 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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