Our dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, offers full and partial dentures so you can restore your smile after tooth loss. Dentures are great because they help hold any remaining teeth in place and allow you to continue eating your favorite foods. That being said, you’ll need some time to adjust to wearing this new oral appliance.
Here are our top tips to help you get used to wearing dentures in no time. If you have any further questions about
, please feel free to call our office.Practice Speaking Out Loud
You may mumble or lisp a little when you first start to wear dentures. But it’s important to not get discouraged. With time and practice, you’ll be able to speak as eloquently as you did before. In the meantime, we recommend reading out loud from a news article or your favorite book. It may also help to keep a running list of any words that give you difficulty so that you may practice them more.
Know How to Correct Slipping Dentures
In general, your dentures should stay in place for the most part. However, even well-fitting dentures may slip if you sneeze, cough, or make any other type of sudden movement. When this happens, remember to bite down gently and swallow to help shift your dentures back in place. This simple and discreet method will help you maintain your composure in public.
For added peace of mind, you may use a denture adhesive to help keep your appliance in place. However, if you find your full or partial dentures slipping more than usual, please schedule an appointment with our office. Depending on your situation, our East Grand Rapids dentist may be able to slightly adjust the fit of your dentures so they don’t slip as often.
Clean Your Dentures on a Routine Basis
If you don’t clean your dentures, bacteria will build up on the appliance and increase your risk of gum disease and bad breath. For this reason, we recommend that you always take the time to clean your denture appliance twice a day.
For the best results, make sure that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush with water and a mild soap or denture cleaning solution. We also suggest that you place a soft towel in the sink while you brush your dentures. This will protect your dentures from being damaged should you accidentally drop them.
Remove Your Dentures at Night
Your dentures depend on your gums and underlying bone structure for support. For this reason, it’s of vital importance that you allow time for your gums to rest while you sleep. This will help ensure that the gum tissue stays healthy in the long run. Tonight, give your gums a well-deserved break!
Don’t Let Your Dentures Dry Out
You should never allow your
to dry out. Otherwise, you risk having your dentures crack and warp. Our advice is to always submerge your dentures in a glass of water or denture cleaner when you’re not wearing them. That way, they remain in good working condition for years to come.Request an Appointment with Us
Dr. Richard Elias III is an experienced dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (616) 458-2048. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.