Whether you’re 30 or 80, having your dentist tell you that you need to consider dentures can be tough. While wearing dentures will take some adjustment, the vast majority of patients find that the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. In fact, after just a few weeks or months, most patients find that they are speaking, eating, and smiling normally, and would make the same decision again!

Most of us think of dentures as something that grandma or grandpa left soaking in a glass on the bathroom counter, but younger patients are increasingly making the choice to get dentures. In fact, a study by the Louisiana State University at Shreveport found that 69 percent of adults aged between 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. One cause of early tooth loss is gastrointestinal reflux, which causes stomach acid to seep out of the stomach and eat away at the tooth enamel.

Regardless of the cause, there is often embarrassment at the thought of having “false teeth”. After the teeth are pulled, the patient will experience an adjustment period while their mouth becomes accustomed to the new dentures. It’s important to adhere to the denture wear schedule prescribed by your dentist, as not wearing the dentures will only prolong the adjustment period. Once the patient has adjusted to their new teeth, they generally find that they are able to speak, eat, and smile even better than before!

New denture wearers of any age often find that speaking feels like they have a “mouth full”. This is very common, and is something that will improve with time and practice. Patients will need to give themselves time to relearn basic tasks like eating and drinking. It’s best to start with small bites of soft food, and you may find that the force of your bite isn’t as strong as it once was. If you, like many of us, use your teeth as a tool, you’ll want to discontinue that. The last thing you’d want is to damage your beautiful new teeth trying to snip a clothing tag or string!

One of the best pieces of advice that we can offer is to try to be less self-conscious of your new teeth. While you will probably feel incredibly conspicuous and like the whole world is looking at your mouth, the opposite is most likely true. People want to be greeted with a friendly smile, and are much less likely to notice a new set of dentures than they are a smile with missing or rotten teeth.

If you’ve been considering dentures, the pros at Dentures Par Excellence are ready to help guide you on your journey. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling 309-693-7200. Our Peoria Office (Proctor Professional Building) is located at 5401 North Knoxville Avenue, Suite 302 in Peoria, IL. Or visit us online for more info denturesparexcellence.com/.