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They say that eyes are the window to one’s soul, but what about a smile? The health and appearance of your teeth and gums plays an important role in the way others perceive you. It’s hard to deny that an attractive smile simply makes you feel good, and that losing one or more permanent teeth has a negative effect on your self-esteem and confidence. At Mansfield Dental Associates, we love seeing our patients smile when they first receive their new dentures in Mansfield, TX. We’ve compiled some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions about adjusting to life with dentures.

Will dentures interfere with my ability to eat?

Not for long, according to your dentists, although you may have some discomfort within the first few weeks, if not less. Begin by eating small pieces and bites of soft foods, avoiding tough meats, crisp fruits or vegetables, crunchy snacks, or gooey candies. Do not eat very hot foods at first. Chew your food slowly, taking care not to favor one side of your mouth over the other. You can gradually introduce harder foods into your diet once you are comfortable wearing your dentures. Dr. Jones warns that you should never use toothpicks to remove food from your dentures.

Should I wear my dentures 24 hours a day?

Not necessarily, says Dr. Jones. In the first few days and weeks of wearing your denture, you may need to do so 24 hours a day, even while sleeping. Doing so allows you and your dentist to determine whether you require any adjustments to the prosthetic. This may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it is necessary nonetheless. Once your dentists are satisfied that your partial or complete denture fits properly, you will not need to wear it while you sleep. Before you go to bed, you will remove your dentures for cleaning, then store them.

Will wearing dentures make speaking difficult?

As you adjust to your dentures, you may find that some words prove more difficult to pronounce correctly. Dr. Harris recommends practice speaking words that are difficult to pronounce, noting that you will soon have no problems articulating. Some patients raise concerns about the telltale “clicking” sound made by dentures during speech. This noise may indicate improper fit and the need for an adjustment. Dr. Harris encourages you to call if you hear clicking.

Do I need adhesives to hold my dentures in place?

Properly fitted dentures are not likely to slip or loosen in your mouth, but many patients feel more secure using an adhesive. Using these products adds stability and improves bite force. Your Mansfield, TX dentists also recommend using adhesives if you have xerostomia, or dry mouth. Without saliva, dentures may not grip as firmly to the gums. If you speak in public often or play a musical instrument with your mouth, adhesives will help counter the added stress on facial muscles to hold dentures in place.

Need more info about dentures in Mansfield, TX? To learn more about dental prosthetics, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Blair Jones or Dr. Seth Harris, contact our dental office at (817) 259-1357. We welcome patients living in and around south Arlington, Kennedale, Mansfield, Waxahachie, and southeast Fort Worth.