Dentures are one of the most widespread tooth replacement options for people with missing teeth. If you’ve lost all or most of your teeth to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, then dentures may be the right choice for you. Dentures can improve your quality of life, but they also come with challenges. With the right mindset and some advice from your dentist, you can overcome those challenges.

Common Challenges with Dentures

Dentures can have a tremendous positive impact on your life. However, there are some areas where they can differ significantly from living with natural teeth. Patients with dentures sometimes face difficulty eating and speaking naturally. This often improves with adjustment, but some issues may persist.

In some cases, patients can develop sore spots or experience discomfort from using dentures. There is also the risk of slippage or looseness. These can lead to self-consciousness about wearing dentures, which can impact how patients act in social situations.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

These challenges can make the transition to living with dentures difficult. However, there are steps you can take to address them, along with help from your dentist. Dentures can be excellent tooth replacement options when a careful approach is taken to dealing with these challenges.

Eating and Chewing

If you’re new to having dentures, consider sticking with softer foods as you adjust. Dentures sit on the gums, which means they don’t have the same solid foundation as natural teeth. This makes eating an adjustment, but options such as denture adhesives or implant-supported dentures can provide significant improvement.

Speech and Pronunciation

Practice makes perfect when it comes to talking clearly with dentures. You can see improved speech by speaking slowly and deliberately. Consider reading aloud to build up experience and confidence in your speech. You can also ask your dentist about specific speech exercises for patients with dentures.

Discomfort or Sore Spots

Well-fitting dentures should cause little to no discomfort. If your dentures cause discomfort or sore spots, you should see your dentist. Regular visits to adjust or reline dentures can ensure a proper fit. You might also be using too much dental adhesive, which affects the fit.

Denture Slippage or Looseness

The best solution to denture slippage is implant-supported dentures. Dental implants provide a solid foundation for replacement teeth and denture adhesives can also be highly effective. Ask your dentist for help finding the right adhesive for your needs.

Emotional Adjustment and Self-Confidence

Transitioning to dentures can be a difficult time. However, you can seek out support from friends, family, or the many support groups for denture wearers. Countless people rely on dentures, so you’re far from alone. Focus on the improvements in appearance and function your smile has undergone with dentures.

Taking Care of Your Dentures

One of the best things you can do to prevent issues with your dentures is to carefully follow the maintenance instructions you received from your dentist. This will help improve comfort and longevity by maintaining a better fit for as long as possible.

You can improve how you take care of your dentures by rinsing them off after every meal. Simply rinsing them with lukewarm water and going over them lightly with a soft-bristled brush can make a difference. For more thorough cleaning, make sure that you’re using proper denture cleaning solutions, not generic soap.

Soaking your dentures overnight in a denture-soaking solution can also help keep them clean. Overnight is the easiest time to soak your dentures. Make sure to rinse the dentures before putting them back in to remove any excess solution.

Keeping up with routine dental visits is also key to maintaining your dentures. Your dentist will be able to identify any potential issues and provide you with effective instructions and advice for living with dentures.

Making the Most of Everyday Activities

You shouldn’t let concerns about dentures stop you from enjoying everyday activities. Even if you aren’t 100% confident in your new smile, hiding away will only make things worse. Instead, go ahead and join your friends and family in social events.

You should also make sure to maintain a healthy and varied diet, even with dentures. While it might seem challenging at first to do so, it’s important to preserve your overall well-being. If certain foods are still too tough, look for alternative options that deliver the same vitamins and minerals.

Tooth Replacement Options and Dental Implants in Wasilla

If you’re facing challenges with dentures, one of the best things you can do is talk to your dentist in Wasilla, AK. There may be other tooth replacement options, such as dental implants, that could be right for you. Valley Dental Clinic is your Wasilla dental center for all tooth replacement needs. Schedule an appointment today to find out more.