How Long Does It Take to Adjust to New Implant Dentures?

Tooth loss is a common issue that affects approximately 178 million Americans. In fact, 40 million people in the United States are missing all of their natural teeth! Fortunately, losing a tooth doesn’t mean that you need to go the rest of your life with gaps in your smile, and you don’t need to settle for traditional dentures. Implant dentures provide all sorts of benefits and can be lifechanging for people who are missing most of or all of their teeth. However, it will take some time to become accustomed to how they feel. Continue reading to learn more about the adjustment period.

How Long Is the Adjustment Period for Implant Dentures?

The amount of time that it takes to adjust to implant dentures is different for each person. Some people adjust quickly while others take longer to become accustomed. People who have suffered from tooth loss for a prolonged period of time without dentures can often expect a longer period of adjustment, but this depends on each individual patient. Ultimately it can take multiple weeks to completely adjust to your new smile.

5 Tips for Adjusting to Implant Dentures

It will take time to get used to your new implant dentures, but here are some tips that can make the process go more smoothly:

• Practice Speaking: Many patients feel insecure when it comes to speaking with their new smile. The more you practice talking with your new dentures, the better you will become. Try reading out loud and spending extra time saying words that are more difficult for you to pronounce. Practice makes perfect!
• Stick to Softer Foods: There may be some soreness involved when you first get your dentures. Start out with a softer diet. Slowly introduce foods that are more difficult to eat. You’ll be enjoying your favorite foods again in no time!
• Stay Hydrated: Water helps to wash away bacteria and food particles by increasing your saliva production. Ultimately, it decreases your risk of oral health issues in the future.
• Limit Sugar Consumption: Excessive sugar consumption can damage the gums and increase your risk of early implant failure.
• Excellent Oral Hygiene: Keep up with consistent brushing and flossing. Even if you don’t have any existing natural teeth remaining, you are still at risk for periodontal disease.

While there is an adjustment period, with a little bit of time and effort, you will be showing off your new smile with pride in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Reza Jafari earned his dental doctorate from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine where he graduated with Honors. He is committed to continuing education and completes 50 or more credit hours each year to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. To learn more about dental implant dentures or to schedule an appointment at his office in Queen Creek, visit his website or call (480) 722-1200.