Getting Used To Living With Dentures

If you've recently gotten dentures, you're entering a new phase of life. Dentures can take some getting used to, but with the right diet and proper care, you can adjust to your new smile. In our guide, Dr. Terry Burgess at Madison Dental Care in Madison will walk you through what to eat, how to care for your dentures, and give you some handy tips for living comfortably with your new pearly whites. 

Call (256) 801-0776 today to schedule your consultation at Madison Dental Care.

Watch What You Eat

When you first get dentures, the foods you can eat will be limited. Your gums and mouth need time to heal before you can bite into harder foods. Stick to soft foods at first, and introduce more textures slowly over time. Here are some do's and don'ts for eating with new dentures:

Do:

• Eat soft, mushy foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, cream of wheat, smoothies, overcooked vegetables, and scrambled eggs
• Cut food into small pieces to make it easier to chew
• Stick to lukewarm or cool temperatures to avoid irritating your gums and palate

Don't:

• Eat tough, chewy, or hard foods like raw vegetables, steak, nuts, popcorn, sticky candy, or crusty bread.
• Consume extremely hot or cold foods that could damage your sensitive gums and palate.

As your mouth heals and adjusts to your dentures over the next several weeks, you'll gradually be able to reintroduce more foods. Just be sure to take it slowly. If you experience pain, soreness, or damage to your gums, pull back to softer foods for a while longer before trying again.

Caring for Your Dentures 

Getting used to having removable teeth will take daily practice. Following proper denture hygiene and regularly cleaning your mouth and dentures will keep them functioning at their best. Here are some top care tips:

• Brush dentures over a sink filled with water or a towel, taking care not to drop them. Use a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes that can cause scratches.
• Clean your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush in the morning and night to remove bacteria and stimulate gums.
• Soak dentures for at least eight hours each night in a denture-soaking solution to kill bacteria. Water can warp dentures over time.
• See your Madison dentist for an annual checkup. They can check for proper fit and usage wear and tear so your dentures continue functioning over the long haul.
• Handle your dentures carefully when inserting and removing them to avoid cracking or chipping. Dropped dentures can break and become unusable.

Tips for Living With Dentures

Learning to eat, smile, and speak normally again with dentures takes personal adjustment. Be patient with yourself as you get the hang of it. These tips can help improve your everyday experience:

• Speak slowly at first if you notice a slight whistle or lisp with new dentures. This will improve over time.
• Chew slowly and purposefully on both sides of your mouth to distribute pressure evenly as you adjust.
• Apply denture adhesive like Fixodent if dentures feel loose, especially with lower dentures. This helps create a tighter seal.
• Ask your dentist about implanted posts or bars if traditional adhesives aren't enough to keep lower dentures comfortably in place.
• Lubricate your dentures regularly with non-petroleum jelly to prevent chafing.
• Brush natural teeth near dentures thoroughly to avoid accelerated decay, inflammation, or other oral health issues.

Experience Life with Dentures

Adapting fully to dentures can take months and even years for some people. Set small dietary goals every few weeks and stick to proper cleaning daily to make gradual progress in mastering your new smile. With time, your speech and ability to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods will return to normal.

Ready to start life with a full smile? Schedule a consultation at our Madison office by calling (256) 801-0776. Dr. Terry Burgess at Madison Dental Care is here to help you transition into life with a rejuvenated smile!

Navigating the Speech Terrain

Effective communication is crucial in our daily lives, whether in professional or personal settings. Clear speech and proper pronunciation play a vital role in expressing ourselves and connecting with others. As such, it's essential to understand the potential impact of dental implants on speech and address any concerns or challenges that may arise.

At Madison Dental Care, located in Madison, under the care of Dr. Terry Burgess, we'll explore the relationship between dental implants and speech, providing insights into common speech challenges, strategies for improvement, and tips for choosing the right dental implant provider. Proper care and adjustments can minimize any effects on speech, ensuring a smooth transition to your new dental implants. 

Contact us at (256) 801-0776 to learn more about our dental implants.

How Dental Implants Can Impact Speech

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a sturdy foundation for dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. The placement of dental implants involves surgical procedures that can alter the anatomy of the mouth and affect speech in several ways:

Anatomical Changes

The exact location and positioning of the implant in the jawbone can influence the movement of the tongue, potentially affecting the articulation of certain sounds. Additionally, dental implants, especially in the upper jaw, can change the shape of the palate and the way the tongue rests against it, leading to potential speech difficulties.

Temporary Effects During Healing

After the implant surgery, patients may experience swelling and soreness in the mouth and jaw area, which can temporarily impact speech clarity and articulation. During the initial healing period, it may be challenging to produce certain sounds or articulate words clearly due to the location of the surgical sites or temporary changes in the mouth's anatomy.

Common Speech Challenges with Dental Implants

While the extent and duration of speech challenges can vary, some common issues that patients may experience with dental implants include:

• Lisping or Slurring of Certain Sounds: Dental implants may cause difficulties in producing sounds that require precise tongue positioning, such as "s," "z," or "sh," leading to a lisp or slurring effect.
• Difficulty with Consonant Clusters or Blends: Certain consonant combinations or blends, like "st," "cl," or "br," may be harder to pronounce clearly due to the altered tongue positioning or the presence of the implant.
• Potential Changes in Resonance or Tone: In some cases, dental implants may affect the resonance or tone of the voice, particularly if the implants are located in the upper jaw or palate area, which can influence how sound waves travel through the oral cavity.

Strategies for Improving Speech after Dental Implants

While speech challenges are common after receiving dental implants, some effective strategies and techniques can help improve articulation and pronunciation:

Working with a Speech Therapist

A speech therapist can provide personalized exercises and techniques designed to improve tongue positioning, airflow control, and articulation specific to the patient's needs and the location of their dental implants. Regular sessions with a speech therapist allow for monitoring progress, identifying persistent problem areas, and adjusting the therapy plan as needed.

Practicing at Home

Dedicating time to reading aloud and consciously focusing on proper articulation can help reinforce the techniques learned from the speech therapist and build muscle memory. You can also record yourself while reading or speaking, and then listening back can help identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.

Patience and Persistence During the Adjustment Period

It's important to be patient and persistent during the adjustment period, as it may take several weeks or months for the mouth and tongue muscles to adapt to the presence of dental implants.

Tips for Choosing the Right Dental Implant Provider

To ensure a smooth transition and minimize potential speech issues, it's crucial to choose a reputable and experienced dental implant provider, like Dr. Terry Burgess. Here are some tips to consider:

• Consider the Provider's Experience and Expertise: Look for a dental practice or specialist with extensive experience in dental implant procedures, as well as a proven track record of successful outcomes.
• Discuss Speech and Pronunciation Concerns Upfront: During the initial consultation, be sure to express any concerns or apprehensions you may have about potential speech impacts. A skilled provider can address these concerns and outline strategies for mitigating speech challenges.
• Seek Referrals and Read Patient Reviews: Ask friends, family members, or your general dentist for referrals to reputable dental implant providers. Additionally, read online reviews and testimonials from previous patients to gauge their experiences and satisfaction.

Discover the Power of Confident Speech: Request Your Dental Implant Consultation!

Ready to regain confidence in your smile and speech with dental implants? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Terry Burgess at Madison Dental Care in Madison today! 

Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care and guidance throughout your dental implant journey. Don't let speech concerns hold you back — take the first step towards a brighter, more confident future. Contact us at (256) 801-0776 to learn more and start your transformation!