Traditional dentures are a tried-and-true tooth-replacement solution that’s been in use for years. However, some downsides, like the inability to prevent bone loss and embarrassing slippage, left some room for improvement. That’s where implant dentures come in! This state-of-the-art approach to tooth loss comes with numerous benefits, including a shorter adjustment period. To learn more about the process of adjusting to implant dentures, read on.
How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Implant Dentures?
Naturally, the answer can vary depending on the patient’s dental history and needs. For example, if a patient suffered with severe tooth loss for several years, then it may take a bit more time to adjust compared to someone who only recently lost their teeth. Additionally, the approach to restoring your smile will impact the adjustment period. While implant-supported dentures can take 4-6 months to heal, the All-on-4® approach offers immediate implant-supported dentures. Don’t worry – your dentist will review all of these factors and more during your initial consultation.
When Can I Eat Normally with Implant Dentures?
Whether you choose All-on-4® or standard implant dentures, it’s natural to experience a slight learning curve when it comes to eating. Especially if you’ve become accustomed to chewing with gaps in your smile! For this reason, it’s helpful to start with soft foods, like oatmeal, bananas, and applesauce. As you build your proficiency and your new teeth begin to feel more natural, you can start working your way back up to your normal diet again. While this process will likely be relatively quick, continue to do your best to avoid extremely hard foods. Remember, like your natural teeth, your restoration can sustain chips, cracks, and fractures. So, be careful and chew mindfully!
Will the Change to Implant Dentures Affect My Speech?
The good news is that implant dentures are custom-made just for you. As a result, your restoration won’t just look natural, it will feel extremely natural as well. Plus, their unmatched stability will prevent unwanted slippage when you talk, ensuring your speaking patterns don’t get muddled in the process. With that said, adjusting to their presence in your mouth may take a few weeks. To speed up the process, practice, practice, practice! You can read your favorite book out loud or talk to a close friend. When you come across a word you’re having difficulty with, repeat it until it sounds natural.
Implant dentures come with numerous benefits, from their longevity to their durability. As a result, the adjustment period will be well worth it!
About the Practice
At JB Dental, we are proud to offer several tooth-replacement solutions, including All-on-4® and standard implant dentures! As a result, we can help nearby patients with all kinds of dental needs, including those missing all their teeth. Every step of the way, our team will go above and beyond to make the experience of restoring your smile and bite as enjoyable as possible. If you want to learn more about implant dentures and the adjustment process, don’t hesitate to get in touch via our website or by phone at (720) 458-6561.