So you've decided to get dentures to improve your appearance. It takes patience to adjust to dentures, but it is worth it to get both your confidence and smile back. Here is a brief guide of what to expect during the initial 30 days after receiving your new dentures:

The First Day (Day 1)

Your gums are going to be sore, so you want to make sure that you focus on eating soft foods. Soft foods include things like puddings, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and ice cream. This will help to ensure that you aren't pushing anything rough against your gums or your new teeth, which will help with the adjustment period.

The First Two Weeks (Day 2 through 14)

While your mouth is adjusting to your dentures, you will notice an increase in the amount of saliva that is being produced. You may also experience more sores inside the mouth than usual. This is normal and is being caused by the dentures because you're not used to them. Swish some warm salt water around the inside of your mouth to help with the soreness. Now, if this doesn't help, then your dentist can perform an adjustment. Also, keep in mind that it will likely take longer than a couple weeks to adjust to your dentures and properly heal if you had to undergo teeth extractions and/or if you are wearing full-plate dentures.

The Final Two Weeks (Day 15 through 29)

During this time period, you will notice that you have improved quite a bit. You are beginning to talk easier and eat some of your favorite foods again. The sore spots aren't nearly as bad and the amount of saliva that you were producing a week or two ago has definitely decreased. Now is the time for you to begin applying a denture adhesive. This helps to improve the overall feel and fit of your new dentures. It can also give you a big boost of confidence when talking and eating since they'll fit so much better and tighter -- in other words, you won't feel like they're about to fall out when you speak a word or take a bite!

The Last Day (Day 30)

Once you have been wearing your dentures for about a month, you will likely be able to start to enjoy most -- if not all -- of your favorite foods and activities again and in a confident manner. Just remember to keep all of your dentist appointments so that your dentures can be checked and replaced when needed. 

If at any time during the first 30 days -- or even after this initial time -- you feel any amount of discomfort, make sure to visit your dentist so that he or she can check the overall fit of your dentures. An adjustment can be made at any time if it is necessary. Contact a company like Pinon Hills Dental to learn more.