Setting Expectations And Staying Positive With New Dentures
Being told all of your teeth have to come out can be one of the most frightening things a person can experience in their life! The accompanying feelings, such as regret, anxiety, and sorrow, initially start to come over you. It's a big change, and change can be scary!
We understand that while dentures are a better alternative to unhealthy teeth, they are still not the same as your natural teeth. It can be tough getting used to the feel of having a foreign object in your mouth and one of the biggest challenges that a person will face when they get new dentures is adjusting to the way they look and feel.
We hope that this blog will help you become more informed on what to expect in this journey. After all, it is a necessary step towards improving one's oral health and quality of life!
MANAGING REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS AND ADJUSTING TO LIFE WITH DENTURES
One of the biggest things for denture wearers to remember is that adjusting to new dentures takes time and a lot of patience. This is a normal part of the process, and it's okay to take that extra time.
There are going to be bumps in the road that you will have to get through, no doubt. So be realistic and expect setbacks.
This journey can be much to process and can be filled with emotions both good and bad. Don't be too hard on yourself if you can't get the hang of things in the first couple of weeks. When it comes to the adjustment period, keep in mind that it can take several weeks or even months to fully adjust to new dentures. It is normal to experience discomfort, difficulty eating and/or speaking during this time.
Sadly, it's very prevalent for people to get dentures without being properly prepared by their dentists. Getting a good fitting denture is a really important part of this process and this is why working with your dental professional closely, maintaining a good working relationship with great communication, and having realistic expectations really helps to make the adjustment period as smooth and successful as possible.
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CREATING THE RIGHT MINDSET FOR YOUR JOURNEY WITH DENTURE
Along with managing expectations, it is critical to view your journey optimistically and maintain a positive attitude during the process. Remember it is a journey and not a race.
When you notice all of your efforts to re-learning how to eat, speak, and swallow are paying off, celebrate those small victories in your denture journey. Celebrate every milestone you hit! At times we forget to celebrate ourselves, but it's important to be proud of how far you have come!
It can be easier said than done, but one of the biggest things you can do to helping a new denture wearer stay positive is to focus on the future.
Since it's a prosthetic, you do have to relearn how to eating and speaking. When you have a setback, it will be frustrating. Wearing dentures is going to be challenging at first, but with time, things will get much easier. Keep telling yourself that there is an adjustment period with new dentures, and that it is only temporary. You will eventually get the hang of it and adjust to them.
Remember that every every baby step you take along the way is a big milestone. It's all part of the journey.
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FINDING SUPPORT AS A NEW DENTURE WEARER
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