If you’ve recently received implant-supported dentures in Calgary or are ready to obtain both, you might wonder how you can eat your regular foods or even converse normally with denture wearers without them feeling loose. Your implant-supported dentures should feel much more secure and natural than traditional dentures. But like anything new, it does require a little learning to get the hang of it first. So what can you expect?
Can I Eat Normally With Implant-Supported Dentures?
Yes, but it may take time and patience! Implant-supported dentures are stabilized using implants inserted in your jawbone, giving implant-supported dentures more stability than traditional dentures. As a result, your implant-supported dentures should not be able to slip around, making for a more comfortable and enjoyable eating experience.
Here is your overview of how one might expect their eating experience to go:
- First few days: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs (as your gums may still be healing up, try not to put pressure on your implants).
- After Healing: Start incorporating foods like pasta, soft-cooked vegetables, and other ground meats.
- Long-term: If you heal fully, you will generally be able to eat most of the foods you enjoyed before, like apples, corn on the cob, hot dogs, and steak!
Here are some tips on making eating easier:
- Cut into small bites.
- Chew slowly to eat evenly on both sides.
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods during this early stage.
- Take small bites to lessen the pressure on your dentures.
- Stay hydrated! Dry mouth can make chewing more challenging.
Use appropriate utensils (such as forks and knives) to help manage the portions and make eating slightly less difficult and effortful.
How Long Before You Can Talk with Dentures?
Learning to talk properly with your new implant dentures might feel strangely daunting at first, but don’t worry, this is completely normal. Your mouth simply needs to adjust to the new shape and feel of your dentures. Most patients can talk clearly in a few weeks. Here are some ways you can help the adjustment process:
- Read aloud to help your tongue and dentures work together naturally.
- Practice saying words that are difficult to say, such as “fifty,” “sunshine,” or “statistics,” to build the muscle memory.
- When you start, speak slowly so you don’t slur your words or make clicking noises.
- Sing your favorite songs to help with your rhythm and tone.
- Record yourself talking and listen back to see how you are doing.
- Be patient and give yourself time to adjust—it gets easier with repeated use.
- With consistent use and some patience, you will be talking normally again in no time!
Tips to Help You Adjust Better
No matter if you are adjusting to eating or speaking, here are a variety of useful tips to help you feel more comfortable with your new implant dentures. If you have any further concerns or uncertainty, remember that any Calgary denturist can help you with any adjustments, guidance, and peace of mind—they can help ensure that you fit and function properly!
| Challenge | Tip to Overcome It |
| Eating tough foods | Start with softer meals and add texture slowly |
| Speech clarity | Practice daily with tongue twisters or reading |
| Denture movement | Check fit with your denturist if needed |
| Gum soreness | Rinse with warm saltwater or consult your clinic |
Discover Comfort and Confidence with North East Denture Clinic
At North East Denture Clinic, it is our mission to give you the confidence to enjoy every bite of food and have your voice heard. Whether you have found dentures to be new to you or need to adjust whatever you are wearing, we are ready and willing to help you! Once you begin your initial consultation, including your follow-up appointments, we take care of everything so that you can expect the experience you have with implant dentures to be easy, helpful, and positive.
Are you ready to eat, talk, and smile with confidence again? Call and book your consultation today to start your journey toward empowerment and a smile at North East Denture Clinic!