Just got dentures a couple weeks ago, and honestly, I'm struggling a bit. I feel super aware of them when I'm talking or eating, and I'm kinda worried people notice. Does this feeling ever go away? If you've been through this, how long did it take before you felt normal again? Any little tricks or tips to help me get past this awkward stage would be awesome...
I haven't gotten dentures myself yet, but I'm actually lurking here because my dentist mentioned I might need them soon-ish. Honestly, your post kinda sums up exactly what I'm worried about. I've heard from a friend who got dentures last year that it took her about a month or two before she stopped noticing them constantly. She said chewing gum (sugar-free obviously, lol) helped her get used to the feeling of having something in her mouth without being hyper-aware of it.
Also, she mentioned practicing talking out loud at home—like reading books or just chatting to herself while cooking—to get comfortable with pronunciation and stuff. Sounds silly, but apparently it worked for her. Maybe give that a shot?
Anyway, I'm curious too if anyone else has other tips or experiences. Following this thread closely since I might be joining the club soon...
Chewing gum might've helped your friend, but honestly, it didn't do much for me. I found gum kinda tricky at first—kept worrying it'd stick or pull the dentures loose. Instead, I started with softer foods like scrambled eggs or pasta to ease into chewing naturally. The talking out loud thing though... totally agree there. Felt silly at first, but reading aloud really helped me get past that awkward "mouth full of marbles" feeling. Everyone's different, so don't stress if one tip doesn't click right away.
Yeah, gum was tricky for me too at first—kept feeling like it'd tug something loose. Pasta and eggs were my go-to as well. And you're right about reading aloud...felt goofy, but it really did help me adjust quicker. Hang in there, it gets easier.
Totally normal to feel self-conscious at first. I've seen a lot of folks go through this exact stage, and it usually passes quicker than you'd expect. Reading aloud is actually a great tip—sounds silly, but it really helps your mouth muscles adapt and builds confidence when you're speaking around others. Also, if you haven't tried yet, practicing in front of a mirror can help you get used to how they look and move when you talk.
Food-wise, softer stuff like pasta and eggs are perfect starters, as others mentioned. But don't be afraid to gradually introduce slightly firmer foods—small steps help your gums get used to the dentures faster. One thing I always suggest is cutting food into smaller bites at first; makes chewing easier and less stressful.
Most importantly, remember that people rarely notice dentures as much as we think they do. You're probably way more aware of them than anyone else is. Give yourself some time—before long you'll catch yourself forgetting they're even there.
