If you're scheduled to have your permanent teeth extracted, and you're going to be fitted for upper and lower dentures, you'll need to be prepared for the experience. Dentures can take some time to get used to. Not only that, but you might not be prepared for the changes that will take place once you have your dentures. Here are some tips that will help you adjust to your new dentures.

1. Be Prepared for Pain and Discomfort

If you're going to be fitted for dentures, the first thing you need to know is that there will be some pain and discomfort during those first few days, especially if you're going to be fitted for your dentures as soon as your teeth are extracted. Your dentist will probably prescribe a mild pain reliever that you should take while your mouth heals. You may also develop a few sores in your mouth, usually under the edges of the dentures.

These sores are caused by your new dentures rubbing on the delicate tissue inside your mouth. To avoid the sores, try to limit yourself to soft foods for the first few days. You should also rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day while your mouth is healing. If the sores get too painful, contact your dentist.

2. Don't Skip Your Follow-Up Appointment

Once you've been fitted for your dentures, your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment. Don't skip that appointment. During that appointment, your dentist will check to make sure that the dentures fit you properly. If they don't, this appointment will give your dentist the opportunity to make any adjustments that might be necessary. If you've developed mouth sores under the dentures, your dentist will be able to make sure that they're not becoming infected.

3. Read Out Loud to Learn How to Speak

If you're going to be receiving upper and lower dentures, you may find it difficult to speak properly. This is caused by the fact that your tongue isn't sure what to do with the foreign object that it has to work around. You can speed up the process by reading out loud to yourself. Find a quiet room and practice reading out loud several times a day. You'll find that the more you read out loud, the easier it will be to speak clearly.

4. Know That Your Dentures Will Need to be Adjusted

Your new dentures will be formed to fit the shape of your gums as they are right now. However, once your teeth are removed, your gums and your jaw bone will begin to change shape. They'll shrink and thin out. Once they do, your dentures will no longer fit properly. To accommodate those changes, you'll need to have your dentist make adjustments to your dentures from time to time. If you feel your dentures getting loose, or you notice that they're slipping when you chew or speak, schedule an appointment to have your dentures adjusted.