Hi Lisa Rose,

I don't think anyone can fully prepare themselves for what it's like to have all of their teeth removed and wear dentures. It's one of those things in life where we try to see the positive and have no clue about the negative. Sort of like having children...... ... we have to persevere through the tough times and try to keep seeing the positive.

Wearing dentures usually does not come easy for anyone. Some people adapt a lot quicker than you would expect, but for others it takes longer. Every ones situation is different and unique to them.

It is important that you have your dentures adjusted by your dentist as needed. This might mean that you have to see him once a week for a long time. Your dentures need to be fitted to your anatomy and this can take some doing to get them right. Your mouth is going through a healing phase and will continue to change for several months. So you need to have those adjustments along the way. Many times the patient will need a new set of dentures after a year as the original ones may not be able to be adjusted any further without ruining the integrity of them. Did your dentist explain that to you?

The personal trauma and anxiety over wearing them will diminish over time. I have found that the patients who are determined to stay focused on the positive do a lot better overall. I know it's not easy but reminding yourself of the positive affirmations is what will keep your thoughts positive.

The affirmations can be different for everyone but maybe some of these apply to you...

My smile is now healthy and pretty.
I am not hiding my smile anymore.
My natural teeth that were decayed and sick are no longer a health threat to me.
I will never have another toothache or have a tooth drilled into.
I will learn to eat better, more healthfully.
I will learn to enjoy my food more and I will eat slower which is better for my digestive system.

Staying healthy both physically and mentally are the keys to recovery. Search the internet for healthy wholesome foods that you can cook for easier chewing. Check out the recipes for vegetable and fruit smoothies which are nutritious and provide you with a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Take nutritional supplements to offer you the nutrients you are missing in your diet. This is a great time to consult with a nutritionist as they can take the guess work out of all of that.

I know this is a rough time for you... I have shared this journey with many hundreds of dental patients throughout my career. I can assure you that you will get through this and that you will be okay... but keep in mind that the way you walk this journey is up to you and the daily affirmations will help.

Thanks for posting and hope to hear more from you as you make your way through this. Take care.

Bryanna