Dentures & Relationships
Relationships and dating with dentures is something that many of us think about but very few people talk about. However, you can be reassured that there are thousands of people who share your concerns.
Relationships often require a lot of the following: talking, smiling, laughing, eating, drinking, kissing, and intimacy. It’s not surprising at all that people are worried about their social life with dentures.
The good news is that you’ll likely feel much more comfortable in social interactions with your new dentures — many patients report a higher level of self-confidence due to a brighter smile.
Let’s take a look at a few ways to adjust to social interactions and romance with dentures more easily.
1. Get the Right Type of Denture
There are a few different types of dentures including partial, complete, and denture implants. Depending on the condition or your remaining teeth, you might have a few options available to you.
Partial dentures are generally reserved for people missing only a few teeth, where complete dentures and dental implants are better options for people missing most or all of their teeth.
Dental implants are more secure which can significantly reduce the chances of your dentures slipping or falling out — which is a common concern for people worried about their social lives.
If you’re seriously considering dentures, speak with a professional who can make sure you’re getting the right product for your needs.
2. Wear Your Dentures Regularly & Proper Maintenance
Wearing your new dentures every day will help your mouth heal faster and allows you to practice eating, speaking, and smiling. Practice is key so you’re ready for your friend’s big BBQ next weekend or that romantic dinner date you’ve been looking forward to.
Proper maintenance is another huge factor in success with dentures. Cleaning them every day will help keep your new teeth looking bright and white and will minimize the risk of bad breath.
Regular check-ups with your dentist and denturist can ensure that your dentures are fitting properly and minimize the risk of them slipping at the wrong time.
3. New Social Situations
After some time you may feel confident about wearing dentures around people you know — but this may not always be the case with strangers. Nerves and new situations can cause slip-ups.
You may want to use a zinc-free denture adhesive for unfamiliar social situations to help keep your dentures in place.
4. Speaking Openly & Honestly
Whether you’re with a long-term partner or entering a new relationship, communication about your denture anxieties is key. Being open and honest about your concerns can sometimes be surprising — many times your partner won’t even notice the things that are causing you anxiety.
Communicating with your partner can offer you the reassurance and support that you need when you feel most vulnerable.
5. Dentures & Intimacy
Sex and intimacy are some of the biggest questions on people’s minds when it comes to dentures. Just like many other aspects of intimacy — there’s no right answer that works for everyone.
As we mentioned above, the key is communication. If you have dental implants or are using a dental adhesive, your dentures should remain in place for the most part. However, it’s completely up to you and your partner about leaving them in versus taking them out.
Additionally, there’s no greater risk of injury or pain with dentures than there is with natural teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
Your social and romantic lives don’t need to take a backseat once you’ve gotten dentures. Speak with one of our denture professionals so we can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Contact The Denture & Implant Centre today!
