Each person's teeth are unique in size, shape, arrangement, and in the support they give the lips and cheeks. Teeth make a crucial contribution to the appearance of the face. The closer the dentist gets to copying your original teeth and their placement in your mouth, the more you will look like your original self.

You must have had severe periodontal (gum) disease to need all of your teeth removed at the same time. Usually, this disease causes teeth to move around. It also causes bone loss under the teeth. As a result, your appearance probably changed gradually over the years.

Your new dentures are made to make your mouth look the way it did before your periodontal disease. Your lips and mouth structures should be better supported. This usually makes a person look younger.

Did your dentist ask you for a photo of yourself from years ago? Sometimes this helps a dentist decide on the placement of the teeth. If only your top teeth were removed, then the selection of the denture teeth and their placement had to be guided by the size, shape and location of your lower teeth.

Do you like your new look? It may be closer to the way you looked years ago. If you are unhappy with it, your dentist can reset the teeth for you.

As for the pain and discomfort, these should ease soon. Can you function with your new denture? You may need some more time to get used to it, or you may need your denture adjusted or redone.

Talk with your dentist about your concerns.