Are you a fan of a tender porterhouse paired with a Barolo? Or do you prefer a juicy Filet Mignon with a glass of Pinot Noir? Either of these cuts will melt in your mouth.
But what happens when you get your new set of dentures and your favorite cut is a sirloin or an eye of the round? Wondering if your fake chompers can cut through these tough cuts of meat?
How long till I can eat steak with dentures?
Those with new dentures will have to wait a month and a few days until they can eat steak. Even the buttery, soft cuts like ribeye are off the table, literally. Until the first 15 days, liquids and semi-solid foods like soups, porridge, mashed vegetables, and soft fruits are best.
Even after 15 days, the only meat permitted is chicken or fish which come apart easily and require less chewing. Ideally, during this period, anything you eat should be like well-cooked pasta- slightly al dente, but mostly spongy. If you cook poultry or fish this way, it works.
What type of dentures is best for eating steak?
Conventional dentures won’t allow you to chew through all that sinewy fiber. They are usually made of plastic and come loose very quickly. They aren’t held in place very firmly, because they work based on suction.
Ceramic teeth, however, are much sharper and more robust. They can tear through that meat like an animal! They are also fastened to your gums by dental implants. These are of two kinds: implant-supported and implant-retained dentures.
The former is better for steak lovers because they transfer the tension onto your jaws. This action reduces pressure on the denture, making eating less painful. These are also sturdy enough to be in sync with jaw motion, unlike plastic dentures.
The ceramic dentures will require more work and expense. But it is worth the effort if you wish to enjoy your steaks without worrying that they’ll get stuck on your meat.
Will my dentures work as well as normal teeth when eating steak?
Dentures, whether ceramic or plastic will never be able to mimic real teeth. That being said, they come pretty close. Once your gums heal from installing false teeth, taking certain precautions allows for maximum enjoyment.
If you are planning on regular consumption of steak, get implants without fail. With simple or traditional dentures, you run several risks. Apart from regular adjustments from possible slippage, they don’t have enough force or stability.
The excess pressure on jaws from plastic dentures causes eventual bone degradation and loss. Unlike the implant fixtures, the removable dentures also sheath a portion of the upper mouth. This results in loss of taste because the roof of the mouth also has taste buds.
Dental implants work better because they firmly attach dentures to the gums. They also act as substitute roots, thus protecting the bone beneath the gums. Permanent dentures are always a better idea for the long-term, especially for steak connoisseurs.
What should I be careful of while eating steak with dentures?
If you’ve successfully completed 30 days with your dentures, you are in the clear to eat steak. But that doesn’t mean it will be an easy ride. You still have to follow some basic rules.
Cooking denture-friendly steak
For one, you should marinate and tenderize your steak as much as possible to make chewing easier. A good marinade over a couple of hours or even overnight, breaks down the muscle fibers and protein, making your job easier.
Plus, choose the most tender meat cuts available and slice them against the grain. This method softens the tissues and fibers. Take care not to overcook the steak, as it makes the sinews leathery.
Cook and rest the meat so it isn’t too hot. The heat can soften the binding causing the dentures to come loose.
Making your dentures steak-friendly
So even after the initial 30-day period, you may have to apply a denture adhesive.
Regular application and practice should help you get back on track quickly. But if the adhesive still doesn’t hold the dentures in place, your dentist will need to make some adjustments.
It is always best to take it slow and steady, starting with the easiest steaks to bite into. This will save you a lot of pain and discomfort.
There you have it – our go-to 101 on tackling steaks with dentures! Ahoy to the nearest steakhouse!
I am Anand, and I am a business owner and consultant in my day job. I have spent years studying what’s inside the products we buy. ‘Feedrer’ is a wordplay on you-know-who and talks about all things food.