I have a little flexible partial denture - mine is tiny and completely invisible. It hooks onto the neighbouring teeth with silicon-type clasps, and has no actual plate. Mine replaces a missing lower molar, and before getting it I had a gap for ages, so it felt really odd at first, but my speech was actually fine. I am used to wearing a night guard for bruxism which is much bulkier, so that possibly helped me adapt to it quickly. I read the cat stories for the first few nights, because I was paranoid about lisping, but no-one ever noticed!
I had to go back to the dentist twice to have it shaved down because it was causing ulcers, but once it was settled it was perfect. My situation was a bit different because no-one ever saw the gap, so it was easy to leave the denture out, but don’t be concerned if it needs adjusted. I think after the tooth comes out your gum will shrink a bit, so the fit might change.
I keep mine in one of those little plastic pots Boots sell for decanting cream etc into on flights. I also carry one in my bag in case I ever need to take it out at work. (I never have.)
Re eating, I find that chewed food can sit round its base. This is possibly just because of where it is, or possibly because I don’t feel my gum there because of the silicon “saddle”. I always check after eating, and sometimes give it a rinse. Things like nuts feel really weird against it, but it’s a back tooth, so you probably won’t have to worry about that.
I’m early 40s, btw - I had the tooth missing for about ten years after a failed root canal, and just got the denture (which I paid a lot of money for privately although I actually do have an NHS dentist) last year. Since getting it I have found out that one of my closest friend’s husband - who I have known for 20 years - has had his two front teeth on a plate all that time. I never would have guessed!
Sorry this post is so long. I think it’s something people just don’t talk about. FWIW, my teeth are my most complimented feature, so it happens to the best of us!