Dentures are such a common tooth replacement option that there’s little room for misunderstandings, right? Wrong! More than a few rumors have been promoted to fact, even if they’re not even close to being true. If you’d like to know what some of the most popular denture myths are, keep reading. This post won’t disappoint!
“There’s Only One Type of Denture”
There are many reasons why someone might think dentures are a one-size-fits-all solution (Hollywood being one). In actuality, not only are dentures custom-fitted for each patient, but there’s also several different types.
Partial dentures can replace teeth that are missing in multiple places, while full dentures are better for those missing an entire arch. Implant dentures are yet another type that make use of dental implants to help keep the false teeth in place.
“Dentures Look Old and Unnatural”
A denture that doesn’t fit quite right might cause you to wear them at an odd angle. Properly adjusted dentures, however, look perfectly natural. Modern materials make the false teeth appear just as pearly and glossy as the real thing. What’s more is that a good set of dentures can help you seem younger! By filling out the structure of your smile, you’ll avoid hollow-looking cheeks.
“Dentures Don’t Require Special Care”
Without proper maintenance, your dentures will start to look dull, and might even compromise your oral health via unaddressed bacteria accumulation. Fortunately, cleaning them is easy enough. Simply pop them out twice a day to give them a thorough brushing inside and out. At night, you should also let them soak in a dentist-approved denture cleaning solution for sanitization – and to let your gums breathe easy while you sleep!
“You’ll Never Have to Go to The Dentist”
This false fact might stem from a rumor that is true: dentures don’t decay like natural teeth. The same can’t be said for your gums and other parts of your mouth! Regular checkups with your dentist are still important for preventing gum disease and other oral health issues. Plus, biannual appointments give your dentist a chance to see how well your dentures fit, which is important for your comfort.
There might be some misconceptions about dentures, but that doesn’t stop them from being a reliable option for tooth replacement. This oral appliance has been helping patients eat, talk, and enjoy life more easily for decades. If you need to fill in smile gaps, talk to your dentist about dentures. They’ll set the record straight on any other myths you might have heard!
About the Author
Dr. Ashley Civetti earned her Doctor of Dental Science degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston, where she graduated with honors. She loves that dentistry is an ever-evolving field and enjoys keeping up to date with the latest and greatest continuing education courses. Basically, she’s well-informed, and can help you separate denture fact from denture fiction! To contact Dr. Civetti’s office, call 561-798-4200.