Denture Myths – Misconceptions About Dentures

Dentures are often the best false teeth option for individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. Dentures permit the wearer to speak, eat, and smile. Plus, for some, false teeth improve their self-image and confidence. However, there are some misconceptions about them. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common denture myths and debunk them.

Myths About Dentures

Denture Myth #1 – They Always Look Fake

There are different levels of quality in false teeth. At the lower end of the scale, dentures may not look quite as good as the ones found at the higher end of the scale. But that makes sense when you consider better quality equates to more expense. In other words, the cheaper the dentures, the more fake they appear.

Dentures require several steps to complete. This includes matching the false teeth shading and material to the color of your surrounding natural teeth (if there are any) and gums, and detailed measurements to ensure that the false teeth are the correct height and shape to fit properly in your mouth.

Denture Myth #2 – They Will Keep Moving Around In Your Mouth

One of the most important factors that contribute to the success of dentures is the fit. They are designed to fit perfectly in the mouth of the owner. With a snug fit, false teeth should not slip or slide around in the mouth. This kind of motion can make eating, speaking, and smiling difficult. Proper measurements are the key.

However, over time, dentures may not fit like they once did. The reason for this is a change in the shape of your mouth along the jaw or gum line. This happens naturally and is why false teeth must be relined or replaced every few years. They are not expected to fit perfectly forever but will stay in place when the fit is snug.

Denture Myth #3 – They Are Intended For Old People

Dentures are not age-specific. False teeth are used to replace missing natural teeth, and people of all ages can qualify for dentures. Missing teeth and the desire to improve their smile, increase their food choices, and be able to speak are the main reasons for dentures.

Partial dentures are a type of false teeth that replace a single tooth or a few teeth. These are common in young people and can be worn and barely detected by others. Individuals who engage in contact sports, or have experienced mouth or jaw trauma in some form, are all candidates for dentures and are not always seniors.

Denture Myth #4 – They Stain Quicker Than Natural Teeth

As it turns out, the very opposite of this is true. The false teeth that are made for denture plates are constructed of a composite material or resin that is completed with a sealant. The sealant acts as a protective shield over the tooth material that prevents food and liquids from staining or changing the look of the dentures.

Plus, with a regular maintenance program in place where false teeth are brushed daily with specially formulated denture toothpaste and soaked nightly in a cleaning solution, staining is virtually impossible. One more way to prevent staining is to not consume foods or beverages that may result in color changes to the dentures. You can read more about the foods to avoid with dentures here.

Denture Myth #5 – They Are Difficult To Eat With

Another of the common myths about dentures is that they make eating difficult. As already stated, false teeth require a snug, proper fit to be successful. When dentures fit right, eating is not a problem. This is all related to a well-designed, personalized fit just for your mouth. When dentures fit correctly, they do not slip or slide.

If there is anything to be cautious about related to eating with dentures, it is the types of foods consumed. Sticky foods and foods that require biting down hard may dislodge false teeth. The best way to avoid this from happening is to refrain from eating these types of foods. Otherwise, there should be no problem eating with dentures.

Denture Myth #6 – They Fall Out Easily

This is another of the myths about dentures that can easily be debunked because of how they are made to fit inside of the mouth. Denturists put a lot of emphasis on getting the dental plates formed so they sit on your gum line firmly. This is why dentures are not interchangeable from person to person.

The measurements taken to support the final design and the finished false teeth should fit snugly and feel comfortable after a period of adjustment. This ensures that they do not move around inside the mouth and risk falling out. Dentures that do this must be replaced as they no longer fit as they should.

In Conclusion

If you are thinking about false teeth options and have held off because of something you may have heard about them, the denture myths listed above should help put your mind at ease. When in doubt, be sure to check with your local dentist who can answer all your questions and debunk any myths about dentures that you may have heard.