Over 40 million people in the United States rely on dentures to help them eat, speak, and smile after extensive tooth loss. But even though dentures are a popular solution for missing teeth, there is still quite a bit of misinformation about them floating around. Since you need to know all the facts to make the best choices for your smile, it’s worth taking the time to learn the truth behind the following 4 denture myths.
Myth 1: Only Seniors Can Get Dentures
While dentures are commonly associated with the elderly, they can potentially prove beneficial for younger individuals as well. While tooth loss tends to be more common among those over the age of 65, it’s possible for it to occur significantly earlier in life as the result of an accident or an oral health issue. Thus, if you’re in your 20s or 30s but have already lost most or all of your teeth, dentures could be a great way to restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Myth 2: Dentures Look Very Fake
Some people are reluctant to get dentures because they’re worried that the final prosthesis will look fake, making it obvious that they’ve had their teeth replaced. The truth is that dentures are made out of highly lifelike materials and are carefully customized with each patient’s unique needs in mind. As a result, you can expect your dentures to look very natural while they’re in your mouth, which can go a long way toward helping you feel more confident about your appearance.
Myth 3: Dentures Tend to Fall Out Easily
When you first start wearing dentures, you may have concerns about them falling out of your mouth at embarrassing moments. Fortunately, this is less likely to happen than you might think. Your dentures will be designed to fit snugly on your gums, and they’ll stay in place thanks to natural suction. You therefore generally shouldn’t have to worry about your prosthesis falling out unexpectedly.
Myth 4: Dentures Don’t Require Any Care
Dentures may not be your real teeth, but that doesn’t mean you don’t still need to take proper care of them. If bacteria are allowed to accumulate on your prosthesis, they could ultimately increase your risk for gum disease. As such, you should get in the habit of brushing your dentures at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a nonabrasive cleaning agent such as mild dish soap. Additionally, when you take your dentures out at night, you should leave them soaking in a specialized cleaning solution.
Before you get dentures, it’s important to make sure that you’ve cleared up any misconceptions you might have had about them. If you have any questions or concerns regarding dentures, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Mahmoud Homsi is a graduate of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He has completed continuing education courses at the Las Vegas Institute for full mouth rehabilitation, and he is one of only 6% of dentists in the United States who have earned a fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry. At Charm Smile Dental in Concord, he offers multiple options for replacing missing teeth. If you’re interested in getting dentures, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Homsi by visiting his website, using his online booking tool, or calling (603) 228-0123.