Dentures have a prevalent presence in American media, and many people are familiar with this oral appliance because of relatives. But that doesn’t mean that everything you know about dentures is true! This popular dental restoration has plenty of myths surrounding it. If you feel pretty confident about your denture trivia, keep reading. You might find that the idea you have in your head isn’t your grandma’s dentures after all.
“Dentures Solve All Your Dental Problems”
Dentures might technically be immune to decay, but other oral conditions can still pose a significant threat to your health. For example, if you neglect your oral hygiene routine, bacteria build up can lead to gum disease. Since your dentures sit on your gums, they’ll have a hard time staying in place if your pink supports recede!
“The Only Option is Full Dentures”
Full dentures are the most common type you’ll see in cartoons and movies. That doesn’t mean they’re your only option, though! Partial dentures can fill out your smile if you’re only missing a few teeth, and implant-retained dentures use dental implants to provide some added stability. Basically, your dentist will most likely be able to tailor your restoration to suit your unique needs.
“It’s Obvious When Someone Has Dentures”
This might be the case with dentures that don’t fit quite right. Over time or via accident, their shape can change, and you might find yourself resting your jaw at odd angles to compensate. Dentures that are the appropriate size for your mouth, though, should give you a natural looking smile.
“Only Seniors Need Dentures”
Tooth loss doesn’t just happen to seniors, you know! Despite the fact that dentures are strongly associated with mature members of society, whippersnappers who need to replace missing teeth can receive dentures too. No matter your age, dentists recommend filling in dental gaps as soon as possible to prevent having costly complications down the road.
“Dentures Never Feel Right”
Once again, this is usually a side-effect of ill-fitting dentures. If your dental replacement feels wrong in your mouth, or you notice that you’re relying more and more on denture adhesive to keep them in place, call your dentist. They’d be happy to inspect your dentures and make any necessary adjustments to restore your comfort.
Some of these denture myths could be holdovers from outdated materials and fabrication methods. Others could’ve come from a simple misunderstanding. Regardless of how this misinformation became popularized, they’re not accurate for today’s dentures! If you need a dental replacement for missing teeth, don’t let these myths stop you from considering what is a perfectly valid and effective option.
About the Practice
Dr. John Hamel and Dr. Andrew Vita are committed to providing holistic treatments to their patients with a conservative approach. Between Dr. Hamel’s impressive experience and Dr. Vita’s emphasis on patient education, you can be sure that your Biologic Dentistry team will provide you with stunning dentures and keep you informed throughout the process. To contact Dr. Hamel and Dr. Vita’s office, call 770-426-9994.