8 Myths About Dentures You Should Never Believe

Many myths have emerged over the years, but the most critical ones are those surrounding your health. From misconceptions about MSG being a cause of cancer to eggs contributing to high cholesterol, many of this information – some of which are passed down from generation to generation – are actually inaccurate.

In fact, some of them are far-fetched as far as science is concerned. And that includes certain beliefs about dentures.

This article aims to clarify the muddled details about this dental care solution. So, without further ado, here are eight myths dentists in Fort Lauderdale advise you never believe:

Myth #1: Dentures are for the elderly only.

Since time immemorial, dentures have been stereotyped as a dental solution for the elderly. However, this is actually one of the most common misconceptions that needs to be corrected.

Regardless of your age, you can get a denture. Never give in to the stereotype that dentures are a sign of old age.

Although this teeth replacement may often happen in your alter years, it doesn’t mean that they’re only intended for seniors. In fact, many people get dentures in their mid-twenties to early thirties.

That said, you cannot be too young to have dentures. Anyone with missing permanent teeth can have them. After all, people lose their teeth for a wide array of reasons, such as gum disease, tooth decay, diabetes, and even accidents (e.g., sports).

If you think that you’re too young for them or that they will make you look old, try to think about the primary purpose of dentures: to restore your teeth’s appearance and functionality.

Myth #2: Dentures are unattractive.

Another common reason people shy away from dentures is the belief that they make them look unattractive. On the contrary, dentures actually work to restore – if not improve – the beauty of your smile.

In fact, modern dentures look almost exactly the same as natural teeth, which means that even if you only need a partial denture, people won’t be able to make out the difference. Dentists can customize them in such a way that they blend well with the rest of your remaining natural teeth.

Myth #3: Dentures make chewing almost impossible.

If you’ve watched a show or two showcasing an elderly trying to gnaw on steak with his dentures on, then you already know what some people think: that having dentures makes it almost impossible to chew.

Maybe it’s the joke injected in a movie scene. Perhaps it’s something people who were unfortunate to try low-quality dentures experienced. Whatever the reason, it seems like the idea that having dentures can impair one’s capacity to chew has become a common notion.

But that’s not entirely true, especially if you have indentures (dentures that are attached to the gums). While temporary dentures might make it more challenging to eat, permanent dentures return as much as 75 percent of your chewing ability.

Keep in mind that a person’s ability to chew with dentures depends on their fit. This means that the better fitting the dentures are, the more easily you can get back your previous chewing ability.

Myth #4: Dentures can fall out.

This is another myth that seems to have spread primarily because of movies and TV shows that feature people with dentures falling out, triggering a wave of laughter from an unseen audience.

Still, you should know this: Your dentures won’t fall out just because you accidentally sneezed and spewed out whatever you’re drinking.

Thanks to new developments in dental technology, dentures are now highly customizable. They can be tailored to every patient’s mouth.

Like the ability to chew, how well your dentures stay in place depends on their fit in your mouth. So, if you get the best-fitting dentures out there, you’ll surely have no worries whenever you speak, chew, or engage in normal activities.

This is why it is vital that you only seek reliable and trustworthy dentists to work with your dentures in Fort Lauderdale.

Myth #5: You need denture adhesive.

This is somewhat related to myth No. 4, but it needs to be discussed separately.

As mentioned earlier, people think the dentures can fall out of their mouths when they speak, sneeze, cough, or go about their usual business. This misconception gave birth to the “need” to use denture adhesive.

Denture adhesives are products used to help dentures stick to your mouth. These are useful when the oral appliances don’t fit correctly.

But, again, if your dentures are customized to the shape and contours of your mouth, you won’t have to use additional products to prevent them from falling out.

In short, you never really need denture adhesive. But if you do feel like the fit of your dentures is not right or feels uncomfortable, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

Myth #6: You should adjust to dentures immediately.

Many people make the mistake of thinking, once they get their dentures, they can instantly adjust to it. But, as much as it is a mistake to assume too little, it is also not right to expect too much from your dentures. After all, there’s a learning curve when you first start wearing them.

Although the process may seem a bit slow in the beginning, the struggle will not be for naught. Whether you take weeks or even months to adjust, you need to remember that everything will go uphill. So, don’t give up just yet.

Myth #7: You’ll have to limit what you eat.

Some people think that you’ll have to go on a full-on selective diet when you wear dentures. However, the fact remains that you can eat almost everything, even with false teeth in place.

Of course, there are certain foods that dentists recommend most. If necessary, your dentist will be the one to give you a list of items you need to steer clear of as this can differ from one person to another.

The bottom line is that the pantry won’t be off-limits, as dentures are made to enhance your way of life, not make it more complicated.

Myth #8: You only need one set of dentures for the rest of your life.

Like your natural teeth, dentures will eventually stain and wear down over the years. This is why dentists recommend regular denture replacement every five to seven years.

While you may not notice it, your mouth and jaw bone are constantly changing. As a result, the dentures you had today may not fit comfortably as the years pass, so you need to have them replaced for optimum comfort.

Dentures and You

Dentures are one of dentistry’s best solutions to missing teeth and other oral health woes. To make an informed decision about them, you have to separate fact from fiction, starting with the myths clarified in this article.