Dentures can be an excellent way to restore a smile after extensive tooth loss. Because of them, many patients are smiling confidently and eating foods that would have been impossible to chew without them. While millions of people in America are wearing dentures right now, many common misconceptions about them persist. Here are a few commonly believed falsehoods about dentures and the truth about these tried-and-true restorations.
Falsehood Number One: Dentures Absolve Patients of Dental Hygiene
Many people might think that they no longer need to practice oral hygiene after losing all of their teeth, but nothing could be further from the truth. While dentures are immune to tooth decay, they still require healthy gums and jawbones to support them. If the patient doesn’t take care to thoroughly clean their oral cavity every day, their gums and jawbone can atrophy and recede, making it harder for their dentures to stay in place. This can lead to difficulties and embarrassing situations while speaking or chewing.
Falsehood Number Two: Dentures Last Forever
While dentures should be high-quality and long-lasting appliances, they can last for up to ten years with excellent care and maintenance. As the mouth changes shape over time, the dentures may lose their good fit, and this can redistribute the pressure they endure, causing them to break down more quickly. Dentures that are losing their fit can be treated with relines from a dentist, during which additional material will be placed around their exterior to help them hold fast to their positions. However, even the best pair of dentures will eventually need replacement.
Falsehood Number Three: Dentures Frequently Fall Out When Patients Talk or Chew
A quality pair of dentures that fits well can be expected to fit securely in its position without assistance while the patient speaks or chews. However, changes in the mouth can change the way dentures fit. This can often be treated with relines or denture adhesive, but a more permanent solution is using dental implants to fix your dentures in position. This way, the dentures will be securely fastened to the implants while you are using them, eliminating the possibility of them moving out of place under normal circumstances.
While dentures can be a fantastic way to replace lost teeth, they do require effort on the patient’s part. Consulting with your dentist can provide you with more information about wearing dentures and help you decide whether getting them is the best option for you.
About the Author
Dr. Praveena Muddana earned her dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry, and she pursues continuing education courses to stay on top of the latest developments in the field. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her offices in Milwaukee and Grafton, WI offer general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture treatments. For more information about what dentures might be able to do for you, contact her office online.