Dentures: Myths Behind Them

If you have dentures or are considering the option of getting dentures there are probably a few myths that you have heard that have given you cause for alarm. The first myth that many people have is that dentures last forever. This is simply not true. Even the most expensive dentures won’t hold up forever to the wear and tear of use and in fact your mouth will change over time making your dentures eventually not fit properly. The fact is realistically dentures have to be replaced every five to seven years.

Another myth that most denture wearers are aware of is that wearing dentures will limit what foods are allowed in your diet. This is actually partially true. Even the best fitting dentures won’t allow you to eat some things that are particularly hard and pulling on your teeth like taffy so your diet will be somewhat restricted with dentures.

There is also a misconception that dentures will make your speech hard to understand or make it harder to chew and swallow and this is partially true but only as your mouth adjusts to having dentures. Once this period of adjustment is over your speech and abilities to chew and swallow should be fine. Some medications may reduce the amount of saliva that your mouth creates and this can impact your chewing and swallowing abilities, and although it has nothing to do with your dentures, this may be where the original misconception originated.

Another concern is the use of adhesives to keep your dentures in place. This is partially true depending on certain circumstance. Dentures that fit correctly should not require daily adhesive to stay in place but as your mouth changes due to bone shrinkage and gum tissue changes, the need for adhesives to create a firmer hold may become necessary to hold your teeth in place. But even the best fitting dentures require suction to hold and how well your dentures hold will depend on your palette, something you have no real control over. If your palette is relatively flat your suction will be sparse and you may be one of those people who even with the best fitting dentures have to use adhesives for security.

Another myth is that once you have dentures you won’t need to see your dentist again. This is not true. Even without your natural teeth your dentist is a necessary component for good oral health. You should still continue to see your dentist twice a year for check ups against oral cancer, and tissue and bone loss.

And finally just like with any medical devise you should financially plan for regular replacements, adjustments and repairs to your dentures so you can maintain the best oral health possible.