Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for replacing missing teeth because of their many helpful benefits. They’re made from lifelike materials to enhance your appearance in addition to improving your ability to chew food and enunciate more clearly.
Despite their many advantages, some patients have avoided rebuilding their smiles with dentures because they’ve heard some misinformation. Continue reading to learn about 3 myths about these restorations so you can make an informed decision regarding the future of your smile!
Myth #1: I’m Too Young for Dentures
Did you know that an estimated 57% of seniors in the U.S. wear dentures? Tooth loss is more common in older adults because our mouths attract more bacteria, produce less protective saliva, and have sustained more daily wear and tear.
However, that doesn’t mean that younger people can’t get them! Approximately 45% of folks who wear these prosthetics are about 35 to 55 years old, and many of them are even younger. There are many reasons you might need to replace lost teeth, including physical trauma, which tends to impact younger athletes involved in close-contact sports and activities. Fortunately, there’s no age limit on dentures and your provider can fit you with a pair customized to meet your unique needs.
Myth #2: Dentures Stain Faster Than Natural Teeth
If you’ve heard horror stories of discolored restorations tarnishing a patient’s appearance, it’s only natural to question whether it’s worth investing in them. Some people believe that their prosthetics are more inclined to staining than their natural pearly whites, but that’s simply not true. Indeed, your dentures do have microscopic pores that can store pigmented particles, but the teeth are coated with a sealant that acts as a shield to prevent damage.
That said, your dentures aren’t completely resistant to stains. Prolonged or repeated exposure to darkly toned foods and drinks like coffee, tea, wine, or berries can leave them looking worse for wear, so it’s a good idea to reduce your consumption.
Myth #3: Dentures are Slippery
One common perception of dentures is that they’re notoriously difficult to use and frequently fall out of your mouth. While they can become ill-fitted over time and start to destabilize, they don’t start off that way. Your dhetics are customized at every stage of their creation to fit like a glove so they form a tight bond against your gum tissues to remain in place.
However, it often takes about a month for your mouth to adjust to their presence, and you might have some challenges until it does. Applying a denture cream or other adhesive can increase its hold so you can practice chewing and speaking.
Now that you have more accurate information about this versatile treatment, there’s no reason to delay! Contact your dentist today to schedule your consultation and soon you could have a beautifully refurbished smile!
About the Practice
Patients at Jacksonville Dental Excellence benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo who take pride in helping you build and maintain the healthiest version of your smile. Drs. Ryan and Rose Johnson work together to offer a comprehensive array of services conveniently under one roof, including dentures. They’re committed to ongoing education to provide the most up-to-date treatments and are members of the American Dental Society and other prestigious organizations, so you know your grin is in good hands. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (904) 895-4536.