Busting Popular Misconceptions About Dentures

While tooth loss is an unfortunately common problem, dentures have allowed millions of Americans to enjoy having complete smiles again. While dentures are a popular way to replace lost teeth with lifelike restorations, there are many common misconceptions floating around that might give some people the wrong idea about what it is like to wear them. Here are a few of these popular falsehoods so we can debunk them and show you the truth about wearing dentures.

Misconception #1: Dentures Don’t Need Oral Hygiene

While modern dentures are made out of durable, high-quality materials that are immune to tooth decay, patients wearing them will still have to diligently practice oral hygiene every day and see their dentists at least twice a year. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can develop stains, discoloration, accumulations of food residue, and foul odors. To make matters worse, they can also lead to oral infections like gum disease or further tooth decay.

Misconception #2: My Dentures Will Always Fit Properly

While each set of dentures is customized to fit the shape of the individual patient’s mouth while matching the color of their teeth and gums, they need proper care and maintenance to retain a good fit throughout their lifetime. The human mouth will continue to grow and develop after tooth loss, which makes it necessary for dentures to be periodically relined to adjust their fit to any changes. Dentures can also become warped due to harsh cleaning chemicals or hot or cold water, so take care to only use approved cleansers and lukewarm water when cleaning them.

Misconception #3: I Can Wear My Dentures Constantly

While modern dentures can be so comfortable that you might forget that they are there, they must be removed and soaked for eight hours every day. This gives the gums some time to rest and clean themselves while the dentures are kept moist to prevent warping. If dentures are not regularly removed, cleaned, and soaked, the space between them and the gums can breed nasty oral bacteria that can cause gum disease and other oral infections.

Dentures are a great way to replace missing teeth, but they require proper care and maintenance to stay in good shape. Consulting with your dentist can determine if dentures can be a suitable solution for you.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth J. Canzoneri earned his dental doctorate from the Northwestern Dental School and is a graduate of Dr. Bob Lee’s bio-esthetic occlusion program. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. His office in Arcadia, CA offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture treatments. For more information on caring for dentures, contact his office online or dial (626) 446-1679.