Dentures have been a solution for missing teeth for centuries, so it sort of makes sense for there to be a misconception or two about them. Plus, dental technology has made significant advances just in the past 20 years. The dentures your grandparents might be familiar with could be very different from what your dentist has to offer now! Any way you slice it, there are just some “facts” about dentures that you should take with a grain of salt. Keep reading for four perfect examples of this.
#1: Dentures “Are Obvious”
People tend to think that dentures are pretty easy to spot. This might’ve been true a couple of decades ago, but today, you’d find it much more difficult to tell natural teeth apart from their prosthetic counterparts. Thanks to modern fabrication methods and materials, dentures look incredibly realistic – right down to how the light reflects off their surface.
#2: Dentures “Are for Old People”
The demographic that experiences the most tooth loss is adults over the age of 60. That said, plenty of patients ages 20 to 59 also find dentures extremely useful. It’s not like more mature adults are the only people experiencing tooth loss, after all, and dentures are a cost-effective way to restore your smile. There’s no age restriction on taking care of your oral health and being budget-conscious!
#3: Dentures “Are All the Same”
There’s a very good reason you can’t (or shouldn’t) get dentures from your local grocery store. Every patient’s oral structure is different, meaning that dentist have to take precise measurements and customize each denture. Otherwise, the prosthetic wouldn’t fit quite right, and would likely cause discomfort or frequently slip out of place.
#4: Dentures “Are Super Slippery”
Slippery dentures are usually a symptom of a larger problem: a prosthetic that no longer fits properly. Your body is never truly done growing and changing, and over time, your oral structure will shift. As a result, your dentures can become loose. Fortunately, your dentist should be able to fix the issue with a quick in-office reline.
It’s important to be well-informed about your dental restoration options so you can make good decisions and take proper care of your oral appliance. Before you write dentures off or assume you know what to expect, check in with your dentist to get the facts!
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Whitaker is an experienced and skilled dentist who’s wholeheartedly dedicated to her patients. She’s the only dentist in a 40-mile radius, for example, who offers IV dental sedation. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Whitaker, you can expect her to listen to your needs attentively and tailor your treatment plan to your unique needs. If you have more questions about dentures, she’d be happy to answer them! Simply contact her office at 606-523-1415.