Dentures have earned the reputation of being a reliable, comfortable, and durable way to temporarily replace lost teeth. But still, despite their popularity there are many misconceptions out there about them. Here are four common myths that have prevented patients from restoring their smile with dentures in the past, and the truth about these dynamic prosthetics.
1. Only “Old” People Need Dentures
Dentures may be more common among older patients, but that doesn’t mean they’re “just” for seniors or that younger people can’t wear them. The truth is, you can lose permanent teeth for many reasons, and at any age. Don’t let the fear of what’s “age appropriate” hold you back from restoring your teeth. After all, there’s no age restrictions on a beautiful smile!
2. Dentures Don’t Need Special Care
While taking care of real teeth looks a bit different than dentures, your prosthetics still do need to be properly maintained so they last as long as possible. Thankfully, cleaning your dentures is easy. Here’s how:
- Remove your dentures after each meal and completely clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and either denture cleanser or hand soap.
- Floss between each tooth.
- Rinse well, and then return them to your mouth or to a glass of water or denture soak until you’re ready to wear them again,
Furthermore, even if you have no natural teeth, you should still visit your dentist with your dentures every six months for your regular biannual exam and cleaning appointments.
3. You Can Wear Dentures to Sleep
Sleeping in dentures may seem like a good idea when you’re tired and don’t want to deal with cleaning them before bed but unfortunately leaving them in your mouth overnight can cause them to dry out, which can often result in irreparable damage. Thus, to keep them hydrated, remove them each night before bed and fully submerge them in a glass of either water or denture soak until you’re ready to wear them again.
4. You Can Use One Pair of Dentures Forever
Unfortunately, all good things usually come to an end, and that includes dentures. In fact, the average lifespan of these prosthetics is about five to ten years. If you’d like to restore your smile with a more permanent prosthetic, implant dentures and dental implants last much longer, so speak to your dentist and see if you qualify.
Remember, while there’s plenty of incorrect information out there about dentures, the truth speaks for itself: with proper care, dentures can provide many years of smiles and delicious meals, all with one convenient, easy-to-use prosthetic!
About Our Practice
At Sparkling Smiles Fayetteville, Dr. Dave Lee and his daughter, Dr. Lauren Polito are proud to welcome you to their family, and to treat you like you’re a part of it, too! If you’d like to restore your smile with the help of dentures, don’t let lies and misinformation hold you back. Schedule an appointment with us today for dentures by visiting our website or calling our friendly office at 770-679-2109.