Friday, August 2, 2019

Don't Believe These Common Myths About Dentures

According to Boston Magazine, 69% of adults between the ages of 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. It's no wonder that millions of Americans need either partial or full dentures. However, this hasn't stopped the numerous misconceptions about dentures that circulate the nation.

Only the Elderly Need Dentures

Dental professional holding a person's face and lips as they look in a hand held mirror

Tooth loss is more common among the elderly, but patients may require dentures at many stages of their lives. Younger patients often lose teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, dental abnormalities, or injuries. Some patients may lose teeth due to digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux. Dentures can offer a long-term solution to patients of all ages.

Dentures Last Forever


Many believe that dentures are a one-time fix and that one set of dentures will last forever. In reality, dentures can be expected to last for five to seven years (although, with attentive care, many patients can use them for up to ten years). Despite their longevity, denture should be evaluated and refit at least once a year, as they can fracture, deteriorate, or loosen over time.

It's Hard to Eat With Dentures


Although it's true that eating with dentures and eating with natural teeth are quite different, one is not inherently more difficult than the other. In fact, after a brief adjustment period, people with dentures can eat all of the same foods that they ate with their natural teeth, although it's safer to start with soft foods and work up to chewier foods.

Dentures Can Change the Smile


In the early days, dentures were mass-produced in a one-size-fits-all fashion. This resulted in some patients having completely different smiles while their dentures were in. Nowadays, dentures are carefully matched to the remaining teeth or measured to fit on the gums exactly, which can make the effect very natural.

With modern technology, dentures can be a simple solution to tooth loss. If you need partial or full dentures, Hanson Dentistry can provide a custom set with free adjustments for the first six months. For more information about our dental services, contact Hanson Dentistry at 816-373-5606 today.