MYTH 1: Everyone will know I’m wearing dentures.

TRUTH: This may have been true 50 years ago, but the basis and design of dentures has come a long, long way since then. Unless the dentures you have are not fitted properly (or you take them out in front of family as a party trick), no one will be able to tell that you’re even wearing them! Any signs of wear and tear, staining, or clicking noises when wearing your dentures are not normal and mean that you need to set up an appointment to have them refitted. Properly fitted dentures are nearly as seamless as real teeth.

 MYTH 2: I can’t eat or talk properly when I’m wearing dentures.

TRUTH:  If you can’t eat or talk properly when wearing dentures, you may need to have them refitted. Dentures should be comfortable, and though having dentures will prevent you from eating some foods, you should still be able to eat a properly balanced diet. If you have developed a recent speech impediment, such as slurring your letter “s”, your dentures may now be too big for your mouth. Speak to your dentist if eating or speaking is giving you problems, and you and your dentist will figure out a solution.

MYTH 3: Now that I have dentures, I don’t have to go to the dentist again.

TRUTH: Though it seems like you wouldn’t need to, it is critical that you still go to the dentist at least once a year. Your dentist appointments don’t focus solely on your teeth – your oral practitioner is also checking your gums, tongue, and tissues within your mouth for signs of disease. An added bonus is that these checkups also help you maintain the care of your dentures. While maintaining a home care regimen will help ensure your dentures last you a long time, regular checkups will keep your mouth in tip-top shape!

MYTH 4: My dentures will last forever.

TRUTH: Unfortunately, your dentures will experience some wear and tear as you use them. Think of them as an essential product you need to use on a regular basis, rather than just “teeth” – like a pair of glasses or shoes (but please don’t put either of these in your mouth). Dentures may not need as much care as actual teeth, but that doesn’t mean they can’t chip, break or wear down. The best way to make sure that your dentures last as long as they can is to follow a good home regimen of cleaning them and being on top of fixing them if any issues should arise, such as clicking noises, stains, or feeling pain when wearing them.  However, DO NOT attempt to repair them at home. Take them straight to your dentist if you notice anything wrong.

 MYTH 5: I can’t afford dentures, they’re too expensive.

TRUTH: Before ruling out dentures entirely, speak to your dentist and see what all of your options are. While dentures may seem expensive, there are ways to get them while on a budget –your dentist will help you figure out if your insurance will cover them, or if there is a payment plan that can be implemented so they are more affordable. Make sure to discuss with your oral practitioner what’s right for you before deciding if dentures are or aren’t an option for you.