10 Common Myths About Dentures - Debunked!

Losing natural teeth can be a stressful experience, one that affects you lifelong. While it may not be possible to restore your natural teeth once lost, dentures are the next best option.

Dentures are a removable dental structure that is used to replace missing teeth and is custom-made to resemble your natural teeth. It’s the most popular and affordable way to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile properly after you have lost some or all of your biological teeth.

However, many people have wrong ideas about dentures or believe myths, making them hesitant to consider them, even though dentures can significantly improve their lives.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we are committed to debunking myths about various dental treatments and providing clear, honest information. Today, we break down some of the most common myths about dentures and bring the truth out.

Myth 1: Dentures Look Fake

This may have been true for older dentures that were often made with less refined materials and weren’t customized to a person’s features and needs.

Modern dentures are, however, incredibly sophisticated and realistic. Advanced dental materials and digital imaging allow dentists to accurately design dentures to look exactly like natural teeth and match a person’s specific features.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, for instance, we take time to understand your unique facial structure and design dentures that perfectly match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.

Dentures are now made with high-quality acrylics and resins and can even mimic the translucency and exact color of natural enamel, making your smile feel as normal and authentic as possible.

Myth 2: Dentures Are Only for Older People

The reason why dentures were traditionally associated with older people, such as grandparents, is that tooth loss was considered a part of the aging process. But that’s not true anymore.

People now understand that tooth loss can happen at any age, from injury, accident, gum disease, or decay. Dentures can help restore function and smile in people of every age.

With modern dentures designed to be attractive and subtle, anyone can wear them without embarrassment or guilt.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we recommend dentures for patients of all ages. Doesn’t matter if you’re 35 or 75; if dentures can restore your smile, wear them confidently.

Also Read: Common Dental Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 3: Dentures Are Uncomfortable

While this may have been true for early dentures that were made with less precision and were not as comfortable, today’s dentures are designed to fit your smile beautifully without causing discomfort.

A denture designed and fitted by a professional should feel comfortable and natural in your mouth. Modern dentures are tailor-made to fit your gums and jawline. While you may feel slightly uneasy at first, it’s usually not a long-term concern.

Myth 4: You Can’t Eat Normal Foods with Dentures

Many people believe that dentures can make it difficult or impossible to eat certain foods.

When you have dentures fitted by a trained dentist and give them time to adjust, eating most of your favorite foods should be a breeze after the first few days. The key is to give it some time and take good care of your dentures.

Implant-supported dentures are usually the best option if you’re looking to almost completely restore your chewing strength like before.

Myth 5: Once You Get Dentures, You Don’t Have to Brush or Visit Your Dentist

It’s a common belief that because dentures aren’t “real teeth,” they don’t need regular maintenance or dental checkups.

Even if you have full dentures, regular maintenance and dental checkups are crucial to maintain oral health. Your gums and tongue still need regular cleaning. Over time, as your mouth changes shape, your dentures can become difficult to fit in.

Visiting your dentist at least once every six to twelve months for a denture checkup and maintenance ensures ongoing comfort and function.

Myth 6: Dentures Are Forever

While dentures are durable, they can only last for so long. Most dentures give up within 7 to 10 years, depending on maintenance and regular checkups.

Even before your dentures become completely useless, they may need occasional relining or adjustment to maintain comfort due to wear and tear over time.

Look for signs, like loose-fitting, sore spots, or teeth shifting while chewing. See a dentist immediately to ensure your dentures function and look good again.

Myth 7: Dentures Can Fall Out Easily From Your Mouth

Many of us have seen our grandparents effortlessly remove and replace their fake teeth many times a day. It might make you wonder whether dentures can slip or fall out on their own.

The answer is NO.

Modern dentures are not only designed to fit your mouth properly, but they are also expertly attached in place through natural suction or dental adhesives. If you experience your dentures slipping, they might need a refitting or slight adjustment.

Implant-supported dentures are more sturdy and stable since they are locked into place.

Recommended: Dental Implants vs. Partial Dentures

Myth 8: Dentures Make You Look Older

Some people fear that wearing dentures will make them look old or like someone without teeth.

On the contrary, having dentures makes you look far more attractive than someone with missing teeth. Besides restoring your smile, dentures maintain your facial shape and structure, prevent muscles from sagging, and help you look younger.

Myth 9: Caring for Dentures Is Complicated

Some people worry that dentures are not easy to maintain or require constant professional care.

The truth is that caring for dentures is as simple as anything. The key is to maintain the routine:

• Rinse or brush your dentures after each meal to remove food debris.

• Brush every day with a specialized denture brush and toothpaste.

• Keep them in water or a denture solution when not using them, such as overnight, to maintain a fresh and moist feel.

• Clean your gums and tongue daily.

With these simple habits, your dentures will remain odor-free and last longer.

Myth 10: Dentures Are a Last Resort

Some people think dentures are for those who can’t afford high-level treatments, such as implants or bridges.

While it’s true that dentures are one of the most affordable options for replacing missing teeth, they are popular not just because of their low cost. Implants and other surgical treatments are generally not recommended for patients with weak gums, significant bone loss, or specific diseases. In such cases, dentures are usually the most practical and effective solution.

Moreover, dentures come in multiple options: full, partial, and implant-supported, allowing you to choose the right option based on your needs and budget.

Conclusion

Most of the myths about dentures are true only for the traditional versions. Modern dentures are nothing like their older counterparts, which were unreliable, unreal, and fragile. Today’s dentures are made from high-quality materials and precisely designed to look natural, feel comfortable, and perfectly fit your mouth.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we offer advanced dentures backed by modern technology, such as digital imaging and durable materials like high-impact acrylics. That, combined with our years of expertise and personalized care, ensures a great experience in every visit.

Ready to restore your smile? Schedule your denture consultation today with a Lynnwood Dental Studio expert. Whether you have questions or need help choosing the right option for your condition, our friendly team is just a call away.