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3 Myths About Dentures

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As we age, getting dentures to replace our natural teeth is pretty standard. Unfortunately, many don't understand that getting dentures is not a single, magical cure-all. Before getting (or not getting) dentures, it is important to understand what is and is not true about getting dentures.

Myth #1: No More Dental Appoints

Truth: While you may think that dentures eliminate most, if not all, oral health issues, you still need to visit your regular dentist at least once per year. In fact, you will probably see your dentist more in the initial months of having dentures than normal. Your dentist will check for proper fit, and there other oral health activities that need to be completed. Your dentist will also still want to monitor your oral health, which will include checking your gums for irregularities, painful and otherwise, and checking for signs of oral cancers. Dentists are responsible for all of your oral health care, not just your teeth.

Myth #2: No More Eating Apples

Truth: It definitely takes some time to get used to your new dentures, but don't rule out the hard foods just yet. Give yourself some time to get used to more tough textures and hard foods, but in due time, you will feel comfortable chewing a wide spectrum of textures without even thinking twice about your dentures. If you find eating hard foods too troublesome -- for example, if your dentures move a lot while biting and chewing -- you may be experiencing an improper fit. See your dentist as soon as possible to address this issue.

Myth #3: Dentures are a Once and Done Type of Deal

Truth: Though your dentures may feel just fine in the first few days of wearing them, it is not uncommon to have issues with fit as time wears on. Plan to visit your dentist to monitor the fit and comfort of your new dentures, and also plan to replace your dentures every three to eight years. The human mouth actually shrinks as we age, so refitting is imperative for proper fit and comfort. However, relining is less costly than a whole new set of dentures. Of course, the better the quality of the dentures, the longer you can wait to replace them. Work with your dentist to find the best brand for you and your budget.

As you can see, there are a lot of myths about dentures that simply aren't true. It is important to understand what is and is not true about dentures before you rush into getting (or not getting) a set. For more info, consider talking to your dentist and discussing your concerns.


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