Denture Fact vs. Myth

• The denturist profession is pro-denture wearer, not anti-dentistry.
• Denturists are an educated part of the dental team and learn their trade under highly qualified education guidelines. Before obtaining licensure they must pass an examination specific to the profession.
• Dentures should not be worn for more than seven to ten years without being replaced or refitted.
• All dentures are not created equal. Dentures are just like anything else you buy, you get what you pay for. High impact plastics, especially hardened composite teeth and impressions that incorporate the movements of the tongue and cheeks, are not included in lower priced dentures.
• Dentures should not cause continual irritation or soreness.
• Dentures can hide evidence of oral pathology. An annual examination of the oral tissues by a Denturist is highly recommended.
• Dentures should fit comfortably without the need for adhesives to maintain a secure fit.
• As a person ages the mouth gets smaller, resulting in loosening of dentures.
• Prolonged use of drug store type adhesives may lead to stomach pains because they mix with your saliva and are swallowed.
• Older dentures can develop weak areas that may result in fractures of the denture base or denture teeth.
• Denture teeth breakage is a sign of an improper bite. Improper bites can lead to TMJ problems, headaches, tissue soreness etc.
• Regular toothpaste, that is made to be used on natural teeth, like Colgate or Crest, are too abrasive and will eventually thin out the plastic base or teeth causing premature wear and breakage.

Denturist & Denture Myths:

Myth: Dentures last forever… Wrong!

Dentures are durable but they aren’t any more permanent than eyeglasses. Just as the condition of your eyes change as you age, so do the conditions of your mouth. Replacing dentures every five to ten years will ensure that you maintain a healthy smile and prevent intraoral deterioration.

Myth: Once you have dentures, you don’t need to see a denturist anymore… Wrong Again!

Of course, your dentures need attention. Important indicators of their condition are:

• Looseness caused by tissue changes.
• Bad odour caused by absorption of fluid and bacteria.
• Colour change due to age or a reaction to mouth fluids.
• Stains and calculus deposits resulting from mouth fluids.

Myth: Everyone knows when you’re wearing dentures. It’s embarrassing… Not True!

Regular professional examinations and following your denturist’s instructions on home care are essential steps in assuring a “natural appearance.” Confidence in wearing dentures comes from realizing that you have taken a positive step towards improving your health and appearance.

Myth: Denture wearers can’t eat normally, or even speak properly… Incorrect!

While not all denture wearers can eat everything they would like, many have very few diet restrictions. So, if you develop persistent speech or eating problems at any time, have your denturist check the fit of your denture as soon as possible.

Myth: I have to use adhesives to make my dentures fit, or I can’t wear them all day… Nope!

This is a particularly dangerous myth. Dentures are made to fit precisely and usually do not require regular use of an adhesive for comfort. In an emergency, denture adhesives can be used to keep the dentures stable until you see us, but prolonged use can mask infections and cause bone loss in the jaw.

Myth: Dentures are not affected by over-the-counter and prescription medications… False!

Drugs can affect denture fit and wearability. For example, certain medications can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, making it difficult to swallow or chew. So let your denturist know of any medications you may be taking regularly, or even occasionally.

Myth: I can make my own denture repairs… Bad Idea!

Even if you are great at fixing leaky pipes or automobiles, do not try to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Improperly relined dentures can be bulky, causing increased pressure on the jaw and more rapid loss of jawbone.

Myth: I’ll be without teeth for days if I take my denture to the denturist for refitting or repair… Wrong!

Advances in modern techniques make it possible for us to reline or repair dentures quickly right in the office. If you let us know that you are in need of a denture repair, it can be made on the same day.

Myth: I don’t want to go through a long adjustment period again… You Won’t!

The first time is always the hardest to adjust to. You’ve learned the basics about eating, speaking and wearing a denture. There will be some adjustment, but it will probably be shorter and easier than the first time. Prolonged use of ill-fitting dentures can irritate the gums, tongue and cheek, and even cause the ridges of your mouth to shrink to the point where it will almost be impossible to fit you with normal dentures.

Myth: All dentures are the same… Not even close!

When your dentures are made by a denturist, you are in the hands of a person who specializes only in the making of dentures. All phases of the service are performed by the same operator, resulting in an accurate and personalized denture product.