Dentures are prosthetic devices that can replace missing teeth and tissue. They serve various purposes, such as improving chewing and eating abilities, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the face and smile, helping with pronunciations, and so forth. Dentures may be completely removable or partially removable.
Dentures are one of the most common procedures that dentists Farmington New Mexico, use. For instance, in 2020, 40.99 million Americans used dentures. However, despite their ubiquity, misconceptions about dentures are quite common. In this article, our experts recount the pertinent dentures facts and myths plaguing American society.
Top Six Myths About Dentures
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Misconception 1: Dentures are the Same as Natural Human Teeth and Function Better than Natural Human Teeth
- Fact: Dentures are Not the Same as Natural Teeth
One of the most common myths about dentures is that they are the same as natural teeth. However, it is far from the truth. Unlike regular human teeth that work independently, dentures function in groups. Of course, dentures are as effective as natural teeth in helping people bite, chew, talk, and smile. However, they do not surpass organic teeth in strength, resilience, and inherent abilities. Dentures have some limitations; they are usually on soft gums, unlike natural teeth in hard tissue or bone.
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Misconception 2: Dentures are Not Dependable
- Fact: The Right Dentures are Reliable
A major myth about dentures is that you cannot depend on them. Of course, when you invest in the cheapest dentures possible, reliability cannot be guaranteed. Flimsy and cheap dentures are not adequately customizable and contain inferior-quality materials, affecting their fitting. It is essential to remember that ill-fitting dentures are unreliable. On the other hand, like every other prosthetic device, dentures do not come with 100% reliability. Nevertheless, if you invest in the right set, durability, functionality, and efficiency are more or less assured.
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Misconception 3: Dentures are Effortless
- Fact: Dentures Need Maintenance and Care
Just because dentures are not your natural teeth, it does not mean that you can give up on oral health. Despite being prosthetic devices, dentures need maintenance. It is imperative to clean your dentures once or twice daily if they are attached to dental implants. Similarly, although your natural teeth might not exist anymore, the tongue and gums continue to thrive. Thus, they can collect bacteria, and you have to clean them twice a day. Put, dentures are anything but effortless. You must clean them daily with your mouth to keep gum diseases and foul breath at bay. The best dentist Farmington New Mexico, can advise you on curating an oral health regimen after using dentures.
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Misconception 4: Only Older People Need Dentures
- Fact: Dentures are for Everyone
If you hear that dentures are only for the elderly, remember that it is a significant misconception. Some people have genetic conditions that leave them predisposed to dental issues. Thus, people of all ages might need dentures in their early twenties or late fifties. Moreover, just because a young person has dentures does not imply they neglect their oral health. It probably means that they had some underlying health issue. Thus, the hour needs to destigmatize denture usage for people across the age spectrum.
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Misconception 5: Dentures Massively Limit Your Food Choices
- Fact: Dentures Restrict Some Foods from People’s Diets
Whenever you hear the term ‘dentures,’ an image of people slurping liquids and pureed food might flash into your head. However, rest assured; such images are deceiving. People with dentures can eat the same foods they did in the past – albeit in smaller portions. In addition, some crunchy foods may need to be softened. However, simultaneously, one must remember that dentures are not infallible. People with dentures should avoid hard and chewy sticky foods whenever possible, as they damage the dentures in due course of time. But the fact remains that dentures enable people to relish a large spread of delicacies and improve their quality of life.
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Misconception 6: You can use one set of dentures forever
- Fact: Dentures Have a Shelf Life
Simply put, one set of dentures does not last a lifetime. Usually, dentures have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. Typically, dentures last two to three years. As bones resorb gradually with dentures, the latter gets loose and ill-fitted. Thereafter, the patient has to opt for grants for dentures again and visit their Prosthodontist for a fresh set. In case the dentures require minor changes, the patient may be able to continue using the same set for another two years. However, one must remake them sooner or later.
So, there we have it, the top six dentures facts and myths. In all honesty, dentures are a marvel of modern dentistry, bettering the lives of millions of people.