It's often hard to avoid the stigma associated with dentures. Pop culture has convinced the world that having dentures means you're doomed to have your teeth fall out at inconvenient times, to have fake-looking teeth, and to have poorly designed dentures that do not properly form to the shape of your mouth. Even though these stigmas may remain in the general public, your fears can be quelled by understanding how modern technology has changed the whole process. Instead of thinking of dentures as giving you a set of "fake teeth," realize that a set of dentures can help you get a beautiful new smile that will last for years to come. Not only will you feel better about your teeth, but you can also improve the overall health of your mouth. Read through the following four denture stigmas to learn how they have changed through technological advances.

1. False Stigma: It Takes Months for Dentures to Get Installed

Losing teeth or not having any teeth at all can come with many issues, including being unable to properly chew and eat food. In the past, it used to take a long time before individual dentures were crafted and ready to fit inside a patient's mouth. Thanks to digital scanning and 3D technology, you can now have your dentures prepared and ready in a matter of days. Instead of waiting weeks, once your teeth are pulled, the new dentures will be ready to put in place. This can help with your adjustment and reduce your limitations on foods and diet. The new smile will help you build confidence and reduce delays in creating that healthy smile.

False Stigma: Dentures Look Fake Inside the Mouth

Going all the way back to President George Washington's wooden teeth, it's easy to see why people think dentures look fake. Luckily, the modern technology used to scan the mouth can also create teeth that look natural. Everyone has a different jaw size, and a dentist takes this into consideration when designing your personalized dentures. Not only can new dentures be made to fit inside of your mouth, but dentists can scan your former teeth to help make exact replicas in the denture design. Dental x-rays may also help with the size and shaping process of your mouth.

False Stigma: Dentures Can Just Fall Out

Along with the ability to create dentures that look natural, a number of new methods can help them stay in your mouth. Along with adhesives to connect dentures to your gums, there are more permanent dental options. One of these choices is dental implants. Also known as permanent dentures, implants are installed and infused to your jawbone. This creates a permanent anchor where a denture crown can be attached. A full mouth implant can be installed to replace all of your teeth and give you a whole new smile. This process takes a little longer than immediate dentures, but it will be a permanent solution to your smile.

False Stigma: Dentures Do Not Feel Natural

One of the main concerns you may have when getting dentures is the ability to chew and talk like you normally do. While there may be a short adjustment phase, you will be able to function normally after getting dentures or dental implants. There are typically no food restrictions once everything has settled in, and your jaw will quickly adapt to the new set of teeth. You may slur words at first, but within a week or so your voice will go back to normal and it will feel like you've had these teeth all along. Modern technology allows you to adjust quickly and eliminate a lot of pain. This can help with healing and returning your mouth to a normal state.

When considering getting dentures or any type of mouth treatment, it's important to talk to a dentist for factual information instead of basing ideas on assumptions. This will help you eliminate these stigmas and get the facts. Contact the Bristol Dental Group for further information.