Dentures are a common treatment for missing or damaged teeth, but there are lots of myths and misconceptions about them. If you have dentures, you need to know what’s true and what’s false, so you can take good care of your oral health. Here are five of the most common misconceptions about dentures:

1. You can’t eat or speak properly when you wear dentures.

Contrary to popular belief, most denture wearers have very few dietary restrictions. If you’re struggling to eat certain foods with your dentures, it may be a sign that they don’t fit properly. Your dentures also shouldn’t cause speech problems. If your speech is slurring or your dentures fall out when you talk, visit your dentist to have them refitted.

2. Dentures last forever.

Unfortunately, dentures are susceptible to wear and tear over time. Most dentures are made from either acrylic or porcelain, and both materials can break or chip if you don’t take proper care of them. Being careful and following your dentist’s instructions will help lengthen the lifespan over your dentures. However, even if you take perfect care of your dentures, you’ll probably still need a new pair eventually.

3. Everyone can tell when you wear dentures.

Dental technology and treatments get better every year. Today, dentures look almost exactly like natural teeth. If they fit properly, no one should be able to tell that you have them. Dentures may be more noticeable if they’re damaged or if they don’t fit right, so if you notice them slipping, clicking, or affecting your speech, you should visit your dentist for a refitting.

4. You don’t need to visit your dentist after getting dentures.

Many denture wearers think that they can stop visiting their dentist because they no longer have their natural teeth. However, dental care is important for more than just your teeth. Your dentist still needs to check your gums for decay or disease, so regular visits to your dentist can prevent serious health issues.

5. You can repair your own dentures.

A minor crack or chip in your dentures might seem like an easy fix, but you should always have your dentures repaired by a professional. Even the slightest mistake in your do-it-yourself repair job could affect how your dentures fit, which could put extra pressure on your jaw and cause bone loss. It’s much safer to see your dentist or denturist to have your dentures repaired.