Myths About Dentures: The Truth No One Talks About

Until a certain age, most people know very little about dentures.

June is Seniors Month. It is the perfect time to talk about something that directly affects the quality of life of millions of older adults: dentures. So many myths and misconceptions have developed around them that many people endure discomfort for years, postpone visiting a specialist, or settle for inexpensive solutions — only to pay more later with both their health and their money. Let’s take a closer look at some of these myths.

MYTH 1. “Dentures are forever”

Perhaps the most common misconception is that once you get dentures, you can simply forget about them. In reality, your dentures live with you and change along with your mouth.

After teeth are extracted, the jawbone gradually shrinks — a process known as resorption. The gums change shape. Facial muscles adapt. All of this means that after several years, dentures that once fit perfectly may begin to feel loose, rub against the gums, and cause pain while chewing.

Specialists recommend checking the fit of your dentures every year and having them relined every 2–3 years. Complete replacement is generally recommended every 5–7 years. This is not a sign of poor quality — it is simply the normal lifespan of a dental appliance functioning in an environment that is constantly changing.

The good news is that Ottawa South Denture Clinic offers its “Happiness Guaranteed” warranty — one full year of free adjustments and fittings after your dentures are made. If something feels uncomfortable, the clinic will help you right away, without unnecessary additional costs.

MYTH 2. “A little pain is normal”

No. It is not normal.

Yes, during the first few days after receiving new dentures, you may experience some unfamiliar sensations while your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. But persistent pain, sore spots, ulcers on the gums, headaches, or pain in the jaw joint are signs that the dentures do not fit properly.

Enduring these symptoms is not only painful, but potentially harmful. Chronic pressure on soft tissues can cause inflammation and accelerate bone loss.

Many patients use “denture adhesive” for years as a temporary crutch to compensate for poor fit. This is a dead end. If you need large amounts of adhesive every day, your dentures likely need adjustment or replacement.

At Ottawa South Denture Clinic, Eugenii Sorokatyi, the clinic’s owner and principal denturist, takes every case of pain seriously.

Eugenii is a graduate of George Brown College with more than fifteen years of experience and is certified in the Japanese SEMCD technique — a suction-based denture system that is especially effective for lower dentures.

He also speaks Russian, removing one of the biggest barriers for many patients: language. Here, you can explain your concerns clearly and understand the answers directly, without an interpreter.

MYTH 3. “All dentures are the same — why pay more?”

The difference between an inexpensive “standard” denture and a custom-made denture is similar to the difference between ready-made clothing from a market and a tailored suit. Both may cover the body — but that is where the similarity ends.

Cheap dentures are often made using standardized templates and lower-quality materials, with minimal attention to the anatomy of the individual patient.

The result may be poor fit, constant movement while speaking or eating, an unnatural appearance, and faster wear. Within a year or two, such dentures may break down or become a source of chronic discomfort — and they still have to be replaced, only now with additional expense.

Custom-made dentures take into account the shape of your gums, your bite, facial expressions, skin tone, and your aesthetic preferences.

At Ottawa South Denture Clinic, the process begins with a detailed consultation. Precise measurements or digital impressions are taken using an intraoral scanner, followed by a full try-in appointment. You can see your future smile before the final dentures are completed and request any necessary changes.

Want to restore your own familiar smile? Bring old photographs — the specialists can recreate the natural appearance you remember.

The clinic also works with Digital Denture technology, including 3D design and milling using high-quality materials.

This is not only more precise and attractive, but also more practical. If your denture is lost or damaged, a replacement can be produced using the digital data already stored in the system — without repeating the entire process from the beginning.

MYTH 4. “No teeth, no problems. Why see a specialist?”

Even if you no longer have any natural teeth, regular visits to a denturist are still essential.

Here is why.

First, your gums and bone tissue continue to change, which affects the fit of your dentures. Dentures that fit perfectly two years ago may gradually begin placing pressure on different areas and causing small injuries without you immediately noticing.

Second, inflammation, fungal infections such as denture stomatitis, or painful tissue overgrowth may develop underneath dentures. These conditions can often only be detected during a professional examination.

Third, the condition of your gums and your bite can affect your overall health. Difficulty chewing may contribute to nutritional problems, while chronic inflammation in the mouth may be associated with cardiovascular health risks. This is especially important for older adults.

Seeing your denturist once a year is not a luxury — it is basic self-care.

And one more important thing to remember: never repair dentures yourself.

Do not use superglue or other homemade solutions. Household adhesives may be toxic, can deform acrylic, and often make professional repairs more complicated and expensive.

At Ottawa South Denture Clinic, most repairs and relines can be completed within a few hours or by the next day — right in the clinic’s own laboratory.

Dentures Under the Canadian Dental Care Plan

If you do not have private dental insurance and your family income does not exceed $90,000 per year, you may qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

The program covers complete and partial removable dentures, repairs, and relines.

Ottawa South Denture Clinic works directly with Sun Life, which means you only pay the difference if your coverage does not cover the full cost.

During your first free consultation, everything can be explained to you in Russian — clearly, without surprises or hidden conditions.

Nothing can fully replace natural teeth, and the specialists at Ottawa South Denture Clinic understand that very well.

That is why they strive to come as close to nature as possible: restoring your smile and providing comfort, function, and confidence in every movement, every word, and every meal.

Happy Seniors Month!

Smile with confidence — you deserve it!

Ottawa South Denture Clinic
Bringing smiles to residents of the capital!

Denturist: Eugenii Sorokatyi, DD

Address: 2210 Prince of Wales Drive, Unit 701, Ottawa, ON K2E 6Z9

Phone: 613-695-9229

Website: www.ottawasouthdenture.com

First consultation is free. Don’t put it off — call today!