A loose lower denture is one of the most frustrating problems experienced by denture wearers. It may lift when you speak, slide while you chew or trap food beneath it. Some people find themselves constantly repositioning the denture with their tongue or avoiding social situations because they are worried it will move.

Lower dentures are naturally more challenging to stabilise than upper dentures, but persistent movement should still be assessed properly. The cause may involve the fit, bite, tooth position, muscle control or shape of the jaw. Once the reason is understood, it becomes much easier to identify which improvements are realistic.

Dentures are surrounded by myths, old-fashioned assumptions and well-meaning advice that is not always helpful. Some patients arrive at our London denture clinic believing that dentures must look artificial, should last forever or are supposed to hurt until the mouth “toughens up.” Thankfully, none of these things is true.

As a Clinical Dental Technician, I have treated thousands of denture patients, from people receiving their first partial denture to experienced wearers who have lived with dentures for decades. One thing becomes clear very quickly: no two mouths, histories or expectations are exactly the same.

A denture is not simply a row of teeth set into pink acrylic. Its comfort and appearance are influenced by the gums, remaining teeth, jaw relationship, bite, facial muscles, saliva, medical history and even how a person has learned to chew over many years.

Let us separate fact from fiction and debunk 15 of the most common denture myths.