Missing teeth Missing teeth is one of the most common reasons people use dentures. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, there are 156 million people in the United States who are missing one or more teeth.
Gum disease is the leading cause for dentures with about 70% of adult tooth loss a direct cause from the disease. There are many symptoms to watch out for that could be an indicator of gum disease starting with the gums itself. Any swollen, tender, red or bloody gums are strong indicators of gum disease.
Dentures are Not Inevitable for Everyone
However, although getting dentures is actually quite common, not everyone will have to have them. If your teeth last until the end of your life, there is no reason to get dentures. Of course, a major part of having your teeth last that long involves a good oral hygiene routine.
There is nothing better than real, natural teeth – including dentures. When fitted properly, dentures can be a cost-effective tooth replacement, but they are not a one-time permanent solution. Dentures can shift, lead to bone loss, impact chewing and speech, and be uncomfortable at times.
Research conducted across 19 countries found 19% of the population wear dentures. That's almost one in five.
While many get their first set of false teeth between 40 and 49, the need to replace teeth becomes nearly universal as people age. However old one is or whatever the situation, using dentures to replace missing teeth can mean better speech, easier eating, a healthier face and a great smile.
There are other restorative dentistry treatments available for eligible patients, such as dental implants and dental crowns. Those who do not qualify for those procedures may also be getting dentures. For this reason, the average age of denture-wearing patients is around 45 years old.
Dentures put pressure not only on your gums but also on the various boney ridges that are under them. This can cause reabsorption, which will result in a gradual decrease in the bone density and volume in your jaw. Bone loss and the process of reabsorption can happen quickly if dentures are worn 24/7.
Academy Award-winning actor and director Ben Affleck wore a full set of dentures at one point in his career. Eventually, he switched to crowns or implants.
Conclusion. Dentures should not be embarrassing. With modern techniques, they can have the opposite effect and eliminate the feeling that you need to hide gaps in your mouth. Improving your smile by having missing teeth replaced can increase your confidence and enhance the initial impression others have of you.
Because they are designed to resemble your natural teeth closely, very few keen people will notice the change in your appearance. These devices may brighten your smile and improve your facial appearance.
Dentures are less expensive than dental implants, and they give you the freedom to remove them throughout the day for any reason. They're an ideal option for anyone with unhealthy or weak jaws.
The Verdict. It depends on your individual circumstances whether you should choose dental implants, dentures, or porcelain veneers. If you're missing teeth, dentures are definitely the way to go. If you have all of your teeth but are just looking to improve your smile, veneers are likely the better option.
In 2005, a Guinness World Record for being the youngest person ever to wear a full set of dentures was taken by a 3-year-old Daniel Sanchez-Ruiz of the United Kingdom. Shocking, isn't it?
Some patients think their new dentures won't look real or fit correctly. The reality is that modern dentures look very natural, and ill-fitting dentures are adjustable. Modern dentures rely on enhanced materials to provide an aesthetically beautiful appearance.
Patients who might not be a candidate for dentures are those who do not have enough healthy gum tissue and jawbone structure to support the dentures. If needed, however, these patients can restore the health of the gum tissue and bone structure to secure dentures in place at a later time.
Biting down on chewy steak with dentures can destabilize them or cause sore spots. You don't have to avoid steak entirely – just cut it up into small pieces.
Regardless of the type of dentures you're using, wearing them in your sleep is a bad idea, and will cause you a number of health issues down the line. To keep your mouth bacteria-free, your gums healthy, and your bones unaltered and strong, make sure to remove your dentures every night before going to sleep.
Speaking with Dentures: Speech difficulties are common in new denture wearers, and it can be embarrassing. You may find it hard to pronounce certain words. Practicing in private by reading aloud in front of a mirror can help.
The answer is yes; you can feel normal with dentures. Modern technology has made it easy; dentures can feel as if they are part of the mouth. You need your dentures to feel like part of your mouth because they play an important role in your life, including how you look and feel when you smile.
The idea that everyone ends up with dentures when they get older is a misconception. Not everyone loses their natural teeth. In fact, if you take good care of your teeth, they should last your entire life. If you want to lower your chances of needing dentures later in life, you need to practice proper oral hygiene now.
According to the American Dental Association, there are approximately 57% of people ages 65 to 74 wearing some form of denture.