Imagine a person in bed who’s about to put their dentures in a glass of room temperature water before going to sleep—who do you envision? Are they older? Culturally, dentures have been associated with seniors, and while this may feel like a harmless association, it isn’t exactly true. Tooth loss doesn’t discriminate, so people of all ages could benefit from this tried-and-true restorative dental treatment. Read on to learn more about dentures and whether they’re right for you.
Who Needs Dentures?
Tooth loss can occur for a variety of reasons. If you’re just missing one or several teeth in a row, your dentist may recommend a traditional or implant bridge or crown. However, for those missing more teeth than that, a full or partial denture would likely be the most practical option.
Here are some reasons why young and middle-aged adults may need dentures:
- Severe Decay: Cavities can wreak havoc on your smile if they aren’t treated in their earliest stages. If they’re left to become more severe, they may need to be extracted if they’re not able to be treated with a filling or root canal.
- Advanced Periodontitis (or Gum Disease): According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gum disease is a top cause of tooth loss among all adults. As the infection progresses, it will eventually lead to the breakdown of supportive structures for your teeth, like your gums and bone.
- An Imbalanced Diet: Poor nutrition, including consuming excessive amounts of acidic, sugary, and processed foods that are high in carbohydrates, can lead to a higher risk of oral health problems as well as a weak or underdeveloped jaw and teeth.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Teeth grinding is an incredibly common condition that not only puts strain on the jaw joints, but also wears down your molars, causing them to weaken and become more vulnerable.
- Dental Trauma: If you play sports or participate in any hobby that would put your smile in harm’s way, collision and injuries to the mouth are also common ways to lose teeth.
The Benefits of Dentures at Any Age
Regardless of what age you are, dentures can be a life-changing treatment for those suffering from tooth loss. Based on your individual situation, dentures can:
- Boost your confidence
- Improve your ability to chew a wider variety of foods
- Decrease your risk of additional oral health issues
- Improve your oral comfort
- Can be combined with dental implants for a longer lifespan
When you visit your dentist for a consultation, they will be able to guide you towards the best restorative treatment for your lifestyle, smile goals, budget, and unique case. That way, you can enjoy all of the benefits the procedure has to offer. And, even though you may associate dentures with seniors due to what you see on TV and in pop culture, remember that isn’t a reason to deny yourself all of the advantages that come with having a complete and functional grin.
About the Practice
At Casco Bay Smiles, our team consists of two highly experienced, exceptionally trained implant dentists, Dr. McVety and Dr. Kieffer. Well-versed in all treatments involving tooth replacement, they’re able to provide traditional full and partial dentures as well as start-to-finish implant dentures. To learn what option is best for your needs, visit our website or call 207-517-7008 to schedule a consultation today.