Now, more than ever, modern technology has made dentures more lifelike, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, they can effectively restore the function of your natural teeth. While these restorations have mostly been associated with those of mature age, that doesn’t mean they are not a viable option for younger people. If you have more than one missing tooth, they can be a wonderful solution to complete your smile, no matter what your age! Here’s what to know about getting dentures at a younger age.
Common Reasons for Dentures at Any Age
If you are only missing one pearly white, dentures will not be your best option. Your dentist may recommend other tooth-loss solutions, such as a bridge or a dental implant. However, dentures are a great option to complete your smile if you have multiple teeth that need to be replaced.
Here are some common reasons dentures may be a good fit for you, regardless of your age:
- Severe tooth decay – If you have several pearly whites that are severely damaged by plaque, they may need to be extracted to maintain your oral health.
- Gum disease – Any advanced stage of periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede from the teeth and damage your jaw, causing your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. As a matter of fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
- Ill health – Underlying health conditions such as diabetes and juvenile arthritis increase the risk factor for tooth loss.
- Poor diet – Excessive amounts of sugar, carbohydrates, and acid in food and drink can cause the enamel to wear down on your teeth, leaving them susceptible to decay. Additionally, a lack of vitamins and minerals can lead to the weakening of your teeth, gums, and jaw.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Grinding your teeth while you sleep wears down the enamel and places a strain on the supporting bones, which can cause them to weaken.
- Tooth trauma – Injuries to the mouth are the fastest route to tooth loss.
What Kind of Denture Would be Best for You?
The type of restoration that is best for you will vary based on your specific needs. Your dentist can discuss with you what would be the optimal choice for your smile needs. Here are some different denture options:
- Partial Dentures – If you still have a healthy number of natural teeth in an arch, partial dentures can be used to fill in the gaps. The prosthetic is held in place with metal clasps.
- Full Dentures – These have been used to replace entire rows of teeth for a very long time. The prosthetic will sit on the gums, where natural suction will hold it in place.
- Implant-Retained Dentures: Both partial and full dentures can be secured to titanium posts in the bone called dental implants. They provide extra strength and stability, thus greatly improving the function of your new smile and allowing you to eat anything you want. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about your teeth moving at the wrong time.
- Snap-On Dentures: While traditional implant dentures are permanently fixed to the jawbone, snap-on dentures are designed to be removable, making them more stable. In many cases, they can be placed immediately on the same day as implant placement.
Dentures are an excellent tooth-loss solution for people of all ages! With the help of your dentist, you can soon return to a complete, natural smile before you know it.
About the Practice
RP Dental & Implants help keep the smiles of Lady Lake whole and complete through the expertise of their two dentists. They utilize their combined experiences of 20 years and advanced training to offer state-of-the-art treatments like dentures. By offering a full range of restoration options, they can help you with any of your oral health needs. To schedule a consultation, contact them through their website or call (352) 290-8040.