Should I Get Dentures?

Have you been asking yourself… “Should I get dentures?” You may have been wondering if and when you should get dentures for a while now, and that is perfectly normal. Dentures have become more popular than ever for many reasons, which we will look into below.

There is no set timeline that everyone follows that indicates the perfect time to get false teeth. However, between you and your dentist, you will see signs that could be an indication that dentures may be an option in your future. In this article, we will look at what dentures are, the signs that you may need them soon, and even review some of the benefits of having false teeth.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are also commonly known as false teeth. In other words, they are made to look and function like your natural teeth. The main difference is that with dentures, these “false” teeth can be removed.

Dentures come in partial plates to replace just a few teeth or full plates to replace a complete row of teeth. Just like your natural teeth, dentures require regular cleaning to keep them looking great and to extend their life. However, dentures can deteriorate and may not fit as well as they should over time, so may need to be replaced every five years or so.

When Should You Get Dentures?

As stated above, there is no single answer to this question. However, some indicators can assist you in determining if the timing is right for you to consider getting dentures. If any of the issues below is applicable to you, then it might be time to consider getting dentures. They include the following:

Age

Although false teeth are normally associated with older people, getting dentures at a young age should not be overlooked. Typically, people between the ages of 55 and 64 find themselves in need of dental appliances.

However, there are exceptions to this rule as more young people are getting partial plates to replace missing teeth. Dentures are a common solution to teeth that have gone missing as a result of an accident, sports injury, or other mouth trauma.

Loose Teeth

If you have any loose teeth, this could be the result of receding gums. This occurs when the tissue and muscle gripping your teeth start to deteriorate. Your teeth have less support at this point, and not only will you find teeth that wiggle somewhat, but you may also experience toothaches that last for a long period.

Trouble Eating

There are foods we eat that require our jaws to exert a great deal of pressure. This pressure permits teeth to essentially tear into these foods that are tougher than others. Examples would be meat, corn on the cob, apples, and any kind of crunchy food.

If you find these items difficult to eat painlessly, you may need dentures.

Swollen Gums

Gum disease is easy to recognize when your gums become red or swollen. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may end up having some of your gum tissue removed. Your dentist may suggest dentures as they can help prevent further infections as they sit on your gumline covering open ridges where bacteria growth occurs.

The Benefits of Wearing Dentures

Now that we have covered the question of when should you get dentures, here is a list of the advantages you will realize once you start to wear dentures.

Comfort

Dentures designed today are not only meant to fit properly and sit comfortably in your mouth, but they are also designed to perform all the functions of natural teeth. It may take a little time to get used to wearing dentures, but it will be worth the time and effort.

Eat What You Want

With dentures, you will not be so restricted in your diet. Before getting dentures, you may have found chewing some harder foods difficult to do. There will be a few food items you will have to be careful eating, but you should still be able to enjoy them. See this article for foods to enjoy and avoid with dentures.

Helps With Self Confidence

One of the main benefits of dentures is how they impact your smile. Not only will you now have a perfect smile, but with a dazzling new smile your self-confidence will increase. The better you feel about yourself, the more you will smile.

Improves Your Appearance

Missing teeth will cause your appearance to change and facial muscles to weaken. This results in a sagging of your cheeks and an overall change to your facial features. Dentures will fill your mouth to where those facial muscles will strengthen and make your face look healthy.

Decreases Bone Loss

When you lose teeth, oral bone structure soon follows. With dentures, the rate at which bone loss occurs is reduced. In other words, false teeth keep your jawbone from slowly disintegrating, which happens with tooth loss.

Reduces Wear

One of the most important benefits of dentures is how they protect natural teeth. If you have a partial plate to replace just a few missing teeth, this denture will reduce the amount of wear and tear your remaining natural teeth will experience.

Easy Cleaning

Dentures are removable. It is recommended that they get cleaned at least twice daily and left soaking overnight in a cleaning solution. This ensures they look as good as new and keeps them in perfect condition extending their life.

Helps With Speaking

When you are missing a tooth or a few teeth, you are going to have problems speaking. Your teeth, lips, and tongue all work together to form the sounds that are spoken. Dentures allow you to speak clearly and not slur your words.

They Look Real

Although they are called ‘false’ teeth, they are manufactured in such a manner that the coloring of the teeth and gums can be done to match your remaining natural teeth and mouth. The results are a natural-looking smile.

They Are Cost-Effective

If you still have several natural teeth in your mouth, dentures can provide you with an affordable way to maintain your smile and oral function. As a treatment for tooth loss, you can’t beat what dentures can do for you and your life.

In Conclusion

If you have asked yourself, “Should I get dentures?”, the answer really depends. There will be obvious signs that should nudge you in the direction of dentures, but your dentist will be able to give you a better idea of this. If you are concerned about if and when you should get dentures, make sure that you speak with your dentist about any dental issues or questions you may have.