It is easy to think that dentures are only meant for seniors. If you feel this way, you’re not alone. People rarely expect to need dentures simply because they take care of their teeth.
But sometimes, a number of problems arise that necessitate the need for dentures. The problem can range from simply having difficulty talking or eating that arises from shifting changes or changes in facial structures as a result of one or more missing teeth.
Hence, we’re not surprised about the projection published in The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry that the number of US adults needing dentures will most likely increase from 33.6 million in the year 1991 to 37.9 million in the year 2020. According to Statista, it was estimated that 40.99 million people in the United States used dentures in the year 2020 which is even more than the projection in 2002.
While it may be easy to think that dentures are mostly for the elderly, check out the warning signs that may require the need for dentures other than advancing age.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are aesthetically pleasing replacements for missing teeth. Dentures look and feel completely natural. They help provide support for a weakening jaw as a result of tooth loss. Dentures can be made just for you so you can get a perfect and comfortable fit for your mouth.
Types of Dentures
Depending on the state of your teeth and the condition of your jaw bone, a dentist may recommend any of these types of dentures:
Partial dentures
Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth in the upper and lower jaw. There are two types of partial dentures, namely; removable or fixed depending on your oral health and the number of teeth that are missing.
Full denture (complete denture)
Complete dentures replace the full arch of missing teeth and thus serve as a full-coverage prosthetic device. They come in two types; conventional or immediate. Immediate dentures are usually placed in the mouth following an extraction. Hence, they serve to protect the gum from bleeding and prevent the wearer from having to go around or eat without teeth during the healing period.
Conventional dentures, on the other hand, are placed in the mouth once the teeth and gums have begun to heal. They’re usually ready for placement into the mouth eight to twelve weeks after extraction.
Dental implants
There are situations where it is necessary to optimize the strength of an implant with the aesthetic value of dentures. For instance, if you’re looking for a denture that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also strong and more comfortable, then you’re looking at implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures help restore your full bite force and chewing ability while also naturally restoring your smile and confidence.
5 Signs You Might Need Dentures
Having swollen, red, tender, and bleeding gums
Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. One of the early warning signs of gum disease is inflammation which is characterized by swollen, tender, red, or even bleeding gums.
Evidence has proven that gum disease accounts for over 70% of tooth loss in adults. When gum disease is left untreated, it may lead to tooth loss and possibly necessitate the need for dentures. A nicer approach is to catch these signs early since they can be corrected in order to prevent tooth loss.
Presence of shifting, loose, and too-wide gaps between the teeth
When spaces open up between teeth or when your teeth start shifting position, bone loss from gum disease may be the underlying problem. Dentures may be needed to fill up these spaces. Also, shifting, loose teeth are early indicators of hidden gum disease, which may require extensive periodontal treatment or even extraction and eventually a denture.
Having trouble eating hard foods
Missing teeth, cracked teeth, and cavities may make eating certain types of food difficult. Sensitivity to certain types of food or hot or cold water may also be an early sign of underlying gum disease. If you catch these early, you may be able to restore your teeth’s natural health. Otherwise, treatment may require a restorative dental procedure such as dentures.
Presence of one or more missing teeth
Sometimes, dentures are an aesthetically pleasing choice if you have one or more missing teeth or if you are self-conscious about smiling. Also, one or more missing teeth impose some pressure on the adjacent teeth. Dentures may be required as prosthetic support for the remaining teeth to prevent them from wearing down over time.
Having a painful toothache that won’t go away
Tooth pain can be the result of many conditions. However, severe tooth pain resulting from progressive tooth decay attacking the nerve in the center of the tooth may require an extraction. When such an event happens, dentures may be an adequate and aesthetically pleasing solution to replace the missing teeth.
Your teeth shouldn’t be a barrier to showing off your personality, self-esteem, and confidence. At Meramec Family Dentistry, we create healthy smiles using comprehensive dental care and can transform your smile with dentures in Arnold, MO. Feel free to schedule an appointment today.
