While people become more likely to lose teeth as they age, younger adults can also lose them due to injuries or infections. Dentures are an incredibly lifelike and comfortable way to address tooth loss, and while they are most often associated with older people, younger adults can also use them. Here’s a brief guide to how dentures can help adults of any age enjoy having a full and beautiful smile!
What Makes Dentures Necessary?
Dentures can be used to replace anything from a single tooth to an entire arch of teeth. People lose teeth for many reasons, including:
- Advanced tooth decay – If tooth decay is allowed to progress, it can advance beyond the point where it can be treated with fillings, crowns, or root canals. This can cause the loss of the tooth or make extraction necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Advanced gum disease – Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. If gum disease advances beyond gingivitis to become periodontitis, it will cause irreparable damage to the gum structure that can result in tooth loss.
- Poor eating habits – Excessive consumption of sugar, starch, or acid or inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals can cause tooth decay and other oral infections.
- Health conditions – Issues like diabetes and juvenile arthritis as well as some medications used to treat them can increase the risk of tooth loss.
- Oral injuries – Teeth can be damaged and dislodged by physical trauma like blows to the face or teeth grinding.
What Sort of Dentures Are Right for Me?
Dentures come in several varieties to address different oral health situations. These include:
- Partial dentures: If you have one or several teeth missing throughout your smile, a removable partial denture may be able to fill in these gaps while leaving your healthy teeth intact. These are secured by clipping to your remaining teeth, allowing you to chew and smile naturally.
- Full dentures: If you have extensive tooth loss, full dentures can replace complete arches of teeth with beautifully lifelike restorations. These removable appliances are held in place with natural suction, denture adhesive, or a combination of both.
- Implant-retained dentures: By securing a full denture with dental implants, your dentist can give you an irremovable and beautiful restoration that maximizes your chewing power, allowing you to enjoy all sorts of chewy and crunchy foods.
Dentures can be a great way for younger and older adults to enjoy a complete smile again. Consulting with your dentist can determine if any of these treatments are right for you!
About the Author
Dr. Austin Amos earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, and he stays up to date with the latest developments in the field through continuing education courses. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentists. His office in the Colony, TX offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To schedule a denture consultation, contact his office online or dial (972) 625-4746.