Permanent teeth are supposed to last for a lifetime, but that does not happen for many adults. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults between the ages of 20 to 64 only have 25.5 teeth remaining. The American College of Prosthodontics reports that 40 million Americans don’t have any teeth. Although tooth loss is attributed to age, it can affect anyone. Dentures are the go-to solution to treat missing teeth, but there’s an age-related social stigma associated with them. You don’t have to be a senior citizen to benefit from dentures. Here’s why you’re never too young to invest in a new set of teeth.
Complications of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss isn’t just an aesthetic issue. Each tooth is vital for your oral health, which supports your general wellness. Losing a single tooth causes your jawbone to shrink because it isn’t being stimulated by the root.
You can lose 25% of your jaw’s density within the first year, which will continue to deteriorate over time. Your remaining teeth won’t have sufficient support and can shift, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Bone loss can also affect your bite, which can lead to jaw pain.
You’re also more likely to suffer additional tooth loss, which affects your ability to eat certain foods. Nutritional deficiencies can occur from diet limitations.
With each tooth you lose, your facial structure will change. You can look years older than your true age from a sunken appearance, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
There’s No Age Requirement for Dentures
Dentures can turn back the clock and restore a healthy, functional smile–no matter your age. New materials, techniques, and technologies make dentures look and feel more realistic than ever before. You don’t have to worry about anyone knowing your new teeth aren’t natural. Your dentist will use high-quality materials to carefully craft your new set of chompers, which will fit your mouth like a glove.
Options to Replace Lost Teeth
You have more options than ever to treat tooth loss. Your dentist will examine your mouth and learn more about your preferences to determine the best prosthetic for your needs, like:
- Partial: If you still have a few healthy teeth, a partial denture can fill the gaps in your smile. Prosthetic teeth are set in a gum-colored base that has a metal framework to clip or clasp onto your remaining teeth to stay in place.
- Full Denture: A pink acrylic material holds prosthetic teeth to treat an entire arch. It rests on top of your gum tissue and is held in place using suction.
- Implant Denture: 4 to 10 dental implants can anchor your denture to your jawbone. They’ll serve as new tooth roots to benefit from unmatched support and stability.
You don’t have to wait until you retire to treat your tooth loss. Age is just a number when it comes to dentures.
About Dr. Tatyana Romanoff
Dr. Romanoff earned her dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has completed advanced education in laser and implant dentistry. She can treat the most complex cases of tooth loss. Request an appointment online or call (469) 208-6017.