Many people associate dentures with seniors because tooth loss is more common after a certain age. People who are 65 years or older are 1.6 times more likely to have gaps in their grin than their younger counterparts. Furthermore, according to the NIH (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research), 17.3% of the same population have no remaining natural teeth.
However, it’s still possible for young adults to lose teeth, too, for reasons that have nothing to do with how old they are. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your current condition, keep reading to learn about 3 ways dentures can help!
Benefit #1: Increased Confidence
One of the first things people notice is the quality of your smile, and missing teeth can make a less-than-favorable first impression. Whether you lost them to decay, disease, genetics, physical trauma, or some other cause, it’s natural to worry about how others see you. This concern can quickly turn into anxiety and depression that leave you feeling unwilling to share meals, converse, or engage with other people.
Dentures are a versatile solution that can be adapted to replace just a few or all of your pearly whites. Plus, they’re made from lifelike materials that can be carved and customized to look like your natural teeth and gums for seamless results. With them in place, you can feel free to show off your recently upgraded grin.
Benefit #2: Preserve Oral Health
When you lose one of your adult teeth, its neighbors are likely to shift out of their proper places to try to fill in the space left behind. Unfortunately, this can unevenly or prematurely wear down your enamel, leaving you more prone to issues like cavities, gum disease, chips, cracks, and other injuries. In time, this can also lead to a bite misalignment that can cause a stiff or locked jaw.
Once you’re fitted with dentures, your restoration ensures that your remaining teeth stay in their designated spots to protect them from potential harm.
Benefit #3: Eat Wholesome Foods
Your body requires a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients to function at its peak. If you have gaps in your grin, it’s much harder to bite into or chew foods that are too tough, hard, or crunchy. You might find yourself sticking to blander, softer foods that are easier to consume but don’t support your system. This causes some patients to develop gastrointestinal issues or become malnourished over time.
Thankfully, dentures restore a great deal of your chewing power so you can once again enjoy many of your favorite foods to support your general well-being.
As you can see, dentures have the potential to benefit anyone who has suffered tooth loss, regardless of their age!
About the Practice
At South Shore Dental Care in Massapequa Park, you benefit from two highly qualified dentists who provide a wide range of treatments at one convenient location. With 30+ years of experience, Drs. Dory and Khalida Stutman can help with everything from basic preventative care to completely rebuilding your smile with various cosmetic, orthodontic, and restorative services. They are happy to provide you with fully individualized dentures to improve your oral and overall health. To get started, you can request a consultation on the website or call (516) 798-3808.