Nothing in the world beats a genuine smile. But sometimes missing teeth can get in the way. It can be embarrassing and make simple daily tasks, like eating and speaking, more difficult. If you’re like most people, there’s a likelihood you don’t think about your teeth much — until something goes wrong. All of a sudden, your dental health is top of your mind.
One problem that can arise is the need for dentures. This might seem like a problem that only older adults have to deal with, but the truth is anyone can need dentures. Fortunately, there are many denture options — for instance, implants and dentures.
Dentures are a form of prosthetic dentistry used to replace missing teeth. At the same time, implants are a dental treatment that replaces missing teeth. Factors like oral health, missing teeth and jaw density will determine the best procedure for you. That said, these are seven signs you might need dentures:
- You have missing teeth
If you have missing teeth, dentures might be the best solution to replace them. Losing teeth is no fun. You avoid smiling or feel self-conscious about your appearance. Plus, eating and speaking normally can be difficult when you have missing teeth.
Dentures can help restore both the function and appearance of your teeth. Imagine being able to smile and speak with confidence again!
- You have loose teeth
If your teeth are loose, it’s a sign that the tissues and bone that support them are weakening. This can be due to gum disease, tooth decay, injury or other factors. If your teeth are loose to the point where they impact your ability to eat or speak properly, dentures may be the best solution.
- Too embarrassed to smile
A smile is the first thing most people notice in an individual. Unfortunately, you’re bound to be self-conscious if you have crooked or missing teeth. Most of the time, you feel embarrassed to smile in public and ashamed whenever you expose your teeth.
The embarrassment of not having teeth is a real problem many people face. It’s not just how you look but also how you feel. Luckily, there are denture options and procedures you can explore to regain your confidence and be comfortable among your peers.
The dentist usually recommends the best denture type depending on the number of missing teeth, oral health and jaw density.
- Swollen, sensitive, inflamed, or bleeding gums
If you’re suffering from swollen or bleeding gums, it can indicate gingivitis or a periodontal condition. Gum disease is the number one cause of adults losing teeth. If you don’t get medical help to treat your gum disease, it can escalate into tooth loss, leading to a need for dentures.
Dentures are also an option if you’re not a candidate for dental implants. Implants require a certain amount of jawbone density to succeed, so if you’ve lost a significant amount of bone due to periodontal disease or tooth loss, dentures might be a better option. Talk to your dentist to see if they’re the right solution and discuss your options.
- You have difficulty chewing
Do you avoid certain foods because you can’t chew them properly? Dentures are a great way to make eating more manageable and comfortable. They offer stability and support to help you chew food more easily. Dentures can also help you maintain dental health by keeping your mouth clean and free from plaque.
When it comes to implants vs. dentures, dentures are a more affordable solution to implants, which are limited to upper jaw replacements. Speak to your dental health professional to discuss what options you have based on your oral health.
- Chronic toothaches or sensitivity
If you have a toothache or sensitivity, it can signal that you need dentures. Dentures can help protect your teeth from further damage and can also help improve your oral health.
There are two denture types: complete dentures and partial dentures. In full dentures, your dentist replaces all the teeth in your mouth. On the other hand, partial dentures replace just some of your teeth. Still, if you need dentures, talk to your dentist to find the best solution for you.
- Discoloured or misshapen teeth
If your teeth’s discolouration makes you self-conscious, consider dentures. They’re designed to look like natural teeth with the same colour, shape and size. And when you smile, people will see your smile’s beauty instead of your teeth’s imperfections. For this reason, dentures can help improve your appearance and self-esteem.
They’re a perfect solution for those who don’t want to wear dental implants or get dental bridges. This is particularly true if they want something you can remove and doesn’t require special care or attention.
Summary
Dentures may seem scary, but they’re a common dental procedure. If you have any of these issues, you might need dentures: difficulty chewing or swallowing, frequent gum infections, bleeding gums, bad breath and toothaches. Dentures can help improve your oral health and quality of life! Contact your dentist today to schedule a consultation.
