Dentures are a tried-and-true form of tooth replacement that has assisted countless generations of patients over the years. They’re capable of restoring any number of missing teeth and are designed to look natural and function optimally. That said, dentures are often associated with older patients – but did you know they can just as easily help out younger patients with missing teeth? Continue reading to learn more!
When Are Dentures Needed?
It’s true that tooth loss is often associated with older patients; however teeth can be lost for a number of reasons, and some of these can affect younger patients all the same. When a single tooth is missing, a crown can often be used; however, when multiple teeth need to be replaced, dentures tend to be a great option. Some common reasons for dentures include:
- Severe tooth decay has caused teeth to become so damaged they need to be extracted and replaced.
- Periodontitis, which is an advanced stage of gum disease, has compromised the tissue surrounding teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out.
- Teeth grinding, or bruxism, has caused strain on the teeth and jaw, causing them to weaken.
- Underlying health conditions like diabetes or arthritis actually increase the risk factor for tooth loss, which can also occur as a side effect of certain medications.
- Trauma, such as injuries to the mouth during sports, is the fastest route to tooth loss. This is perhaps the most common cause of tooth loss in younger patients!
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Dentures
Dentures are designed for everyday use, and your new teeth should serve you well for the foreseeable future, assuming you take proper care of them. Here are some tips to help you with this:
- Maintain Excellent Dental Health – Be sure you’re cleaning your dentures every night by soaking them in an appropriate cleansing solution.
- Give Your Gums a Break – Taking your dentures out at night also ensures that you don’t develop sores on your gums from wearing your dentures, or other sorts of dental issues.
- Don’t Fix Them Yourself – If your dentures become damaged, you shouldn’t try to fix them yourself as this might damage them further or harm your soft oral tissues. Instead, contact your dentist at once and let them know; they’ll be able to help.
Having any number of missing teeth will put you at a significant disadvantage; fortunately, dentures can often suit all patients, young or old, meaning that there’s no reason for you to ever needlessly endure not having a complete and beautiful smile!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Diana Vazquez and Dr. Jose Aldana, the talented team at Soleil Dental has served the dental needs of patients and families in Dallas and the surrounding metroplex for several years, offering a wide range of services including restorative options like dentures for patients with all degrees of tooth loss. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (214) 304-2112.