Dentures have been used for generations to treat tooth loss. They are often associated with being elderly, but adults of all ages can experience missing teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, almost 27% of adults aged 20 to 34 years have lost at least one tooth. You don’t have to wait until you retire to treat tooth loss. Here’s why more younger adults than ever before are investing in dentures.
Complications of Tooth Loss
Teeth are important for more than just a beautiful smile. They are influential in your oral health and overall wellness. Losing a single tooth causes your jawbone to shrink over time, which changes the shape of your face and can make you look years older. Your remaining teeth won’t have sufficient support, which can cause them to drift out of position and eventually fall out. With each tooth you lose, certain tasks can be more difficult, like speaking clearly. You may also struggle to chew certain foods, so you may eliminate them from your diet. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies that harm your health.
Benefits of Choosing Dentures
Dentures are a convenient and effective solution to treat tooth loss, no matter your age. They offer exceptional benefits, including:
- Improved Confidence: You don’t have to be embarrassed by gaps in your smile. Your replacement teeth will look natural, so you can smile confidently. Researchers have found that replacing missing teeth can take 10 years off your appearance to look and feel your best.
- Better Eating Habits: New technologies allow dentures to fit better than ever before. They will allow you to eat a variety of nutritious foods to support your overall health.
- Preserve Natural Teeth: If you haven’t lost all of your natural teeth, dental prosthetics will preserve them by giving them the support they need to stay in place.
- Realistic Results: Advancements in materials and technologies allow dentures to fit and look more realistic than before. Only a trained dental professional will know they aren’t natural.
You have many options to treat tooth loss, like partial dentures, full dentures, and dental implants. Your dentist will review all your options to complete your smile.
About Dr. Shane Smith
Dr. Smith earned his dental degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and has continued his training in various specialties, including tooth replacement treatments, like dentures and dental implants. He is passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (870) 686-4025.