I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
When most people think of dentures, they think of old age. However, many people lose their teeth earlier in life, and sometimes dentures can be the best solution for filling in the gaps. If you have full or partial tooth loss, you might still feel self conscious about having dentures when you are still young. You might feel isolated, especially because most information and even most advertising for dentures is geared toward the elderly customer base. This guide can help you know what to do to adjust to life with dentures.
1. Get many opinions before selecting dentures.
There are several options for tooth restoration after tooth loss, and choosing the right one for you can take some research and a few professional opinions. Don't be afraid to see three or four cosmetic dentistry professionals for consultations and pricing options before selecting dentures as the procedure you want to stick with. Young people can be good candidates for implants or bridges, and these can sometimes work quite well. In other cases, dentures really are the better option.
2. Realize that you get what you pay for.
Young people might worry that dentures won't look "natural" and that everyone will know they have false teeth whenever they smile. You might stop smiling as much or even speak differently in an effort to hide your teeth. This problem can be mostly solved by making sure your dentures are properly fitted and that you're willing to pay for more realistic appliances. Some dentures can be made cheaply, but they won't look as nice as a set where each tooth was crafted to look as lifelike as possible. These dentures are works of art, but they are worth it for your confidence, comfort, and social life.
Proper fit will help you avoid the "sunken" look that many people get when they have dentures. You might also choose to have implant-supported dentures. These dentures are still removable and replaceable, but they are fixed to posts that are fused to the jawbone. Your dentures will be less likely to slip or fall out.
3. Practice.
It seems silly to have to practice speaking, spitting, chewing, and smiling with dentures, but this is the best thing you can do. When you have your set installed and fitted as well as possible, practice speaking, singing, and eating in front of a mirror. You might find that some words come out differently than they did before, but with thorough practice, your dentures will start to feel natural, and you can be confident going out, meeting friends, and even going on dates.
Practice is mostly for your own confidence. Many young people worry about kissing and other affectionate activities when they have dentures. When dentures are fitted well, especially with only partial tooth loss, it is very difficult for any other person to tell. However, honesty is often the best policy, and you'll find that if you are confident, dating and physical affection will not be as difficult at you might fear. Early tooth loss is usually the result of trauma, and no one can fault you for losing your teeth.
4. Care for your dentures.
Finally, dentures and real teeth have something in common: if you don't care for them, they'll eventually lose their beauty. You should clean your dentures and your mouth out daily. You should be careful about eating toffees and sticky candies, just like you should be with real teeth. Dentures that are not cared for can smell or stain, ruining their cosmetic effect.
For more information about choosing and living with dentures, contact a local cosmetic dentistry office.
Share1 September 2017
