How Do You Know When to Get Dentures?

The number of US adults needing dentures is projected to increase from 33.6 million in 1991 to 37.9 million in 2020. Dentures are not inevitable for most people if they actively practice good oral hygiene habits and keep semi-annual dental checkups. Without these long-term measures in place however, gum disease and tooth decay, the main culprits of tooth loss, may win out. Gum disease causes about 70% of adult tooth loss and affects 3 out of 4 people at some point in their lives. Make an appointment with the experienced and caring dentists of Smile By Design to discuss your tooth replacement options. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can help you decide if the time is right to get dentures to replace your missing teeth. Smile by Design proudly serves patients throughout the Virginia Beach area, including Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth and Fort Story.

Dentures Can’t Fully Replace Missing Teeth

Tooth loss is avoidable today unless you neglect your teeth by not brushing, flossing and regularly visiting the dentist. When this happens, tooth decay and gum disease can progress to bone loss, which in turn can lead to tooth loss and possibly dentures.  Dentures should be a last resort because there is no perfect substitute for your natural teeth.

Losing your natural teeth is more than just an esthetic issue. The average adult bite force with natural teeth is somewhere around 200-250 pounds; with dentures, your bite force is reduced significantly to about 50 pounds. This makes it increasingly difficult to chew and digest certain foods like fruits and meats. Also, if you use upper dentures, the taste buds on the roof of your mouth will be covered, which can significantly reduce your sense of taste. Lastly, getting full dentures may cause your face to age more rapidly than peers that still have their natural teeth. This is because the bone that was used to support your natural teeth reabsorbs into the body. As the top of the mouth reabsorbs upwards, and the bottom of the mouth reabsorbs downwards, the space between your nose and chin shrinks, giving you an overall aged look.

Dentures and Dental Implants in Virginia Beach, VA

If you are facing the need to replace a large number of missing, or soon to be missing teeth, you are not alone. It’s estimated that 29% of Americans ages 45 to 55, 16% of Americans ages 35 to 44, and 3% of Americans ages 18 to 34 wear either full or partial dentures. These dentures don’t last forever and need to be replaced every 5-7 years, and relined every 2 years.  Although dentures aren't always easy to wear, not replacing your missing teeth isn’t a good option because the pressure on the remaining teeth is too great. Fortunately today, dental implants offer an attractive alternative to dentures. Choosing to get dental implants eliminates the side effect of premature aging because the implant replaces the tooth root and bone in your jaw. Also, dental implants have a bigger bite force than regular dentures because they are cemented into the jawbone for added stability. To discuss your tooth replacement options, make an appointment with Smile By Design today. The gentle dentists at Smile By Design proudly serve patients in and around Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth and Fort Story.