When you were growing up, you may have seen your grandparents taking out their dentures and wondered when you would need to start taking your own teeth out at night. It may surprise you to know that depending on the state of your mouth, it could be a lot sooner than you think. Here’s what you need to know about dentures in Norwalk – and when you might need to start relying on them.
What are Dentures?
As you probably know, dentures are false teeth. Most people would normally think of full dentures that replace an entire row of teeth, but partial dentures can be used if only some are missing. Normally they’re held against the gums through suction, but an adhesive can be used as well.
At What Age Will I Need Dentures?
While dentures are normally associated with older patients, the truth is that they can be needed at any age; this is because tooth loss is affected by your oral health, not simply by getting older. Roughly 29% of Americans between the ages of 45 and 55 need full or partial dentures, as do 16% of those between ages 35 and 44 and 3% of those between ages 18 and 34. Furthermore, the American College of Prosthodontists estimates that over 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, and the vast majority of such people wear dentures.
So When are Dentures Needed?
While not everyone will need dentures, there are many reasons why people lose teeth. It could be the ultimate result of periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease that occurs when gingivitis isn’t treated. You may also need to have teeth pulled if they become badly decayed to the point where they can’t be saved by a filling or a root canal. And of course, there’s always the risk of suffering physical trauma to the mouth.
Not only do missing teeth affect your smile and your ability to chew and speak, but they can also lead to sagging face muscles that make you look older. Dentures can let you eat and talk normally, help keep your face and profile filled out, and even improve the appearance of your smile.
How Long Will My Dentures Last?
Dentures do not have a lifetime guarantee. How long they last will vary from patient to patient, but in general they can last for about a decade if well-cared for. This means cleaning them regularly, being careful when removing them, not using too much adhesive, and making sure they stay moist when they’re not in your mouth.
If your dentures become damaged or ill-fitting, talk to your dentist in Norwalk; they can examine your false teeth as well as look for changes in your mouth in order to figure out the problem. And remember, there’s no need to be embarrassed about getting dentures at any age; for many people, they’re a way to continue enjoying a good quality of life without their natural teeth.
About the Practice
At Sommers Family Dentistry, Drs. Norman C. Sommers and Adam P. Sommers treat a variety of patients with comfortable, precision dentistry to help keep their teeth strong and healthy. They offer dentures for patients missing some or all of their teeth. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (419) 668-3606.
