No one can deny the benefits of having a healthy smile. Having a healthy smile makes you happy. It makes the people who are around you happy. Researchers have shown time and time again that when a person has a smile that is full of white, straight teeth, the way that other people react to them is different as opposed to if they are missing some of their teeth or if their teeth are cracked, stained or otherwise disfigured.
There comes a point in the lives of many individuals when they must determine whether or not they are going to get dentures. Interestingly, the vast majority of people who are asked this question say no. They see this removable appliance as something that is for other people. However, the truth of the matter is that more people need dentures than you would think. It is estimated that over 20 million women over 40 have full or partial dentures.
So how do you know whether or not you will be a candidate? Well, a lot of it has to do with the oral health practices you have right now. For example, you may be a future candidate for dentures if you are not currently in the habit of visiting a dentist twice a year. It’s interesting to note that less than 50 percent of Americans visit the dentist twice a year. For this reason, they have problems with their teeth that go untreated. Cavities advance to the point where teeth need to be extracted, and this leads to needing dentures in the future.
If you currently have red, swollen or tender gums, or if you notice that your gums are constantly bleeding as a result of inflammation, you are probably on the road to dentures. If your gums are not treated, it can lead to bone loss, which in turn can lead to tooth loss, which in turn will lead you to needing this appliance.
Maybe you are wondering whether or not you need dentures right now. One surefire indication that you may need them is if you are currently missing two or three teeth. If you are missing multiple teeth, dentures can prevent you from putting unnecessary pressure on your remaining teeth.
A lot of times, individuals who have lost their back teeth do not worry about getting dentures because they say that they still have their front teeth. And it’s true that statically if you still have your front teeth, you probably look okay. But here’s the problem – your front teeth are doing all of the work, and we are not just talking about the work of eating food.
Your teeth do a lot to support the structure of your face. When you sleep, when you rest your face in your hand and even when you talk and make facial expressions, your teeth are supporting these endeavors. The fewer teeth you have, the more stress they must endure. So in these scenarios, getting dentures is a good idea.
During an appointment with Dr. Wendy Willoughby at Chestnut Family Dentistry in Asheville, you can learn whether or not you are a candidate for dentures. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment to learn more.
