Why Getting Dentures is Not Embarrassing

There are many reasons for needing dentures when you are young, but there is a certain stigma that may make you hesitant to get them. False teeth are often the subject of jokes in cartoons and sitcoms. These jokes usually center around elderly people removing teeth at night or having them fall out at inopportune times.

The humor ignores the reality of tooth loss. The reasons why you may need to restore your smile include serious accidents that knock out your teeth, genetic conditions that cause tooth loss, lack of access to nutritious foods that are naturally low in sugar, and more. If you did not grow up with access to dental care, you may need to consider replacing your teeth earlier than the common stereotypes suggest. This should not be a source of shame.

Also, keep in mind that tooth decay and gum disease are prevalent among those in younger age groups — so you are far from alone, regardless of how common perfect teeth are on social media and TV.

The problem with tooth loss

Missing teeth are almost always a cause for concern, whether you're dealing with just one or multiple teeth. Without treatment, this situation usually progresses into something much worse just a few months down the road. Lost teeth often result in bone loss, which can change the shape of your jawline and overall facial structure. This can be much more noticeable than prosthetic teeth and is much more difficult to fix.

When you are missing teeth, you are more likely to hide your smile on a regular basis. In addition to lowering your self-esteem, stopping yourself from smiling can affect your overall mood and level of happiness. It can also cause you to miss out on important opportunities to build personal and professional relationships.

Perhaps most importantly, tooth loss can also have a negative impact on your oral health by causing pain and irritation. It can be difficult to chew and eat a healthy variety of food, leading to problems with digestion and overall health and wellness too. While you may be hesitant to take the first step, replacing your missing teeth should be a priority because it can significantly improve your health and your quality of life.

How dentures can help

With the advances in general dentistry, you have choices beyond the traditional removable dentures that are often portrayed negatively in the media.

Nowadays, your dentist can provide you with dentures that look, feel, and work like your natural teeth so you can go about everyday activities without constant awareness that you have this dental appliance.

If you are putting off seeing a dentist, think about why. Perhaps you are embarrassed about the condition of your teeth. If this is the case, you are probably also hiding your smile or talking less because of the speech difficulties associated with missing teeth. Rest assured that your dentist has seen it all and will not judge you for the condition of your teeth.

Further, tooth decay or rotting in your mouth may increase your risk of infection. If having problematic teeth removed and replaced with dentures is necessary, you should not let shame or humiliation prevent you from seeing the dentist. The dentist can put you at ease in the short term, and dentures can give you confidence and more self-esteem in the long term.

If you are worried about your dentures falling out, talk to your dentist about implant-supported dentures. With the dentures fixed in place, you won't have to remove them, and you will be able to eat even hard foods without concern. You do not need to fear situations you may have seen on TV commercials, where a person's teeth come out when biting into an apple.

Conclusion

Dentures should not be embarrassing. With modern techniques, they can have the opposite effect and eliminate the feeling that you need to hide gaps in your mouth. Improving your smile by having missing teeth replaced can increase your confidence and enhance the initial impression others have of you.

It takes courage to call the dentist and make an appointment to restore your pearly whites. However, it is well worth it for the benefits, and your dentist is trained to help you rather than shame you. Talk with your dentist about any concerns you might have, as well as your goals for improving your smile with dentures. They can help you choose the right approach for beautiful teeth and healthier life.

Request an appointment here: https://www.stratusdentalstudio.com or call Stratus Dental Studio at (630) 517-4304 for an appointment in our Carol Stream office.

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