If you’re a young adult who has recently found out you need to get dentures, you may be dealing with a variety of mixed emotions. The appointments leading up to this recommendation can be emotionally draining, and you may feel incredibly defeated. It isn’t uncommon for young denture patients to feel self-conscious or unsure through the process.
However, while you may feel too young for this dental prosthetic, it can be a wonderful investment in your overall well-being. Dentures provide patients with a variety of benefits, both functionally and aesthetically. If your dentist has recently suggested that you get dentures, keep reading to learn more about how this can benefit your overall health and well-being.
The Stigma of Dentures for Young Adults
When you think about the patients who get dentures, you might think about older individuals. However, while there are many older denture patients, they aren’t the only ones who benefit from these prosthetics. Many younger patients can also benefit from this addition. But, there is still a stigma associated with this procedure for younger patients.
Tooth decay, dental injury, and illness that leads to tooth loss aren’t exclusive to older dental patients. Anyone can experience these problems, leading to the need for partial or full dentures. While you may be self-conscious about your need for dentures, you shouldn’t be ashamed of doing what is best for your oral health.
Ultimately, the benefits you receive from this prosthetic should far outweigh any concerns you may have about appearance or social perception. If there is no shame in older dental patients undergoing this dental service, you also shouldn’t feel shame in making this decision for yourself.
Choosing to get dentures as a young adult can be a difficult decision to make. However, you can trust that by heeding the advice of your dental team, you are doing what is best, not only for your oral health but for your overall happiness and well-being.
How Your Oral Health Improves When You Get Dentures
There are many benefits to choosing to get dentures, especially for those who have spent years dealing with oral health ailments. Some of the ways your oral health can improve by making this decision include:
- Improved Chewing: When you get dentures, you can regain full chewing functionality, promoting better digestion and overall nutrition.
- Prevent Bone Loss: Dentures provide support for your jawbone, helping to prevent the bone deterioration that can occur when teeth are missing.
- Reduced Gum Irritation: Missing teeth can lead to gum irritation or sores. When you get dentures, they will cover and protect your gums, reducing overall irritation.
- Protection of Surrounding Teeth: Replacing missing teeth with dentures reduces the risk of gum disease and other oral infections by promoting oral cleanliness.
Addressing Smile Aesthetics and Mental Health
Many dental patients who reach out to their dentist about cosmetic dental services are doing so because of insecurities they’re experiencing about their smile. A 2019 survey found that, of 2,000 people surveyed, 59% of them experienced insecurity about their teeth or smile. This insecurity can quickly evolve into decreased confidence, self-esteem, and well-being.
As this insecurity grows, you may find yourself pulling away from loved ones, which can lead to the development of social anxiety and self-isolation. These symptoms often act as a never-ending loop, compounding on top of one another before you’ve fully isolated yourself from your friends and family.
While you may feel too young to get dentures, it is important to remember how this can boost your everyday confidence. By improving the appearance of your smile, you can focus on the people around you and the memories you’re making instead of worrying about how your smile appears to others. If you’ve experienced smile insecurity and your dentist recommends getting dentures, this is a great step towards improving your mental health.
The Improvement of Modern Dentures
When you think of dentures, you might think of large, clunky prosthetics or devices that are difficult to install comfortably. However, as dental technologies have advanced, dentures have gone from bulky and uncomfortable devices to feather-light, natural-looking prosthetics. Modern dentures are designed using high-quality materials that mimic the color and shape of real teeth.
Each set is carefully crafted to fit your mouth perfectly, providing a snug fit that reduces slipping and discomfort. Additionally, the gum portion of dentures is often tinted to match your natural gum color, enhancing the realistic appearance. Whether you need full or partial dentures, the modern versions allow you to smile confidently without worrying about an artificial look.
Tips for Young Adults Adjusting to New Dentures
If you choose to get dentures, it can be difficult to make this transition. However, there are a few things you can do to make this transition easier for yourself. Some tips for adjusting to new dentures include:
- Start with soft foods
- Practice speaking
- Use denture adhesive
- Be gentle with your gums
- Stay hydrated
- Keep your dentures clean
- Attend follow-up appointments with your dentist
Your Denture Expert in Bismarck, ND
Whether you need partial or full dentures, our team at Bismarck Advanced Dental is here to help. With years of experience helping patients across the area make this transition, we’re confident we can do the same for you as well. No matter what dental journey you’re going through, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
If you are ready to make this transition or if you have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.