If you’re missing a tooth or two, getting dentures might seem like an attractive option. They’re cheaper than many other tooth replacement solutions like bridges and implants. They can also be taken out and cleaned at any time, eliminating the need to work around hardware during your oral hygiene routine.
You can get dentures at any age, but there are downsides to choosing them over other dental prosthetics. Unfortunately, these downsides get worse the longer you wear them. That makes it harder to recommend dentures to younger folks. To get a better idea of what we mean, let’s examine the impact of wearing dentures at three different life stages: in your 20s and 30s, in your 40s and 50s, and in your 60s.
20s and 30s
There’s a reason why most people in their 20s and 30s choose to delay getting dentures. Not only is there some social stigma attached to the idea, but it may also make you look older than you really are.
Standard dentures can’t stimulate the jawbone they’re sitting on the way natural teeth or an implant would. This means that the affected part of the jawbone will start to degrade much sooner than it should.
You’ll lose some of the vertical space in the lower part of your face, creating a sunken look that ages you even in the absence of fine lines and wrinkles. This problem gets worse and worse each year, eventually degrading the jawbone so severely that it can’t even support dentures anymore.
If a person who begins wearing dentures in their 20s lives to 80, they’re almost guaranteed to spend a few decades of their life with no teeth and limited options to address the problem. For this reason, people this age should consider alternative tooth replacement options whenever possible.
40s and 50s
By your 40s and 50s, your smile is probably starting to show its age. It’s not uncommon for people in this age range to be missing several teeth. Some people may have early signs of jawbone loss.
This is the earliest age at which most dentists would recommend getting dentures. Since bone loss starts around this time anyway, the extra loss caused by dentures is less noticeable. It’ll still change your face shape, though, so it’s not an easy decision. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons to figure out whether the trade-off is worth it for you.
60s and Up
By the time you’ve reached your 60s, most of your adult teeth have been around for more than five decades. Most Canadians have at least one missing tooth at this age, and many have no teeth left at all. Even those who still have all their teeth intact have lost some of their jawbone through the natural aging process.
This is the perfect age to start wearing dentures. People this age can still benefit from implants and bridges, but you’re not sacrificing much by opting for dentures instead. Your jawbone will only degrade a little faster than folks your age with natural teeth or implants. You won’t look prematurely aged, and you’ll have an easier time keeping your prosthetics clean even with limited dexterity.
Get Expert Guidance on Your Denture Dilemma
No matter what age you are, only you know whether dentures are the right choice for you. The Ouellette Family Dental team is here to help you feel confident in your decision. We’ll examine your teeth and gums, take X-rays to check your jawbone density, and give you professional guidance regarding your options. Contact us today to book your dental exam and get the insight you need to move forward.
