Dentures have been around in some form for about as long as the practice of dentistry itself. The earliest versions of dental prosthetics were designed with everything from human and animal teeth to ivory and wood. (Fun fact: While George Washington did wear several sets of dentures throughout his lifetime, none of them was made of wood.)
Not only are modern dentures more comfortable, functional, and natural-looking than ever, but they’re also a good dental replacement option for anyone suffering from tooth loss, regardless of age.
At Haider Family Dentistry, our dentist Dr. Jeremy Haider and our dental team offer general and cosmetic dentistry services for the entire family at our office in Salem, Oregon. If you’ve lost teeth and you’re wondering if you should be considering dentures, here’s what you need to know.
The problem of missing teeth
Even with better dental technology and access to preventive care than ever, tooth loss is still a common problem for Americans. Approximately 178 million American adults are missing at least one tooth, and as many as 40 million are missing all of their natural teeth.
Factors like periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay are among the main culprits of tooth loss, and adults over age 65 tend to be more vulnerable to gum disease. However, tooth loss can — and does — happen at any age, and even a few missing teeth can have a negative effect on your oral and general health.
If you’re at risk for or have already lost some of your natural teeth, you’re ready for dentures. The longer you wait to see the dentist and replace missing teeth, the greater your risk for problems like gum recession, bone loss, tooth decay, shifting teeth, malnutrition, slurred speech, and the social and professional stigma associated with missing teeth.
In addition to the oral and general health issues caused by tooth loss, the cosmetic side effects can also impact your quality of life. Dentures are custom-designed to look as natural as possible, and the right pair can also make your smile look better than ever.
Are dentures right for you?
Dentures improve the form and function of a smile that’s missing teeth. There are several types of dentures available for partial or full tooth loss. Immediate dentures are a temporary pair that you can use while you wait for your permanent pair to be ready.
For more information about dentures and whether they’re a good option for you, contact Haider Family Dentistry by calling 503-455-4832 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haider at our office in Salem, Oregon. You can also request an appointment online.