Facing The Loss Of Your Natural Teeth? Overdentures Can Help You Keep That Natural Look
For many people, getting dentures is a normal part of growing older. According to the CDC, around 25% of Americans over the age of 60 no longer have any of their original teeth. Of course, losing your teeth no longer means having a gummy smile and eating soft foods for the rest of your life; dentures mean that losing your natural teeth can still leave you with an attractive smile.
But if you want your new smile to look its best, there are some downsides to traditional dentures as well. They can be prone to slipping, especially if they are not checked and refitted periodically. It's very embarrassing to try to talk to someone and have your teeth slide around in your mouth. This is especially problematic for lower dentures, which are subject to pressure from your tongue.
If you're facing the loss of your natural teeth, discuss the possibility of overdentures – dentures that are anchored in place, usually with implants – as well as traditional dentures with your dentist. They have a number of advantages when it comes to a natural and healthy smile.
Increased Stability Of Dentures
You no longer have to worry about your dentures slipping out of place when you smile or talk if your dentures are anchored to your jaw. Eating is also easier with this increased stability. Beyond the cosmetic effect of saving you embarrassment at meals, this added ease of eating can actually keep you healthier, as you won't have to restrict your diet to keep your teeth in.
Clearer Speech
Dentures that slip can make it difficult to talk. In addition, dentures that have shifted even slightly out of place can cause whistling when you speak or give you an added lisp. Overdentures that are anchored in place will prevent these problems, meaning you don't have to worry that your voice will give away your lack of natural teeth.
Reduced Bone Loss In Jaws
Perhaps the biggest advantage of overdentures is that they help to prevent bone loss in your jaws. The bony material there reacts to the presence of the roots of your teeth, and once your teeth are removed, it thins as reabsorption outpaces the growth of new material. You may have noticed older people whose cheeks seem to have sunken in or whose jaws look compressed; this is often caused by bone loss in the face.
The implant posts used in overdentures act like the roots of teeth, and your jawbone responds to them the same way. That means that implant posts help preserve the structure of your face by keeping your jawbones strong and healthy – and preventing the structure of your face from deteriorating helps you look younger and healthier as well.
For more information, contact Advanced Dental Professionals or a similar organization.