Sometimes it is necessary for young people to get dentures to replace most or all of their teeth. While many people regard denture-wearing as something that occurs as people get older, tooth loss can happen at any age.
There are no age restrictions on dentures. If you are missing your natural teeth, dentures can give you back your smile. They do more than help restore your natural appearance, though. They support facial muscles that otherwise sag without teeth in place, making you look older. Dentures also make it easier to speak and, of course, to eat.
If you are young and need dentures, you are not alone. Among the most common causes of tooth loss are poor oral hygiene habits and lack of professional dental care in childhood. These factors can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. However, there are other reasons young people lose teeth:
If necessary, children can start wearing dentures in preschool. It may seem early, but children with premature tooth loss can benefit from them. Some of the ways dentures help young people include the following.
The teeth are critical for communication. People use their teeth, lips, and tongue to control the airflow out of the mouth to form words. Childhood is a difficult time to learn how to communicate. Not having teeth can make speech much worse. When you have missing teeth, your words may sound incorrect. It can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. At a critical time when children are developing language skills, dentures can help them communicate more effectively.
Young people need a healthy diet. Digestion begins in the mouth with chewing, and dentures can make it possible to eat raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other healthy foods required for growth.
After you receive your dentures, start slowly. Denture wearers do have to acclimate to the new teeth. Chew slowly and evenly at first; you may want to cut your food into small pieces until you become more confident with your ability to chew completely. Dentures do come with mild soreness at first, but over time, the soreness disappears.
Without teeth, the lower half of the face begins to change. Jawbones start to shrink, and your face appears shorter than before. As the bone shrinks, it can also cause the bone to rotate forward. Kids between the age of 14 to 16 and again from 16 to 20 have significant mandibular growth. Teeth help stimulate the jaw to help it grow and regenerate. Dentures can help support the mouth structure as children grow.
Children and teens naturally want to fit in and look like their peers. Dentures can give them a smile to be proud of, increasing their self-confidence.
Tooth loss causes jaws to overclose and cheeks to sink in, making a young person look older. Wrinkles may begin to form on the cheeks and face, causing you to look older than you are. In addition, teeth preserve the shape around the mouth's corners. Without dentures, you may look angry or upset at all times. Likewise, the expression can lead to frown lines.
Jawbone loss causes weak muscle ligaments. The weak ligaments cause the face to sag. Dentures support facial structure and help create a regular appearance for the age of the wearer.
If you feel like you are too young for dentures, keep in mind that many other children, teenagers, and young adults wear them, too. You can have dentures that look like your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful smile. They can also enhance growth and speech development by helping you eat healthy foods, support your jaw structure, and use proper speech patterns. There is a learning curve when you get dentures, and it may take some time to get used to them. However, you will look and feel great about your oral health — and, of course, your smile.
Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dentures and Partial Dentures in Honolulu, HI.
Getting dentures is somewhat intimidating. Dentures are artificial teeth that replace permanent teeth to improve oral health, allow for efficient chewing and make it that much easier to speak. If your dentist suggests dentures, do not panic. Your dentist will help you select the perfect dentures for your nuanced mouth.Everything from the look of the…
There are several inexpensive options for replacing missing teeth that provide full functionality and a natural appearance. Too many people avoid asking the dentist about their options out of fear that replacing a tooth will cost too much money. While everyone's budget is different, with numerous options to choose from, it is far more likely…
Implant supported dentistry has changed the face of how we deal with tooth loss and continues to revolutionize the role that dental prosthetics play in supporting tooth replacement. Given that tooth loss is as old as man, and quite common due to age, diseases, or accidents, this meant that a large segment of the population…
A dental implant is a fantastic option to replace a lost tooth. With dental implants, you can get a smile full of permanent, perfect teeth. They are a great option for anyone who needs to restore their smile—and their confidence.Dental implants look just like normal teeth, and can easily last a lifetime with proper care.…
When a patient is trying to find a dentist, there are specific questions that can help narrow down the search and match the patient to the right provider. You may be searching for a new dentist in the same town, or perhaps there is an urgent need to find a dentist after a move to…
Anyone who moves to a new town must find a dentist as soon as possible to continue the maintenance necessary for a healthy mouth. Taking time to research the options available through various sources can ensure a long-term relationship with a knowledgeable dental professional.The steps for finding dental services are similar to those necessary for…