Is It Too Late for Dentures After Missing Teeth for a While?

Tooth loss can cause trouble for anyone who’s experienced it. It can make it harder for you to dig into your favorite foods or feel confident smiling. If it’s been a while since, you might be finally ready to get dentures. They have many benefits that you can enjoy, but is it too late to get them if it’s been years? Keep reading to learn how you may still be able to get this prosthetic.

What Happens When You Are Missing Teeth?

When you are missing teeth, you’ll eventually experience bone loss. This can cause your jawbone to shrink and become a bit weakened. Over time, you might develop wrinkles or sunken cheeks. This happens because your jaw isn’t getting the stimulation it needs, so your body starts to reabsorb it to use those minerals elsewhere. However, by getting a tooth replacement option, you can preserve your jawbone.

So, Can I Get Dentures After Missing Teeth for a While?

The good news is that you can still likely get dentures! In fact, they can help slow down the bone resorption. When you wear your prosthetic properly and consistently, it’ll give some stimulation, preserving it much more than not having any at all! Not only that, but you’ll have an easier time digging into your favorite foods. With the full smile you deserve, you can feel more confident showing off your grin.

How Can I Prevent Jawbone Loss?

While you can preserve your jawbone with dentures, it’s important to take good care of them. Be sure to remove them during the night; if you wear them 24/7, then it can actually have the opposite effect. Additionally, learn how they should fit. When they start to become loose instead of snug and comfortable, get them relined by your dentist.

Although your prosthetic can help keep your jaw strong, there is a way that you can prevent bone loss. By attaching it to dental implants, it gives stimulation like natural tooth roots. For this treatment, posts are placed into your jawbone, and your dentures attach to them. You’ll be able to enjoy a much more stable bite as well.

However, not everyone is a candidate right away. If you’re missing teeth for a while, you may need a bone graft to reinforce your jaw. But many who don’t qualify for them do qualify for all-on-4 implants, which are placed in the naturally thicker parts of your jawbone. Regardless of what route you choose, you’ll be able to have a full smile that you deserve.

About the Author

Dr. John Moneyhun earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at MUSC. He is happy to help the Landrum community get the best grins by replacing missing teeth with dentures, dental implants, or both. By ensuring your prosthetic is made out of high-quality materials, you can trust that it feels and looks natural. If you want to learn how you can benefit from this tooth replacement option, schedule an appointment or call his office at (864) 800-1691.