Can I Get Dentures If I Haven't Had Teeth For A Long Time?

If you are missing most or all of your teeth for quite some time, you may finally be considering getting dentures to restore your smile. But what if it's too late? Can you still get dentures?

The short answer is yes!

There are several different kinds of dentures, and your denturist will work with you to decide which type best suits you and your needs. They will thoroughly evaluate your oral health to
determine which denture package will benefit you the most.

A significant concern for those who haven't had teeth for a long time is bone resorption, a process where your body believes that it no longer needs bone in that area due to a lack of stimulation. Physical stimuli strengthen our bones, and actions such as chewing and biting are essential for your jawbone's health. Bone resorption in the jaw not only changes the way you look but also affects whether it'll be able to support dentures.

The good news is that bone resorption can be slowed, and the earlier you visit your denturist, the better your results will be. The priority for patients missing all of their teeth is re-stimulating and preserving any remaining jawbone mass. This can be done using implant-support dentures. Dental implants are titanium screws inserted into the jawbone. Thanks to a process called osseointegration, the implants and the jawbone fuses together to mimic the functionality and stimulation of natural teeth.

Implant-supported dentures are often advised over traditional removable dentures due to their ability to re-stimulate the jawbone and stop resorption. In fact, dentures have been shown to contribute to bone loss as they transfer biting and chewing forces to the gums, not the jaw bone. As a result, dentures require frequent refittings to compensate for the gradual decrease in jawbone mass. In comparison, dental implants require few adjustments, last longer and provide more support than traditional dentures. They also look, feel and function just like natural teeth, meaning that you can eat whatever you desire without affecting your smile! Despite being the more expensive option, dental implants are an excellent long-term investment.

If you are missing teeth, you can avoid any long-term issues by visiting your denturist as soon as possible. Visit Hayven Dentures in St. Catharines today for the quality dentures that you deserve. Your new smile is only one call away. Book a consultation with us now!