My husband and I never went to the dentist. I don’t know why. It was just something we let slip in our early years of marriage and never got a clue that it would be important. My gums started bleeding. My husband suggested I see a dentist. I was a little embarrassed telling them I hadn’t been in many years. They were very nice, even though I’m sure they had to be judging me a bit. They said they can try to save my teeth but the gum disease is very advanced. They told me I’d need to come often for treatments to heal my gums. I asked what would happen if they couldn’t save them. They told me about both dental implants and dentures and something in between called implant dentures. Dentures were by far the cheapest. I told the dentist I think I’d prefer the dentures. He said they would cause me to have an ugly smile. Is that true? How?
Maycie
Dear Maycie,
I’m very sorry. This must be a distressing time for you. I can’t be positive what your dentist meant by an ugly smile, but I can think of two possibilities. One is cosmetic. The other medical. We’ll start with the cosmetic.
Dentures Can Be Beautiful
Depending on skill of the cosmetic dentist, your dentures can be made to look as stunning as a celebrity’s smile. You’ll want to make sure the dentist who does them has the right training and artistry. If at all possible look for a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. AACD accredited cosmetic dentists have passed both oral and written examinations on their technical knowledge. Additionally, they’ve had to demonstrate their artistry with a series of cases they’ve done themselves. So, if he’s saying you can’t get a beautiful smile with dentures. What he’s actually saying is you can’t get a beautiful smile which he does with dentures.
Dentures Carry the Risk of Facial Collapse
When your teeth are removed, your body begins to reabsorb the minerals in your jawbone. After about ten or more years you don’t have enough of a jawbone left to retain your dentures. This condition is known as “Facial Collapse”. Even if you tried to build a new denture, it wouldn’t stay. This is what often gives older people the crushed in look on their mouth and jaw. It’s also why they have trouble keeping their dentures in their mouth.
Either of those could be what he meant by an “ugly smile”.
Yes, dentures are the least expensive. but depending on your age they could be devastating to your jaw and health. Once you can’t wear a denture anymore it will be quite challenging to eat. The best solution is to get dental implants. They’re expensive, but you could start with as few as two implants which attach to your dentures and get more as you’re able. It’s better than nothing. Obviously, the more implants you have, the better for your jaw.
This blog is brought to you by Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.