Wearing Dentures When You're Young: Three Worries To Ignore

Dentures are an oral enhancement most often thought to be reserved for more senior patients. The reality is, however, that a person can get dentures in their younger years, and, in fact, there are young people wearing dentures every day. If your dentist has recommended this enhancement to you, it's for good reason. 

Everyone Will Notice

The biggest concern many younger people have is that everyone will notice the difference in their appearance. Whether it's a coworker they talk to at lunch or the barista at a nearby coffee shop, every person that looks at their teeth will realize they have dentures. 

Wearing well-fitting dentures is the best way to eliminate this concern. If the dentures are too large or too small, you might hold your lips in an unnatural position, or your face might look slightly sunken in. However, a pair of well-fitting dentures will resemble natural teeth. 

Speech Will Change

Another worry is that your speech will change. In your younger years, you're probably in the height of your career and still have an active social life, so good communication is important. Do some people experience a change in their speech with dentures — yes. However, the change is only temporary. 

Talking clearly with dentures take a little practice. It's a good idea to talk as much as you can when you first get your dentures, even if it's just reading aloud at home. Additionally, even a properly fitting pair of dentures can shift if the adhesive is not applied correctly. Any shifting will lead to speaking difficulties, so make sure you apply the adhesive correctly.  

Confidence Will Suffer

For some people, it's not about what they look like, as much as it is about how they feel, in terms of confidence. As a result, the idea of wearing dentures seems like a major confidence killer, as you might feel like something is wrong with you because you have to wear them at such a young age.

You should not have this worry. In many instances, people who wear dentures have had some sort of preexisting oral health issue, such as missing teeth or significant cavities, which can affect the appearance of your smile. Dentures restore the beauty of your smile and will likely make you feel better about yourself than you did before. 

A dentist will always choose the option that is going to be the best solution and fit for their patients, regardless of stereotypes. Dentures are designed to help resolve a number of oral health issues, regardless of age. For more information, reach out to a dentist like Tony Parsley, DMD.