Age Inquiry: Am I Too Young to Get Dentures?

Dentures have a long history of successfully rebuilding smiles, and remain a popular treatment today because of their versatility. Whether you’ve lost some or all of your natural teeth, your dentist can provide a lifelike restoration to rebuild your mouth’s appearance and function.

But some younger adults wonder whether they’re too young for this service. Continue reading to learn more about why you can safely set your concerns aside!

What is the Average Age for Getting Dentures?

Many people associate getting dentures with aging because tooth loss tends to affect older adults more frequently. For instance, did you know sources report that an estimated 1% to 2% of patients who are between 20 and 34 years old have lost all their teeth, compared to roughly 11% of those who are 65 to 74 years old and nearly 20% of those who are 75 or older.

Sources report that most patients get dentures between the ages of 40 and 50. But there are several causes of permanent tooth loss in adults, and they can potentially develop at any time during your life.

What Causes Tooth Loss in Adults?

Would you be surprised to learn that periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is listed as the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Although gingivitis, the earliest stage of this condition, can often be reversed with professional treatment and improved at-home dental hygiene, once it progresses, it can only be managed, not cured. Eventually, your connective tissues recede to escape the infection, which can result in tooth loss.

But that’s not the only potential reason you might need dentures. Severe tooth decay and physical trauma, like sustaining a blow to the face that knocks out a tooth, can also leave spaces in your smile.

Am I Too Young for Dentures?

You’re not alone if you’re worried that you’re too young to get one of these lifelike prosthetics. Some younger adults are embarrassed about their dental condition or worry that they will be judged for it or given a hard time regarding potential treatments.

But the truth is that most providers are more concerned with helping you build and maintain a healthy smile than they are with berating you for the gaps in your grin. They also understand that teeth can sometimes be lost due to circumstances beyond your control, and there are no age limits or restrictions on getting dentures.

Are Dentures Right for Me?

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be approved for dentures right away. Before proceeding, you must consult your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate. They’ll examine your teeth and gums and may take X-rays or other scans to help determine your jawbone strength and whether it can support one of these restorations.

Then, once they determine this treatment is the best option for you, they’ll take the next steps to provide you with a beautiful new set of teeth to replace the ones that went missing!

Meet the Author

Dr. Bob Koenitzer takes pride in helping improve his patient’s daily lives by enhancing their dental health. He graduated from the University of California at San Francisco, where he received several awards for clinical excellence and served as president for his class. Today, he offers a variety of services, including dentures, to help meet all your needs under one roof. His caring approach is combined with advanced technology for more comfortable, accurate treatment outcomes. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (707) 766-6666.