Dentures: Facts, Figures and Friendly Advice for Seniors

When You're Daunted by Dentures: What to Expect When Getting Full Dentures at a Young Age

21 March 2017

Herman Kim

Being told that you may need full dentures when you are still relatively young can leave you feeling fearful about what your future might hold. After all, aren't dentures for older people? Well, no, the truth is they're not—that may have been the case 30 years ago, but nowadays, more and more young people are taking the denture plunge. In fact, according to the Guinness book of records, the youngest ever person to receive a full set of dentures was a three year-old named Daniel Sanchez-Ruiz, in the UK, in 2005.

In addition, nearly a million people from the age of 16-44 have dentures or false teeth in the UK today. As far as dentures are concerned, age is nothing but a number. Not only that but as a young person with dentures, there are now a wealth of online forums and websites where you can meet other young denture-wearers like yourself and share your experiences, while supporting one another.

You probably have lots of questions too, and this article will attempt to provide the answers to those questions.

Can I still eat tough foods like steak and popcorn?

At first, no, because your gums will still be sore due to the recent extraction of your teeth. You will also need to wait 6-8 weeks for your extraction sites to heal fully before your permanent dentures can be placed.

During this time, you can opt to wear a temporary denture or simply go without teeth while your gums heal. Either way, until your gums have healed, you should avoid tough foods like apples and steak.

However, once healing has occurred, you will be able to eat things like steak, but you may struggle with chewy foods like toffee as they pull your dentures out of place.

Will people be able to tell that I have false teeth?

Most people won't be able to tell that you are wearing dentures. They'll simply believe that you have good teeth. However, other denture wearers or people familiar with dental work may notice and may even compliment you on your new dentures.

Does it hurt when you first get them?

Yes, your gums will be sore while they heal after the extraction process. During this time, you will only be able to eat soups or soft foods.

How does the dentist remove all your teeth for full dentures?

First, the dentist will anaesthetize the area, after which they will need to loosen the tooth in its socket. They do this by using what is called an "elevator" to lever the tooth until the surrounding bone, which is spongy, gives way making it easier to extract the tooth.

After that, they may use some extraction forceps to pull the tooth out.

How long do dentures last?

You should aim to replace your dentures every 5-7 years, however, if you take excellent care of them, they may last even longer than that.

Can you sleep with them in?

You should only sleep with your dentures for the first night after getting them, to allow them to act as a bandage for your healing gums. However, after the first night, you should take them out before bed to allow your gums to recover from the pressure, and to expose them to the beneficial antibacterial properties of your saliva.

If I kiss the opposite sex, will they know I have dentures?

It is possible that a partner will discover that you are wearing dentures via kissing as they may encounter your denture plate whilst kissing you. However, if your partner cares for or loves you, your denture shouldn't be something that puts them off.

If you are young and considering dentures because your natural teeth are causing you pain and discomfort on a daily basis, think about what it might be like to no longer have to suffer tooth infections, toothaches and abscesses. You may even find that you can eat more comfortably with dentures than with your currently damaged teeth. 

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