As you get older, it’s common to experience dental issues that require you to use dentures on a daily basis. Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, and can be highly beneficial for people who have lost many or all of their teeth, regardless of the reason. While it might seem like dentures or denture adhesive are high-maintenance and a hassle to use, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, dentures can help improve your quality of life and, depending on your situation, could be well worth the extra cost and effort. If you find yourself in any one of these four situations, getting dentures could be the right move for you.

1. Trouble Speaking or Chewing

Since we use our teeth all the time to eat and speak, problems with speaking properly or being able to chew certain types of food might be best fixed with a set of dentures. Especially if you’re missing front teeth, it may be tough to pronounce certain sounds and words, which could potentially impact your ability to communicate and be understood. Additionally, not being able to eat certain types of foods could take both a physical and psychological toll. To maintain these important oral functions, dentures could be a good option.

2. Tooth Loss or Decay

If you’ve lost some of your natural teeth or have some that are in advanced stages of decay, getting dentures could be your best bet at restoring your oral abilities. Signs of decay include frequent toothaches or gum issues like swelling and bleeding. If you don’t visit the dentist for regular check-ups every six months or so, you could be at additional risk for letting decay go undetected. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to assess the state of your natural teeth and whether dentures are right for you.

3. Self-Confidence Issues

If you find yourself hiding your smile because you’re ashamed of your damaged or missing teeth, getting dentures could make a world of difference to your overall self-confidence. In fact, most denture wearers self-report smiling a lot more ater getting their dentures in! If it’s been a while since you’ve smiled without feeling self-conscious, this could be a life-changing move for you.

4. Facial Sagging

This is perhaps a surprising reason to get dentures, but teeth affect the shape of your face, which dentures can help restore. If you’re missing certain teeth, your facial contour might appear more hollow than usual, and your facial muscles could start to sag. Simply wearing dentures can instantly help improve the look of your facial features, letting you feel like yourself again. With a little usage and practice, the dentures will feel like second nature.

As you age, it’s not uncommon to experience tooth loss or decay and require dentures for everyday wear. While they might seem like a hassle, they don’t have to be. In fact, the benefits of wearing dentures could make the effort well worth it! If you fit one of these four descriptions, consider talking to your dentist or orthodontist about getting dentures. It could help improve your quality of life in the long run!