I'm 53 yrs old. I have worn upper dentures for 30 yrs. I use to have a beautiful smile but now my gums have receded. (photo)

Question

When I talk it appears that i have no upper teeth. This just happened over the past 5 years. I have worn dentures since I was in my early twenties. I keep them in all the time. Even when sleeping. I only take them out when I brush and clean them every day. Can you suggest something that can reverse the receding or can a new denture with more gum perhaps help?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

When gums recede, it is due to bone receding.  A lack of bone means less denture stability.  You may get a better "look" from a new denture with more pink acrylic, but function may be less predictable.  Implants may be your best option.

Richard Champagne, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Since you have been wearing a denture for such a long time and you rarely take  your dentures out, it is very likely that your upper jaw bone  is not  as high as it used to be. This will cause your denture to seat further up and give the appearance of having shorter teeth, or no teeth at all. So long as you still have sufficient jawbone  for a denture to maintain a good grip, then a simple and relatively inexpensive solution would be to make a new denture that is thicker so you will once again show teeth when you speak and smile. If you have difficulty keeping your denture in place, then you may want to consider dental implants to support your new denture.I hope you have as information to be helpful,Dr. Champagne

Gary Braunstein, DDS · Answer

After teeth are removed, there is nothing to stimulate the bone.   So you have experienced what happens to people that have lost all of their teeth and wear dentures...bone loss, which continues year after year.  The only way to stop bone loss is to have implants placed that will stimulate the bone around them and not allow the continuation of bone loss that you have had while wearing dentures since you were in your early twenties.  Since you are now 53 years old, if you only have a new denture made, it can restore your appearance, but the bone under the tissue that supports your denture will continue to be lost, and gradually your appearance will again be what it is today, except with alot less bone support.  The best recommendation I could make for you is to look into dental implants and have them placed in conjunction with a new denture or even possibly teeth anchored by implants that you do not have to remove! The implants will stimulate your bone and stop the bone loss that has been occurring for 30 years.    Implants are expensive, but very worth it in the long run for both your health wellness physically and emotionally. Many people believe they cannot afford implants, but financial  plans are available that allow people to make low monthly payments over several years similar to car payments.  You are only 53 years old....if your long term appearance and health are important to you, investing in yourself could be the best investment you ever make.   Good luck!

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

If you want to solve this , all on 4 from Nobelbiocare can be your solution ,even if you do not have much bone the implant setting of this technique will make those teeth strong and more with a higher layout of your smile ,its done within a couple of days and you will have great results, if you want something screwretained,there are also other options like snapindenturesthar are strong but removable .but yes you have a solution.

I'm 53 yrs old. I have worn upper dentures for 30 yrs. I use to have a beautiful smile but now my gums have receded. (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: All on 4

Answer: All on 4

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I'm 53 yrs old. I have worn upper dentures for 30 yrs. I use to have a beautiful smile but now my gums have receded. (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: All on 4

Answer: All on 4

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.