so ashamed of teeth!

Bless you ll for your replies/advice, I feel so much more normal for realising that lots of you have similar troubles. For years I have been looking at other peoples gnashers with envy!
Regarding the day after denture this is because the missing teeth will be going on the partial denture I already have. My dentist wants me to wait six months for new dentures because of natural shrinkage. The deed is being done on weds, I will tell you how it goes,
Once again thank you gnsnetters.

I'm not even 60 but have lost about half a dozen teeth due to smoking . I had a denture for a while, for the two front teeth, but couldn't stand it so got implants. Then when I needed implants for my rear lower molars I didn't have enough bone left, so they had to reposition the nerve on the outside of the jaw bone to allow them to drill the posts into what was left.
I still get a numb chin from that (3 years ago), but at least it stopped me smoking. However all the money I used to spend on fags now goes on implants!
I brought up DD to always brush her teeth twice a day (which I never did as a child) and she's never had so much as a filling in her life. Unfortunately she's not passing on this good habit to DGS, so I have to hover over him when he comes to stay to try and instil it in him.

Yes, I agree with Katyk. I was not encouraged to look after my teeth as a child. Consequently, I had a lot of them extracted when I was a young girl. I felt terribly embarrassed when going through puberty, and to this day (I am 70) I still feel embarrassed about my teeth and don't disclose to anyone that I have a partial plate, some crowns and a few of my own. Whereas long ago it was acceptable to have dentures, now it seems to be frowned on. Only my immediate family know. Having to have most of my teeth out at such a young age has left me with low self esteem all throughout my life and I will never forgive my stepmother for failing me.

My dentist takes the impressions at 9am, they are picked by someone from the laboratory at 9.30. Then fitted at a 4pm appointment.

Anyone with ill fitting or uncomfortable dentures needs to get right back to their dentist. The problem is for the dentist and the laboratory to sort, and to keep sorting until they get it right. I have returned on occasion and my dentist made it comfortable in moments.

The enamel wore off my front teeth when I was 17 & I had first crowns then a denture as the crowns wouldn't stay put. The roof of my mouth is very shallow so the denture had to be held in place with wire loops, which was fine initially but pushed the gums back, so I got gum disease and lost the remaining top teeth when I was in my forties (I'm 67 now).

Because of the shallow roof there was always a problem with them moving when I tried to chew and eventually, when they became available, I had implants - they cost a small fortune but I was working then and had no dependents. Things were wonderful for a few years but last year the implants, which had been giving problems, finally failed.

For various reasons I have had to wait nearly a year (with no top teeth) to have the implants taken out, now I have a 3 month wait before I can be fitted with a denture - which I know will probably not stay in place anyway!

The message of this is, don't worry about how you look - no-one except your close friends and family will notice anyway - just be thankful it's only for a day! As you will gather from all these supportive posts, lots of people - more than you would guess - have false teeth by the time they are in their sixties so there's no need to be embarrassed. The worst thing really is not being able to chew - I could murder for steak and salad and a jacket baked potato!

I have lost a tooth from my dentures and need to leave the denture at the dentist for 24hours......not sure which is worse...toothless or teethless....so I know exactly where you are. I will do it for sure next week and think of you while I am 'gummy'!

I have been ashamed and embarrassed that I have worn full dentures since the age of 11 all my life. I'm not sure why I have been so ashamed. It was not my fault, but the fault of my parents. It's not the norm for a child and I wanted to be like everyone else which I wasn't.

Hello, I don't post very much but I love reading the posts, and this has really struck a chord with me. I am 62 and my teeth are a disaster. I didn't look after them in my youth, and have had many extractions over the years (thankfully at the back of my mouth) Now I have to decide what to do next as my remaining teeth are becoming loose under the strain, and. I won't be able to chew if this goes on - thank goodness I'm a veggie!

Anyway, I have been contemplating dentures but the dentist has been quite off putting, saying most people don't wear them. I have thought about implants but the cost is prohibitive for the number of implants I'd need (and I've heard about dental tourism but I don't think I could face the actual procedures. I have heard that a metal plate to dentures is more comfortable - does anyone have any experience of these and these issues? I am like that Pam Ayres song "I wish I'd looked after me teeth".

And why are we so embarrassed and ashamed to talk about this particular issue?

Thanks,*shabby*, that is really helpful. I'll ask my Dentist about it.
She is fairly recently qualified, and very open to new ideas.

joannapiano My dentist offers iTero Digital impression but it is a private dentist - not sure if you can get this on the NHS but it eliminate the need to have impressions made using 'putty'. iTero is a revolutionary new technique, which is used to create dental impressions. iTero technology uses digital 3D images of the patient’s mouth, rather than dental trays and putty and can be used to create a range of different dental devices. The technology ensures that impressions are extremely accurate and eliminates the need for re-appointment. Dentists are often required to create impressions of patient’s teeth on a regular basis, with the success of many different treatments and devices dependent on a well appointed, accurate impression. The current way of taking impressions involves the use of dental putty; the process can be difficult to get right, it can be inaccurate and it can also be very uncomfortable for patients. iTero technology is set to revolutionise the way dentists create dental impressions. The new technique will reduce time in the dentist’s chair, improve accuracy, reduce mess and eliminate the need for further appointments.

No shame, fillygumbo. I'm 64 too and my teeth seem to be going one by one, causing a lot of trouble. I still have all my front teeth thankfully. I had a denture made, but it hurts too much and I just can't get used to the palate. Thinking very hard about getting a flexible denture made of Valplast. Has anyone tried it?

I think anything in your mouth can feel like such an invasion. I don't have any tips joannapiano but I bet someone can help.

My mother had all her teeth out as a present when she was 30. What a change in attitude! Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I am sure it takes some of the trepidation out.

I had two teeth out back in January, and now need a small denture. I have been putting off going back to the Dentist, for the simple reason that having an impression made with that awful blue playdough stuff, makes me retch and feel I'm going to suffocate.
Any tips to overcome this, anyone?

Currently, dental provision for housebound people is sadly lacking but people with dentures can at least have them replaced fairly easily if the service is funded in their area.

And my mother at 26. Had dentures all her life now 97

NHS dentures should not be badly fitting! If they are, the dentist is not doing the impressions etc correctly. It might be worth paying to have 'private' teeth to get the colour right. Older dentists are probably a better bet for dentures as they will have had more experience in making them.

Immediate dentures will probably need replacing after 6 months or so but a reline might be all that is needed.

It isn't so long ago that people opted to have their teeth removed and dentures fitted as the cost of on-going dental treatment was such a lot - my grandfather had that done when he was 21.

I know exactly how you feel. I had a tooth infection which started three weeks ago; whilst on holiday it was so painful I had to visit an emergency dentist and have the tooth extracted and then again as I had a dry socket (which was worse than the original pain). I am now suffering from nerve pain and waiting to see if it heals . If not, I have to see a neurologist! My remaining teeth are crumbling from being filled over, and over and I feel it is only a matter of time before I have to face the reality of having dentures. I am resigned to this but am afraid that , as people on here have stated, that NHS dentures are sometimes badly fitting and look awful. Good luck with your new teeth filly, I hope it all goes well for you.

I see no reason to feel ashamed about having problem teeth and needing a denture. I am sure it will all go swimmingly and you will soon be smiling and enjoying your new gnashers.

The image of wizened old ladies with their teeth in a glass by the bed is very old hat - implants and dentures are common in all ages.

I too had a partial denture in my teens, after horrendous dental treatment and not looking after them when I was young. I struggled on for years with the partial and gradually deteriorating teeth. When I was late 30's finally I decided enough was enough and bit the bullet by then my teeth were awful and the dentist agreed with me that full dentures would be the answer, the actual treatment was done over 3 visits removing the side teeth first and they she made impressions of my mouth, then as she removed the front teeth she fitted an immediate denture the whole thing was much less traumatic than I had anticipated.
The immediate denture needed replacing after a few months when my gums settled down and shrank back, I had NHS ones at first but if you can afford it I would recommend having a private dentures made they look much nicer and fit better.. good luck and don't worry about being without teeth for a day or two , seriously no one will probably notice anyway. Only my close family/friends know I have dentures no need to be ashamed , dental phobia is more common than you know.

I have had full dentures for a long time and still don't like talking about it. When people discuss visits to the dentist I usually opt out and pretend I have a phobia, only really close friends know the truth. Well done for raising the subject fg. Thanks. Can I also ask anyone who is having trouble with teeth crumbling to ask their doctor about having a bone scan? Osteoporosis is sometimes indicated, particularly if there is a family history. I started treatment in my 50s and am now on a drug holiday because my bones are much stronger.

fillygumbo

My heart goes out to you and I have posted on here quite recently about having a wisdom and another tooth out and another extraction on Tuesday.

I've always looked after my teeth but the dentist says it's just one of those things that happen as we grow older. My problems are caused by teeth grinding and lots of fillings and refillings which are giving up now.

You're doing the right thing. My mil had awful teeth and never went to the dentist and unfortunately she passed on the fear to my OH who suffered appalling tooth ache in later years and lived on painkillers.

Well done fillygumbo for bringing up this subject. I really do feel for you with the dentist bit but I hope your new teeth will be a great improvement for you.

We have had so many subjects on here that we tend not to discuss in "real" life and every time they have come up I have found them really useful. I know I am heading for at least a partial denture and, like you, I feel very aware of how that might be seen. Reading these posts has made me ask if the truth is much more likely to be that many people have the same challenges and just don't talk about them!

Good luck and let us know how it goes. I am hoping to see lots of hints and tips like shirish's

I had a partial denture at 15 and a full one at 26. My teeth looked good outwardly but they weren't good at all. I am now 68 and have had several sets of dentures since then. Some have been better than others. My only advice is having them in straight after extraction can mean that when your gums shrink the dentures may be loose. Don't hesitate to go back to your dentist as they may be able to do something to make them more snug or if not then invest in a new set. It is always worth it to be confident about your teeth and your smile. Good luck, I'm sure it will be worth it for you.

Don't feel so bad. I have had full dentures since the age of 11 ! I know that everyone's situation is bad for them so I know that won't make you feel much better. I always thought they put the dentures in the same day that they took the teeth out.