Denture & Depression

Ziggy44 · 2024-01-03T16:18:51+00:00

Hi everyone, hope I am posting in the right place here. Please no judgement! Can I ask if anyone here has to wear a lower denture or partial denture, I have a couple of loose teeth right at the front bottom, and presently my only option is to have a partial denture fitted, that will have to go in right next to an existing bridge (result of an accident some years ago) and some of the other teeth on the bottom are not great either 😥Ashamed to say I have got into this mess because of a dental phobia (only been when I am forced to) I am now in a state of turmoil and depression, the shame, the embarrasment, and fear of people knowing is getting to me and my mental health, Please someone tell me this is going to be OK? Have you been through this yourself? would be grateful to hear your experiences. Literally have no-one else to talk to about this.

foodtoorder · 03/01/2024 16:27

It will be fine.
No one will know unless you tell them.
You will feel much better getting it sorted and facing it head on.
Once you've got yourself in the chair, if you can afford it commit to having the rest of the work done that is needed.

Speaking from experience, you will feel better once you have got control of it.

Original poster

Ziggy44 · 03/01/2024 16:37

foodtoorder, thank you for your reply, have you been in a similar situatio yourself? if that is not too personal a question

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Hatty65 · 03/01/2024 17:01

I have a partial denture and a bridge, although mine is at the top. I've got terrible teeth, despite a lifetime of trying to look after them and huge amounts of dental work. I've had a bridge for my top front teeth for about 15 years.

I had two very loose teeth at the top (canine and the one next to it) and had them out just before Christmas and a partial denture fitted. It feels slightly weird at first, but you quickly become accustomed to it, and genuinely - no one will be able to tell you are wearing one. I was really reluctant to do this, but it was either this or have a big gap when I smiled at people!

I felt a bit 'traumatised' at the idea of wearing dentures - it felt like only ancient grannies had to take their teeth out, but I'm about 3 weeks in and it's honestly ok, OP.

I've actually been quite open about it with family and they've been supportive.

Original poster

Ziggy44 · 03/01/2024 17:12

@Hatty65 ...thank you, really appreciate your support. Does your partial go next to your bridge? I have one of the the cantilever type bridges and the partial will have to go in right next to the free floating tooth on that bridge, if that makes sense? I have been unable to communicate my fears to the current NHS dentist, which has added more stress and anxiety on top of the situation, but have been fortunate to find another NHS dentist just 10 miles away, I am really hoping they will be a little more understanding as I am petrified

OP posts:

Original poster

Ziggy44 · 03/01/2024 17:13

@foodtoorder, have you been in a similar situation yourself??

OP posts:

Hatty65 · 03/01/2024 17:33

@Ziggy44 Yes they do. I've basically got the front 4 middle teeth at the top on a bridge - and then I've got the two teeth next to it on the left have been removed. The partial denture has two teeth that slot into the gap and a plastic plate that sits behind my bridge. It then has a false tooth right at the other end and a wire that hooks onto the last actual tooth I've got on the top right (because that's near the back you can't see the wire when I smile). I wasn't bothered about the lone tooth on the right as it's a back tooth I lost years ago but the dentist said I might as well as it wouldn't give me an extra tooth for chewing and it would make the whole thing more stable for my bridge.

Original poster

Ziggy44 · 03/01/2024 17:40

Hatty65 · 03/01/2024 17:33

@Ziggy44 Yes they do. I've basically got the front 4 middle teeth at the top on a bridge - and then I've got the two teeth next to it on the left have been removed. The partial denture has two teeth that slot into the gap and a plastic plate that sits behind my bridge. It then has a false tooth right at the other end and a wire that hooks onto the last actual tooth I've got on the top right (because that's near the back you can't see the wire when I smile). I wasn't bothered about the lone tooth on the right as it's a back tooth I lost years ago but the dentist said I might as well as it wouldn't give me an extra tooth for chewing and it would make the whole thing more stable for my bridge.

Thank you, this was one of the questions I need the dentist to answer, I am afraid the partial will break the bridge tooth as it is only bonded on to the reast of the bridge. What a nightmare..appreciate you supporting me with this xx

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Highlighta · 03/01/2024 17:46

OP I will be honest with you and say it just takes a little while to adjust to. I have a denture for all my front top teeth, and have had for 18 months now. This is while I'm undergoing other treatment.

Pain wise, I can say with 100% certainty thst a denture, even though it feels unnatural at first, is so much better than having to experience pain from teeth that are no longer viable.

I know I have the denture, and only people who know, but it looks very natural and it isn't obvious like it used to be some years back. I have a plate, the plate part is what took some getting used to as I felt I lisped at first.

And you would be quite surprised to find out just how many people are wearing dentures and you wouldnt know.

There is a bit if a limitation on some foods. Because I have had a lot of work done to the bone, I can't put too much pressure on the area, but I do tend to cut and break up most foods now. But that is just my situation, but I don't feel I could bite right into an apple for eg. And toffees and that sort of thing you will need to limit.

I wish you luck going forward. There sew a lot more of us out there than you would imagine.

Original poster

Ziggy44 · 03/01/2024 17:54

Highlighta · 03/01/2024 17:46

OP I will be honest with you and say it just takes a little while to adjust to. I have a denture for all my front top teeth, and have had for 18 months now. This is while I'm undergoing other treatment.

Pain wise, I can say with 100% certainty thst a denture, even though it feels unnatural at first, is so much better than having to experience pain from teeth that are no longer viable.

I know I have the denture, and only people who know, but it looks very natural and it isn't obvious like it used to be some years back. I have a plate, the plate part is what took some getting used to as I felt I lisped at first.

And you would be quite surprised to find out just how many people are wearing dentures and you wouldnt know.

There is a bit if a limitation on some foods. Because I have had a lot of work done to the bone, I can't put too much pressure on the area, but I do tend to cut and break up most foods now. But that is just my situation, but I don't feel I could bite right into an apple for eg. And toffees and that sort of thing you will need to limit.

I wish you luck going forward. There sew a lot more of us out there than you would imagine.

Many thanks for your message, just feel like I'm out of control with this

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denturefan · 03/01/2024 18:07

NC for this one as combined with other posts would be very outing.
My husband had top and bottom dentures about 2 years ago and it's the best thing he's ever done and they look amazing, best of all he is in no pain anymore, nobody can tell unless he tells them which he often does as some foods are off the menu now and tends to use a knife and fork for everything
so much so I have plucked up the courage to have mine done and have got my first appointment in 2 weeks.. I hate my teeth and never smile because they are so bad I already have a partial plate on the top of 4 teeth so I can't wait to get the rest ripped out!

Mintyt · 03/01/2024 18:10

I have a top denture and with all my heart I hated it. Then I had a tooth out on the other size and have a new denture, I love it ( well I would rather "my teeth " but you would not know. I was weary upset at the start but a lot of people have dentures and keep it a secret. I had 3 teeth out and the denture straight in and it was brutal, but now I have no problems,

Original poster

Ziggy44 · 03/01/2024 18:18

denturefan · 03/01/2024 18:07

NC for this one as combined with other posts would be very outing.
My husband had top and bottom dentures about 2 years ago and it's the best thing he's ever done and they look amazing, best of all he is in no pain anymore, nobody can tell unless he tells them which he often does as some foods are off the menu now and tends to use a knife and fork for everything
so much so I have plucked up the courage to have mine done and have got my first appointment in 2 weeks.. I hate my teeth and never smile because they are so bad I already have a partial plate on the top of 4 teeth so I can't wait to get the rest ripped out!

Thank you, it is really hard to deal with and appreciate your support

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LindyLou2020 · 03/01/2024 18:25

@Ziggy44
Different circumstances to you, but identical feelings of shame and embarrassment.
One of my close friends has full top and bottom dentures. She's only told her DH, and a couple of other friends. She only ever takes them out at bedtime, and never lets anyone see her without them.
I would never have been able to tell, and I only know because she got tipsy one night, got very emotional, and started to cry about them.
She had never had good teeth - combination of, (like you), only going to the dentist when she had a problem, neglecting to brush her teeth properly when young, smoking, and maybe genetics also?
She's angry with herself for not caring for her teeth, and, after years of fillings, extractions, bridges, crowns etc, dentures were the last remaining option.
To me they look so natural - nothing like the dentures of years gone by.
Sorry - one other option is implants.......very expensive and the treatment is not for the faint-hearted!

foodtoorder · 03/01/2024 18:31

Hi OP, yes I have. It's life changing.

I started with many many fillings to resolve some issues and a partial denture. My husband didn't even know.

Then as I felt more confident with the dentist and funds allowed got a bridge and had composite bonding but had to pay privately for this.

I never had photos or if I did my mouth was closed, I lacked confidence as worked in an environment that's quite looks based. Now I religiously do the 6month or 1 year checks and keep on top of everything. It's honestly life changing. I just stick my head in the sand for too long for fear of judgment by the dentist but they never made me feel bad. Part of their job is to fix or repair teeth, hindsight is a good thing.

Original poster

Ziggy44 · 03/01/2024 20:38

LindyLou2020 · 03/01/2024 18:25

@Ziggy44
Different circumstances to you, but identical feelings of shame and embarrassment.
One of my close friends has full top and bottom dentures. She's only told her DH, and a couple of other friends. She only ever takes them out at bedtime, and never lets anyone see her without them.
I would never have been able to tell, and I only know because she got tipsy one night, got very emotional, and started to cry about them.
She had never had good teeth - combination of, (like you), only going to the dentist when she had a problem, neglecting to brush her teeth properly when young, smoking, and maybe genetics also?
She's angry with herself for not caring for her teeth, and, after years of fillings, extractions, bridges, crowns etc, dentures were the last remaining option.
To me they look so natural - nothing like the dentures of years gone by.
Sorry - one other option is implants.......very expensive and the treatment is not for the faint-hearted!

Thank you, hoping it will work out OK, seems to be hit and miss with this stuff, all dependent on the skills of the dentist and technician

OP posts:

Original poster

Ziggy44 · 03/01/2024 20:43

foodtoorder · 03/01/2024 18:31

Hi OP, yes I have. It's life changing.

I started with many many fillings to resolve some issues and a partial denture. My husband didn't even know.

Then as I felt more confident with the dentist and funds allowed got a bridge and had composite bonding but had to pay privately for this.

I never had photos or if I did my mouth was closed, I lacked confidence as worked in an environment that's quite looks based. Now I religiously do the 6month or 1 year checks and keep on top of everything. It's honestly life changing. I just stick my head in the sand for too long for fear of judgment by the dentist but they never made me feel bad. Part of their job is to fix or repair teeth, hindsight is a good thing.

Wow, your husband never knew, I am unable to have any other option because of bone loss and bad gum recession, although i am responsible for my situation, it is hard to accept

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YellowWiggle · 03/01/2024 20:47

Please dont be so hard on yourself OP.
The only thing I came to add is that you would be very surprised how many people have dentures - I have worked in dental for 16 years and people of all ages and for all reasons have them and are totally fine once they get the hang of them and the glue etc.
a close relative of mine has them for her top front teeth and she said to me recently she can eat most things fine and they have changed her life!!

best of luck ✨

3mbarassed · 11/04/2024 11:39

I'm so glad I found this thread.
I just had the news that I have to have most of my back molars removed and will be offered a denture. I'm home on my own now and having a little sob.
I'm worried about it all but I guess nobody will know.

I know it sounds silly & vain but I told my husband and I feel embarrassed and that he'll think differently about me.

I hope you're feeling better about it all now OP x Please send any words of hope!