Worried that now I have a partial denture my love life is over

[lifeissounkind]

Hi, The title says it all really, I'm 42, single mum to two teens and had to have a partial denture fitted about 6 months ago,

I always had good strong teeth but 20 years ago my front 4 ones were knocked out by my kids dad, there was enough of the teeth left for me to have crowns fitted, they lasted a few years but after a while had to have a bridge fitted, it was replaced once because it became loose, had that one for about 10 years,

For the last 3 years ive had constant gum infections above one of the teeth that was mine but held the bridge in place, i was told that the tooth had to be removed so the bridge had to go and the only option was a partial denture,

Since I've had it ive had no more gum trouble but I hate the way it makes me feel, I am so embarresed by it, I can never imagine getting close to anyone and them finding out or seeing me without it,

I am worried about kissing and all that stuff, If i meet someone do i tell them up front or wait till we get close, how do people in this situation handle it?

I have to take it out to sleep, ( very sexy ) I cannot eat with it in as it moves and ive tried all the adheasives but they make me gag,

I know there are lots of worse things that people have to deal with but this is stopping me from moving on with my life, fgs im only 42, Ive dealt with all sorts over the years but this has knocked my confidence to zero.

I know there are other options ie implants but i could never afford that so it is not an option,

Just wondered if anyone out there has been in this situation and if so how did you overcome it?

I lost a lower front tooth at the dentist last year and got a dentures fitted as soon as it came out
I wore that for three months.
Then was fitted for my permanent one.
I didn’t like it, it hurt
Wore my old one but went back to the dentist with the new one.
She removed a bit at the bottom
It still dug in, so my husband smoothed it with some fine sandpaper
Went back again and she said it was fine
It’s very difficult to get in...but that’s because it’s meant to fit tight.
Anyway I can manage it quite easily now
I wear it all the time...just take it out to clean teeth twice a day

I’d love to not have it..I won’t lie
But no one can tell I have it

Also dh has a top denture with a couple of teeth on it.
So we are even now
I wouldn’t have implants

I've also got a partial top denture, which I've had since I was 17 (now 56) and I've never had the issues you describe (on my 5th or 6th one now).

I don't take mine out at night - I always sleep in it and although I occasionally get a bit of food stuck under the plate (which a tongue rummage sorts out) I never have any problem eating with it. I eat everything that anyone else eats, no exceptions except chewing gum (which sticks to the plastic-type plate).

I just wanted to reassure you that it is possible to have a partial upper denture that doesn't cause the problems you are facing and that maybe you can speak to your dentist again to see what your options are. I wish you the best of luck.

I've very recently had a full top denture and a partial lower one, I've been on dates with different men and none of them have noticed, I was nervous but my first kiss was no problem and a bj wasn't a problem

Why not go back to your dentist and discuss the eating issue there may be an adjustment they can make

Implants are gettting cheaper. Vital Europe do a free assessment. You will get used to it. Would you refuse someone nice because they had dentures, no hair.....? It is a bit shit how you lost your teeth and your bad feelings may be tied up with that. You'll be ok

Not sure this helps but I have a friend with similar and it's never stopped her meeting men. She's hot and very confident in herself. With me, the last two men I've dated have had receding gums/really poor wonky teeth and I've not thought anything about it as they were great! I think people worry more than they need do and any fairly decent/normal person who likes you won't think much about it.

Loads of people have dentures and still manage to find love. However, I didn't find my upper dentures comfortable at all and couldn't speak properly.
I managed to find a dentist that does dental implants for £1000 each (today's price) which is incredibly cheap. They are in the south east and I can give you the address if you need it. I had three done and they've lasted 10 years and are going very strong. You do need to go to a dental hygeinist every 6 months mine costs £30 for the session.
I took out a loan for the £3k and it was worth every penny. No more uncomfortable dentures and recently I travelled 200 miles to get to that clinic for number 4. They are experts and the clinic owner believes everyone should be able to access good dental treatment which is why they are cheap. if you can afford the loan they are a great option.

I have one too just one front tooth, at first I was mortified and horrified and hated the damn thing ! But I'm now used to it and I have no trouble eating with it at all. I do take mine out at night but only because I'm single, if by any miracle I met someone I would definitely leave it in while I slept and not let on !