Like to go without dentures

Many people wear dentures but like to go without them. Some don't want to be seen without their teeth, either by family members or the general public. Many of us like the feeling of empty gums, but don't want to have others see us. If you have dentures, do like to be seen while toothless?

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LV2911 · 70-79, M

My first molars were extracted at age 24. The feeling of my tongue over the empty gums felt great and certainly the pain loss exceptional. I strove to have an empty mouth but had to wait years before a dentist finally agreed to let me have a toothless mouth. Because of business, I had to utilize dentures but every opportunity I had, they were out; the “gummy” life is the best. Retirement has come and now the majority of my day is present without dentures. Only certain circumstances in public require their usage. The best feeling I find is when you speak to someone and they realize I’m toothless, you receive a funny look followed by a smile; they know I’m free!

Musclebuzx · 56-60, M

@LV2911 that’s awesome! So you are toothless by choice!

LV2911 · 70-79, M

@Musclebuzx Once I realized the aesthetic quality of my teeth and the associated pain created by them, I knew I wanted them to be gone. Certainly I knew because of business requirements faced in life that dentures would be needed, I readily accepted the transition. BUT whenever possible, they were gone and my mouth was empty. Everyone within my family or close friends know I am toothless; I don’t hide it. They see me multiple times per day sans dentures as I am now retired and free to do as I please. Eating toothless is great but sometimes the dentures let me chew a food being toothless won’t allow.

Corsair · 80-89, M

@LV2911 Being in public while toothless can be a challenge. After doing it for a few times, it can be a liberating experience to not worry about what others think. Learning to speak as clearly as possible takes some effort, but it makes the transition to toothlessness easier. There is still a strong bias against people who are toothless or who wear dentures. Fortunately, this is a place where we can share experiences and not worry about being looked upon as a lesser person.

ed3342 · 56-60, M

@LV2911 Your experience matches mine. The moment they pulled the first molar felt like it was the right thing for me. I never liked fillings or root canal treatments. So the idea that getting all my teeth pulled grew on me over time. After many years I found a dentist that was willing to extract my remaining teeth and fit me with dentures. I never regretted.

Like many denture wearers I still put them in when in public. If being toothless were more socially acceptable, I wouldn't even bother to wear them. In private I'm mostly without even when eating, if the food permits. I could use a new set to get a better fit, but the fact that they've become slightly uncomfortable just motivates me to limit using them.

Corsair · 80-89, M

@ed3342 Mine are out now, while I'm at home. I rarely go out in public without them, but sometimes I just feel like having a challenge, and I go gummy. I often leave them out when I take walks in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, I still have 3 crowns which hold my lower partial. They are both canines (which makes me look like an upside down vampire) and one molar. I really don't look too bad without my falsies, but the vampire canines really spoil the look. I'm hoping to get my dentist to write a prescription fr the oral surgeon to remove the crowns, which do cause some discomfort, but he can't find anything actually wrong with them. Eating without them is almost impossible, because the crowns hit against my upper gums. Maybe, in the near future, I can become completely toothless. I admire your story and am a bit envious that you were able to find q dentist who pulled them all.