I thank those of you who before responded to my post about my dental situation.

I have reached the crossing point where I must make a final choice between
keeping a  few teeth upper and lower and having bridges made ... with the
probability that choice will get me through another 3-5 years of chomping. Or,
taking them all out and learning to live with full dentures.

At this point I favor complete removal since the lower cost would allow me to
support the children of the extended family of my wife in having a better chance
at a future life. They are from an ethnic minority group that are often abused
in Thailand and keeping them in private schools and helping them learn English
early will prepare them for a life with some opportunity other than exploitation
of the cruelest sort.

The one fear I keep coming up with is that complete removal will cause bone
shrinkage and facial changes no matter how full a set of clackers I am wearing
upper and lower.

fyi I am 61 years old, live in Thailand where there is excellent dental care
available. I am in very good health, don't smoke, don't drink, exercise, not too
overweight.

thanks for your thoughts !

J. Cod