Missing teeth detract from your smile and sink your self-confidence. Additionally, lost teeth can make eating and speaking a challenge and even lead to future oral health issues.
Fortunately, modern dentures in Beachwood, OH, can keep your bite intact, allow for easy speaking, and help prevent some oral health complications. Additionally, today’s dentures look natural and function as you would expect. They have come a long way over the last few decades.
Remember, dentures are a time-tested solution to tooth loss and one of the least expensive options.
What Are Dentures and How Do They Work?
Dentures may be complete or partial, depending on your needs.
Complete dentures are custom restoration teeth on a gum-colored base. The base fits over the gum and is supported through gravity, suction, adhesives, and bone structure. A partial denture is similar, but the base teeth only fill in where your natural teeth are missing. Partial dentures use clips, gravity, and remaining teeth for support.
You can also talk to your Beachwood, OH, dentist about implant-retained dentures. Dentures are attached to the jaw with approximately four to six dental implants.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Most patients are good candidates for dentures and partials. However, we schedule a consultation between you and the dentist to be sure. This allows the dentist to assess your jawbone health and any remaining teeth—for partial dentures, the remaining teeth must be healthy enough to support the prosthetic.
You may be an immediate candidate for dentures or require pretreatments (like extractions) to make dentures a more viable option. This is also a great time to ask questions and share your concerns with the dentist.
If you decide on dentures, we either schedule extractions if needed or take immediate impressions of your mouth to create models for denture fabrication.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
Dentures, partials, and implant-supported dentures in Beachwood, OH, have various prices for a few reasons.
Price considerations include the complexity of your case, whether you’ll need pretreatments like extractions, the language of your insurance policy, and potential savings with the DentaCard® Discount Plan.
In any case, removable dentures and partials are typically the least expensive tooth replacement options available. Additionally, our team will work with your insurance to help you make the most of your entitled benefits.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Dentures typically last up to a decade with excellent care and healthy habits. However, this timeframe varies from patient to patient.
Of course, you will eventually need a reline as your jawbone deteriorates, a natural part of tooth loss. To preserve your jawbone health, we recommend dental implants or implant-supported dentures.
How Do I Know If It’s Time to Change My Denture?
If your denture is cracked or damaged, it may be time for a replacement. Your dentist can assess the prosthetic to see if the issue is repairable. Additionally, some patients change their dentures if they feel too loose over time. For example, if you’re applying adhesives throughout the day, it may be time for a reline or new denture.
Some patients upgrade their dentures to a more modern prosthetic, even if there are no issues with their current dentures.
How Do I Take Care of My Dentures?
Even if you have complete tooth loss and wear dentures, you must continue seeing your Beachwood dentist every six months for checkups. Your dentist needs to assess your gum health to ensure there is no gingivitis or gum disease, which can make it impossible to wear your dentures.
Gum disease can also lead to systemic health complications of the heart and lungs. Studies have linked it to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and more.
Between checkups, keeping your dentures clean by soaking them overnight in a denture bath is crucial. This is a plastic-lidded container purchased at your local drugstore. Add a dissolvable cleaning tablet to the bath to combat staining, bacteria, and odor.
We also encourage you to rinse your denture and mouth throughout the day, especially if food is trapped beneath the prosthetic. You can purchase a special cleaning brush and denture paste for a more thorough cleaning. However, don’t use fluoride toothpaste as it can be too harsh for your denture material and lead to scratches or damage.
Contact Your Dentist in Beachwood, OH
If you want to learn more or are ready to book a consultation with the dentist, call our office today. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile!