You know you want dental implants to restore your smile, but the one thing holding you back is the cost, right? Yes, it’s no secret that these small titanium posts are much more expensive than dentures or dental bridges when it comes to the upfront expenses. However, when you consider the price tag that comes with regular adjustments, replacements, and other components of having traditional prosthetics, you may discover dental implant cost to be much more affordable than previously thought. Read on to learn why choosing permanent tooth replacements will actually save you money in the long run.
The Price of Tooth Loss
Many patients think one or more missing teeth isn’t a big deal and do not consider a replacement. Unfortunately, this mindset will only result in worsening oral health conditions and costly care in the future. When tooth loss occurs, it begins to shrink the jawbone and causes changes to your facial shape. Eating becomes increasingly difficult, making it almost impossible to retrieve the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy diet. As a result, your food choices become limited and maybe even unhealthy, which will negatively impact your overall health. Treating systemic issues like osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease will have you emptying your wallet quickly and more often if you choose not to replace your missing teeth.
The Price of Dental Implants vs. Traditional Prosthetics
Even if you know you want to replace your missing teeth, you might assume a dental bridge, partial denture, or full dentures is the more affordable way to go. Yes, upon initial placement, these prosthetics are less expensive. But consider the level of maintenance and additional components needed to keep these teeth in optimal shape. How does it compare to dental implants? Consider the following:
- With dentures, most patients need dental adhesives for added security. Over time, this regular drug store purchase will add up and become quite costly. Dental implants are permanently affixed to your jawbone, so you’ll never need to make this type of purchase.
- Dental bridges and dentures must be replaced every 5-10 years depending on how well you take care of your prosthetics. Dental implants, however, can last 30 years or even a lifetime with proper maintenance.
- Special cleaning supplies are necessary when wearing dentures. You must soak them every night to thoroughly clean them. Dental implants require no additional instruments or solutions. You only need to keep up with your regular oral hygiene routine to keep them clean.
Although you cannot put a price tag on the social aspects of tooth replacement, consider how you will feel after receiving a denture versus a dental implant. The confidence you’ll gain by choosing permanent prosthetics will be much greater, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without reservation.
Dental implants are certainly an investment in time and money, but the results you’ll achieve in the end will be worth every penny.
About the Author
Dr. Rishit Patel has more than a decade of experience in dentistry and is pleased to provide exceptional service to individuals living in Lady Lake and its surrounding communities. Completing his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Boston University, he remains committed to continuing education, completing courses in implant dentistry, bone grafting, and Invisalign. Providing dental implants as a way to replace missing teeth, he and his team always discuss the financial obligations required of these prosthetics and the worthwhile investment a person will make when choosing them to restore their teeth. If you want a smile that will last decades or longer, visit our website or call (352) 750-0008.