Cost is a significant factor when it comes to any kind of dental treatment or invasive procedure. While most people rely on their dental insurance to help cover the price tag, dental implants are often not included in the benefits breakdown. This means that while your plan may cover a portion of treatment, it’s unlikely to help lower the cost of the surgical placement. So, just how cost-effective are dental implants? Can they really help you save in the long run? Keep reading to find out.
Why Are Dental Implants More Expensive?
When comparing dental implants in Arlington Heights to traditional dentures or dental bridges, there is a significant price difference. Why? There are a few reasons:
- Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone instead of attaching to natural teeth or resting on top of the gums.
- Dental implants are known to have a lengthier lifespan than traditional tooth replacements. These prosthetics can last 30 years or more, while others only last 5-7 years on average.
- Dental implants can minimize potential problems in the future, such as jawbone resorption, TMJ, and more; however, dentures and dental bridges are unable to prevent these issues.
What Added Expenses Come with Traditional Prosthetics?
Although it may not be evident at first, choosing to receive dentures or a dental bridge can actually cause you to spend more money over time.
The creation and placement of these prosthetics may require less out of pocket, but you must remember there is considerably more maintenance required, including:
- The need for denture adhesive to help teeth remain securely in place while eating and speaking
- The need for additional oral hygiene products to adequately clean these teeth and successfully remove all harmful bacteria (i.e., denture cleaner, denture brush, etc.)
- Frequent relines to keep dentures fitting comfortably
- Frequent replacements, as dental bridges and dentures are not designed to last forever
What Kind of Cost Benefits Come with Dental Implants?
The upfront cost associated with dental implants can be shocking, but if you think about the amount of money that is required to maintain traditional prosthetics, you’ll soon find that you’ll spend less with these permanent prosthetics as long as you take care of your smile.
Their long lifespan means you are unlikely to need replacements; in fact, some cases report implants lasting a lifetime. Their placement within the jawbone offers optimal durability and stability, so denture adhesive is unnecessary, as your teeth will remain firmly in place. Also, their level of maintenance requires no more than the regular oral hygiene products you use every day to keep your teeth and gums clean.
It’s hard to dismiss these realizations when considering dental implants. Yet, if you’re still concerned about being able to afford this type of treatment, you can ask your dentist about alternative payment options, such as an in-house savings plan or flexible financing through CareCredit.
About the Practice
Westgate Dental Care consists of a team of dental experts who understand that invasive tooth replacement procedures can be a costly endeavor for many patients. Knowledgeable about the many ways these prosthetics can help a person save money in the long run, we can discuss these facts during an initial consultation to help individuals feel more comfortable and confident in their decision. If you are interested in dental implants but want to know more about why you should invest, check out our website or call us at (847) 908-3684.