A Better Smile: Calculate The Real Worth Of Dental Implants
The main beauty of implants is that they look, feel and work just like your real teeth, but you will no longer have to worry about cavities. The upfront cost of implant work may seem daunting at first, but with a little research you may discover that they provide excellent value and will cost you less in the long run. Here are a few reasons why:
#1: Lower Longterm Costs
Although dental implants have a higher upfront cost compared to dentures, they typically have no further costs once they are in place. When you compare the lifetime costs of dentures versus implants, implants typically come out ahead.
For example, with dentures you will have ongoing expenses that include adhesives, cleaning solutions and repair. You will also likely have to replace the dentures, either from loss or damage, at least once. Implants are a permanent solution that you care for just as you would your real teeth, so ongoing costs aren't an issue.
#2: Save On Future Procedures
Missing teeth does more than affect the appearance of your smile, it can also affect your health. Your remaining teeth will eventually shift due to the missing tooth, which can end up requiring braces or dental surgery to correct the problem and to avoid future mouth pain.
Bone loss in the jaw is another major concern if you don't replace the teeth. Bone loss changes the shape of your face and can lead to health and pain concerns in your jaw. Although partial dentures can prevent confidence issues and shifting teeth, they can't prevent bone loss. Implants do prevent bone loss because they anchored directly into the bone. This can save you on future procedures because you won't have to fix your remaining teeth or any jaw problems.
#3: Insurance Considerations
Unfortunately, many dental insurance plans don't cover implants. If your insurance won't cover the full cost of implants, they may still cover parts of the procedure. This can include the crowns on the implants and office visit costs. Your dental billing office and insurance representative can help you manage the costs so insurance covers as much as possible. If you have a health spending account, dental procedures, including implants, are typically allowed.
Working with your dentist can also help lower the dental implant cost. From the type of sedation chosen to the materials used to create the implants, you can have some control over the final costs. Start with a personal consultation so your dentist can help find the most affordable implant option for your dental health needs.