Are dental implants worth the initial cost? When you consider tooth replacement options in Leawood, will investing in implant therapy truly impact your quality of life when it comes to overall health costs? Absolutely.
Although a lot of people assume that total dental implant cost is out of reach, the reality is that dental implants save you money. From their average lifespan to ongoing maintenance costs, there truly isn’t any better way to manage tooth loss.
How Long do Dental Implants Last?
The reason dental implants are one of your most affordable treatment options is because patients who invest in implants can have a healthy smile for life. No other tooth replacement can last as long as a quality dental implant. Patients with healthy mouths (free of gum disease, they stop smoking, have healthy bone, etc.) find that implants are typically a one-time investment that lasts for decades. Now that’s a reason to smile!
Cost of Implants vs. Dentures
Dentures can seem more affordable than a lot of popular tooth restoration options if you have missing teeth. But over the long term, the full price of dentures can cost more than implants. If you’re considering extracting your natural teeth and replacing them with dentures simply for convenience and the low initial costs, remember that there’s more to it. Dentures also come with “social costs” like having to learn how to speak and eat with them. Both full and partial dentures can feel bulky, change the way your food tastes. And then there is the additional cost of adjustments, when they need to be replaced, etc. Living with dentures isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.
Even with proper care, the long term benefits of a quality denture may only last you 5-10 years. They vary based on the person. Your “one time investment” in dentures ultimately evolves into a continual oral health expense even with proper maintenance.
On the other hand, dental implants mirror the performance of natural teeth. And what trumps the convenience costs of dentures is that implants can last the rest of your life. You don’t have to keep paying for a tooth replacement or avoid all the foods you love. Implants save you money, feel more comfortable, and you don’t have to take your teeth out at night!
Price of Implants vs. Dental Bridges
What about dental implants vs. bridges? If you only need to replace one or two teeth and you have healthy adjacent teeth, a bridge is a practical treatment option. But it can come at an added cost. You see, what a lot of patients don’t realize is that when they install a dental bridge over healthy teeth, they’re permanently altering their smile. Each of those supporting teeth need to be physically reshaped and cut down for the bridge to fit over them. This weakens the healthy tooth. And just like a dental crown, after 10 years or so the bridge will need to be changed out, requiring the process to be completed all over again.
For one or two missing teeth, dental implants are less invasive to your overall smile. They are the only restoration that can stand independently alongside your natural teeth. So not only are they physically better for your oral health, but dental implants also reduce the cost associated with re-treating your supporting teeth as the bridge starts to give out.
Return on Investment for Dental Implants
Do dental implants have to be replaced every 10 years like other types of dental work? Fortunately, no. It’s fairly standard practice for dental restorations like bridges or dentures to need replacements every 5 to 15 years. Whereas dental implants rarely require replacement. Generally, implants last as long as they’re properly cared for, offering the best long-term investment for your budget.
The initial cost vs. total cost of implant treatment is relatively the same. As long as you care for your smile as you would natural teeth, including brushing and flossing each day, and schedule regular checkups, you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing!
What is the Average Out of Pocket Cost for Dental Implants?
Several factors can impact the cost of treatment. Ultimately the final cost will differ for each person depending on the number of implants they need, type of restoration they choose, and if things like bone grafting or other surgeries are required. Since we can use pairs of implants for multi-tooth restorations like bridges or All-on-4 techniques, you won’t need to pay for an implant for every missing tooth. The total costs also fluctuate depending on your insurance coverage or other implant financing options that you choose (0% and low-interest lending is available.)
At Gordon Dental, we know that the initial price needs to be free of any hidden costs. That’s why we provide clear, easy-to-understand treatment plans that outline the most cost effective solution for your smile. You’ll know exactly how much it will cost to replace missing teeth with dental implants. The total cost provided at the time of your no-obligation consultation is what you’ll know to plan for.
How to Save Money Up Front on Implants
Affordable dental implants are possible, thanks to our flexible payment options. During your initial consultation, we’ll work up a care plan for you that tabulates all treatment costs. Next, we tabulate your dental insurance coverage and the estimated amount that’s included in your annual benefits package. We do everything possible to help you maximize the coverage you’re entitled to! If you don’t have dental insurance or want to finance any amount that isn’t covered by your plan, you can easily make monthly installments on the remainder of your implant costs. Payment plans are available with as low as 0% financing or other low-interest options.
Reserve a Consultation
Find out if dental implants are right for you and get a price quote on your individual treatment. Contact the dental implant team at Gordon Dental in Leawood today for a free consultation with no hidden costs!