Dental implants are known for their durability, longevity, and exceptional function that allows patients to eat all types of food, speak without an embarrassing slur, and smile more confidently. While these benefits are ones that often lead individuals to choose these permanent prosthetics, there is one component that many find hard to believe – the cost-effectiveness of dental implants. Keep reading to discover just how much you can save in the long run by choosing a superior form of tooth replacement.
What Makes Dental Implants Cost Effective?
There are a few different reasons why dental implants will save you more money down the road as opposed to traditional dental bridges or dentures. They include:
- Replacement: Dental implants are designed to never need replacement. They fuse with the surrounding jawbone after initial placement, ensuring they act like regular tooth roots. Although some may wear down over time, it’s common for these prosthetics to last at least 30 years or more. Traditional prosthetics, however, often need replacement after 5-7 years. Their removability and non-metal materials cause them to wear down quickly.
- Maintenance: Dentures only sit atop the gums. As a result, the jawbone experiences resorption over time, causing changes to one’s facial shape. This requires a reline every few years to ensure the set of artificial teeth continues to fit snugly and comfortably. Dental implants, though, do not require this type of maintenance, as they are firmly situated within the jawbone and beneath the gumline.
- Special Products: It’s common for patients who wear dentures and dental bridges to purchase specialized products to help with cleaning and/or security. For example, denture-wearers often stock up on adhesives to keep teeth in place while eating and speaking. Dental implants do not require this type of investment, as teeth are secured to the tops of the implants, meaning they will never slip or fall out. Also, cleaning dental implants can be completed with the same oral hygiene tools used to take care of one’s teeth.
What Payment Options Are Available for Dental Implants?
While it’s true that dental implants do require a higher upfront cost than dentures or dental bridges, the cost savings a person can expect is well worth the initial investment. However, if help is required to keep out-of-pocket costs low, many dentists will provide various payment options for patients to take advantage of, including:
- Dental Insurance: Although many plans will not cover the placement of these prosthetics, other aspects of treatment may receive partial coverage (i.e., preliminary treatment, custom restoration, etc.)
- Flexible Financing: Third-party companies like CareCredit make it easy to pay for dental implants by offering plans ranging in various lengths and are low or no interest. This allows a person to pay off their bill over time.
If you want a smile that will last longer and help you avoid timely and costly visits to your dentist over the years for replacements, adjustments, etc. go ahead and invest in dental implants – you won’t regret it.
About the Practice
Salt Run Family Dentistry is a modernized dental practice located in St. Augustine, FL. With three highly skilled and experienced dentists on staff, we are locally owned and operated. Providing decades of care to residents in the community, we are pleased to provide start-to-finish dental implant placement and restoration in-house, so referrals are not required. Recognizing the need for valuable and top-tier tooth replacements throughout the area, our dentists go above and beyond to ensure optimal results as well as ensure a positive patient experience. If you would like to learn more about dental implants and what they can do for you, visit our website or call (904) 824-3540.