Dental Implants VERSUS REMOVABLE APPLIANCES

When considering your options, it is important to understand that no dental case is exactly alike and your dentist and dental specialist can work together to assist you in making a selection that is best suited for your particular needs.

Dental Implants are an investment in your health as well as your appearance. Dental implants have been available for several decades. However, for most patients, they are still a relatively new concept. When considering dental implants versus removable appliances (dentures, bridges, etc.), there are several important points that should be kept in mind that we discuss below.

When comparing your options, it is also important to take into consideration the longevity offered by dental implants that is not always afforded by other, more traditional methods.

Quality of Life

Dental implants can be seen as a long-term investment not only in terms of money, but most importantly in terms of quality of life. A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth. In addition to allowing the patient to eat the same healthy foods he or she has always enjoyed, it also eliminates the day-to-day hassles and common patient complaint heard from denture wearers about feeling self-conscious about their teeth and smile.

Jaw Bone Health

Over time, when a tooth is missing, the jaw bone deteriorates at the site of the gap. So while a denture or bridge may seem to function similarly to a tooth, underneath the surface damage is being done to the jaw bone and ultimately to the structure of the face. This can result in the distortion of the shape of a person’s face, leading to potential problems.

Potential consequences of tooth and jawbone loss include but are not limited to:

Collapsed facial profile
Limited lip support
Skin wrinkling around the mouth
Problems with remaining teeth, including misalignment, drifting, loosening and loss

On the other hand, dental implants are made of titanium, which actually integrates with the jaw bone, strengthening it and stimulating bone growth. This preserves the natural strength and quality of the mouth, lessening problems in the future.

Longevity and cost

While dentures and bridges are initially less expensive, their affordability can be short-lived. Because these older methods require repair and replacement every 5-10 years, they are often more expensive over time. By contrast, dental implants, when properly placed and cared for, can last a lifetime.

Comparing Dental Implant Quotes

There are several steps (and often multiple professionals) involved in the placement of a dental implant. When comparing quotes, it’s important to factor in the cost of each of these steps:

Exams/office visits
Tooth/root extraction
Bone grafting
Placement of the titanium root (the “dental implant”)
Placement of the crown
X-rays, pre/post operative care

Financing for Dental Implants

First, check with your dental insurance carrier to see what portion, if any, of dental implants they cover.

There are health care credit companies that offer no-interest and low-interest loans for medical procedures including dental implants.

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