Dental implants are more expensive than dentures, but it is possible for you to find ways to make them more affordable. Here, learn about the costs of dental implants and how to save on them.
Dental implants are excellent choices for people who have missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, implants offer you a permanent solution to missing teeth. The implants are made out of titanium, which is anchored to your jawbone. The crown is then placed over the implant so that it is held securely in place.
Getting dental implants can have a positive impact on your life. You can enjoy an improved facial appearance and be able to enjoy eating your favorite foods. Implants do not have to be removed at night, and they look and function like your natural teeth. With proper care, your dental implants can last you for the rest of your life.
The Average Cost of Implants
The average cost of implants depends on how many you need and on your dentist. Single-tooth dental implants cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, and the cost of the crown and the abutment will cost an additional $500 to $3,000. This means that the total average cost of a dental implant for a single tooth will range from $500 up to $6,000.
If you need multiple implants, the costs will be higher. If you need to replace between two to four teeth, you can expect the average cost to range from $6,000 to $10,000. Depending on the number of teeth that you need to replace, you may expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000 or more for multiple dental implants.
Some people opt for implant-supported dentures, which are plates that attach to the dental implants. If you need both the top and bottom plates, you can expect the cost to range from $7,000 to $90,000, and the average cost is slightly more than $34,000. If you only need either the top or the bottom denture plate, the cost can range from $3,500 to $35,000.
What Affects the Cost of Implants?
There are several factors that affect the cost of implants.
One of the biggest reasons for the price of the implants is that you will need to pay for your surgeon as well as your dentist. When you pay these fees, you will be paying for their experience. You will also need to make multiple required visits for every step of the dental implantation process. Each visit costs you more money. Your dentist will order a CT scan or an x-ray, which will add to the price.
If your dentist determines that you do not have sufficient bone in your jaw, you may need a bone graft. If you need to have some teeth extracted, you will have to pay for each extraction. In addition to these factors, you need to account for the costs of the materials and location differences in the amounts that are charged for dental implants.
How to Save on Dental Implants
Most dental insurance policies do not cover the cost of implants, which may necessitate you looking for ways to save on them. There are several things that you can do to make your implants more affordable. You should start by researching dental implants so that you understand how much each step of the process might cost on an individual basis. After you have researched, contact several dentists that offer dental implants in your area and that also offer free consultations. Ask them about the costs for all the individual steps, so you can total them up and compare the costs. If you live in a high-cost area, consider doing this research in a location that is less expensive and traveling to get the implant procedure completed.
It is also possible to save substantial amounts of money on the cost of dental implants by getting them completed at a dental school. These programs are used to let dental students learn how to implant teeth under the guidance of senior dentists. You may be able to get on a waiting list at your local dental school for a lower-cost dental implant procedure. If your income is low, getting your implants through a dental school may be heavily discounted.
Veterans, seniors, and disabled people may be able to get free or very low-cost dental implants through charitable organizations if they have limited incomes. If you are one of these people, you should check with your local organizations or associations to find out whether they might offer dental implant services.
Taking advantage of credit lines and monthly repayment programs can also make your dental implants more affordable. Services like CareCredit can help you finance the total cost of dental implants. Then, you can repay those costs on a set schedule. For example, you could pay $200 per month over six months, pay between $34 and $39 per month with a final payoff amount of $1,017, or pay $70 per month for four years.
Finally, you may be able to save significant amounts of money on the cost of your dental implants by traveling to countries in which the prices are more affordable. Dentists in Asia and South America charge rates that are less than 50 percent of what it costs in the U.S. and Europe. You will need to carefully weigh the benefits and disadvantages of engaging in dental tourism, but it might be a way for you to save on the cost of your implants.
Dental implants are expensive, but they are worthwhile. If you are willing to explore the ways that you can use to make getting dental implants more affordable, you may be able to save significant amounts of money while still enjoying the beautiful, lasting smile that you want.