Pricing facts and figures
You might be surprised how affordable dental implants are compared to other tooth replacement options, especially when you take into account long-term cost effectiveness and quality of life.
The total cost of dental implants depends on several different factors, including how many teeth need replacing and where they’re located, the number and type of implants, and whether any additional procedures are necessary to prepare your mouth for the implants.
Since dental implant treatments are customized for your specific needs, the costs vary accordingly. An evaluation by an experienced dental implant expert is the best way to ensure that you are getting an accurate cost estimate for quality dental implant work.
If you see ads for dental implants with low prices that seem too good to be true – well, you know what they say. And if someone quotes you a price for dental implants without examining you, be wary.
Insurance coverage and payment options
Recognizing the long-term benefits of dental implants over other tooth replacement options, an increasing number of insurance companies have started to provide some coverage. If your company does not offer this coverage, ask if you can receive an allowance toward implants that is equal to the cost of a bridge or traditional dentures.
Many implant dentists also offer financing and payment options to make dental implants even more affordable, so be sure to ask what plans your dentist offers.
The true cost of alternatives
- Initial costs versus total costs. The initial price you pay doesn’t include the cost of replacing your dentures or bridges, which may be necessary as often as every 5 to 15 years. It also doesn’t include the ongoing maintenance costs, such as fixatives and adhesives.
- The convenience costs. Unlike your natural teeth or dental implants, you need to remove your dentures to soak and brush them, which can be a time-consuming hassle.
- The health costs. Without a tooth or implant, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate, which can change your facial appearance.
- The social costs. Dentures can slip or click when you chew, laugh, talk or kiss.
From a purely financial perspective, dental implants are cost-competitive with other tooth replacement options over the long term. And when you also factor in quality of life and long-term oral health, dental implants clearly rank as the higher-value alternative.
