We all like to be smart shoppers. And, we’re all aware that, in most cases, “you get what you pay for.” That’s as true in the dental office as it is in the appliance store.
There is a misconception that Dental Implants are expensive. Quite frankly, once the patient understands the long term benefits, they are seen as one of the best investments one can make. When truly understanding the benefits, the obstacle of cost (which is often the only obstacle) becomes less of a concern.
Implants may seem expensive because all treatment fees occur at once. The costs for the implants, placement and the restorations (attached teeth) are paid for as one fee. The true value of Dental Implants, and the actual savings they provide, occurs in the form of the many expenses Dental Implants help you avoid.
With proper care, Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime. That, in itself, is a tremendous value. Additionally, they restore the ability to eat comfortably and laugh with confidence. This enhances your physical and emotional health.
Dental implants never decay, need root canals or compromise neighboring teeth or the bone structures that support teeth. Dental Implants are also beneficial for the jaw bones that support them.
Because Dental Implants are positioned in the jaw, they recreate the presence of tooth roots, which provides stimulation the jaw bones. This was one of the roles of natural tooth roots. When tooth roots are removed, a process known as resorption begins. This is a gradual but continual shrinking of bone mass.
Bone loss occurs when tooth roots are removed from jaw.
For long-time denture wearers, this bone loss can be seen in their facial appearance, which creates an appearance that is far older than one’s actual age. Bone loss causes the mouth to turn downward (even in a smile) and deep wrinkles around the mouth. As facial muscles detach, jowls form. As bone loss progresses, the chin points and the nose moves closer to the chin. This creates what is referred to as a ‘granny look.’
For denture wearers, a new denture is designed to fit snugly. However, resorption is the reason that dentures eventually begin to move. This is because, as the bone mass declines, the ridge that holds the denture flattens out. This leaves the denture with an ever-shrinking foundation on which to balance. Eventually, adhesives and pastes do little and even relines are of only temporary help.
The treatment fees for Dental Implants are largely based on the number of implants placed. However, an implant is not always needed for each missing tooth. For those who are missing several teeth or even a full arch (all upper or lower), several strategically-placed implants can often provide sufficient support .
For example, when several teeth are missing in one area, one implant can often support a bridge of two or more teeth. An added bonus of using an implant to support a bridge is its ability to protect the integrity of neighboring teeth. With dental implants, it is not necessary to crown otherwise healthy teeth for the mere purpose of supporting a bridge.
While a traditional crown-&-bridge combination relies on adjacent teeth as support, an implant is supported by your jaw bone, providing the same dependable foundation as your natural teeth once had. You’ll be able to bite and chew without worries.
For those who are missing all upper or lower teeth, as few as 4 to 6 implants may be sufficient to support a full arch of teeth. With strategic placements and appropriate selection of implant systems, the force of biting and chewing can be distributed evenly. This is also possible for patients who have experienced a great deal of bone loss. Some implant systems are able to support non-removable teeth that are secured to several implants in a minimal amount of bone.
We believe that every patient CAN achieve the smile that makes them happy decades after their investment has been made. If the obstacle to achieving a confident smile is because of implant fees, start with a free, no obligation consultation. I’ll explain the options that may work best for you. If desired, we can also have you meet with our Financial Coordinator to discuss easy payment options. Most are interest-free with no down payment and break your costs down into affordable monthly payments.
Call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles for a no-cost, no obligation consultation..
