How Dental Implants Can Change Your Life
If you have lost or missing teeth, you may be self-conscious about your appearance or smile. Thankfully, strides in dentistry have made it possible for individuals with absent teeth to comfortably hide or replace missing teeth. Dental implants are at the forefront of this technology, with this fairly recent technology becoming many patients and dentists first choice when replacing missing teeth.
Why Dental Implants?
You may be asking yourself, "why should I get dental implants?" There are other more popular and well-known options that exist for teeth replacement, such as dentures or bridges, but dental implants have a proven track record against older teeth replacement options. Unlike dentures, dental implants do not cause strain on existing teeth, unlike bridges and dentures which can severely weaken the teeth you have left. Dental implants are as close to real teeth as you can get, as they do not inhibit an individuals ability to eat or enjoy activities that dentures or bridges would otherwise impede.
Once you've had your dental implant surgery, you can expect to eat the foods you love and live unencumbered by dentures. It's important to remember that like real teeth, your dental implants will still require maintenance on your part. Maintaining your dental implants is relatively easy and simply requires:
- Practicing good oral hygiene
- No smoking
- Normal visits to the dentist
- Avoiding hard foods, i.e. ice cubes
If you're capable of adhering to these 4 maintenance tips, you should consider dental implants for restoring your smile to its former glory. Get back the confidence of your younger years and reclaim your smile with dental implants!
Where Can I Find Affordable Dental Implants?
Finding affordable dental implants can feel overwhelming, as there are several options and provider plans available. The numerous options can be distracting and keep you from finding the best price on dental implant surgery. Some things to keep in mind that may help you in your search for affordable implant prices:
- The average price of a single-tooth dental implant can range anywhere from $1,500-$6,000.
- The average price of multiple-teeth implants can range anywhere from $6,000-$10,000.
While these prices seem costly, it's important to keep in mind that these are the estimated average out-of-pocket expenses, meaning you have not gone through an insurance provider plan or discount dental plan. These prices are generally related to the type of implants you choose and their location in your mouth. Using a comparison tool to look at different options is probably your best bet if you want to ensure that you get a reasonable price.
What Is A Dental Implant Plan?
For individuals on a fixed income, such as those with a lower income level or the elderly, getting dental implants can be difficult. Medicare does not cover the costs of dental implants, but can cover other dental related emergencies or procedures, while Medicaid coverage varies by state and may not necessarily cover the cost of dental implants. Don't let this discourage you from getting dental implants, payment options do exist for those with limited incomes in the form of dental discount plans.
Dental discount plans are discount dental plans specifically designed to cover individuals looking to get dental procedures at reduced prices. Discount dental plans have monthly or yearly payment options, and include regular discounts on certain dental services or procedures. Finding a dental discount plan that covers the costs of dental implants allows individuals who would not normally be able to afford the cost of dental implants to reasonably pay for the cost of dental implant surgery. However, it is important to note that discount plans still have limitations for the types of services you will be able to receive. For example, if you have a preferred surgeon to perform your dental implant surgery they may not be able to perform it if they are not in the discount plan network.