When you’re comparing costs online or at your dentist’s office, you may find a notable difference between the quotes for dental implants compared to other solutions like dental bridges, traditional full or partial dentures, and dental flippers. The main reason for the difference is that dental implants are a permanent, expert-recommended solution suitable for most people. Patients can access dental implant financing and customized treatment plans to make their treatment more affordable. However, it’s important to understand the different tooth replacement options and understand the costs involved to find the right option for your needs.
Tooth replacement options
Learn about the different solutions available to people with one or more missing teeth below:
Dental implants
A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as a root, supporting a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants return most of your bite force, giving you the ability to speak, chew, and bite as you would with natural teeth.
- Cost considerations: Implants can be the most expensive option, but they may also yield the most benefits. Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, while other options have a shorter lifespan.
Dental bridge
A dental bridge features a prosthetic tooth (pontic) that’s anchored to adjacent teeth with crowns or caps. Dental bridges are less invasive and look like real teeth, but they won’t prevent bone loss and may limit what you can eat.
- Cost considerations: A dental bridge can be cost-effective, but with regular wear and tear, they need replacement every 15 years or so.
Flipper
A flipper is a lightweight prosthetic tooth that temporarily fills a tooth gap. It can easily be removed if need be. Flippers are lightweight, cheap, and painless but can feel uncomfortable and bulky.
- Cost considerations: While a flipper is probably your cheapest option, it’s not a permanent option and will need to be upgraded eventually.
Dentures
A denture is a prosthetic designed to replace multiple missing teeth (partial dentures) or give you a full set of teeth (full dentures). Dentures can help you smile and speak, but they can take a while to get used to and won’t prevent bone loss.
- Cost considerations: Dentures can be cost-effective depending on the manufacturer and materials used. But even with good care, they may require regular relining. Most people replace their dentures every 5 to 10 years.
The bottom line
While dental implants in St. Petersburg, FL, are undoubtedly pricier than other alternatives, they can offer the best return on investment. Here are some benefits you can expect from dental implants that other solutions can’t match:
- No bone loss: Dental implants are connected to your jawbone and can help preserve bone health and facial structure.
- Freedom to eat tough foods: Dental implants make it possible to enjoy tougher foods such as crisp apples and steak, while bridges and dentures can limit the foods you eat.
- Natural appearance and comfort: Implants look and feel almost exactly like natural teeth. They’ll never slip around and don’t require adhesives or clasps.
Patients considering dental implants can ask about financing options and customized treatment plans to make their implants more affordable.
