Money is complicated. Some things are overpriced and simply don’t benefit you enough to be worth the cost. But, as they say, “a stitch in time saves nine” – there are times when making a large investment pays off in the long run. So which category do expensive dental implants fall under? Is their value inflated, or can they strategically save you money over time? Keep reading to find out!
Require Fewer Treatments
If you don’t fill a dental gap with a replacement, you’ll end up needing more treatments down the road. For example, you could:
- Develop shifting teeth and require orthodonticsto avoid jaw pain and other issues.
- Be at an increased risk of infection and gum disease, neither of which go away on their own and must be treated to prevent further tooth loss.
- Start to have difficulties chewing, which can lead to acid reflux or trouble absorbing essential nutrients from your meals!
It’s better to avoid spending your savings on preventable dental problems, so replacements in general are absolutely worth an investment.
Replace Your Replacements Less
It’s often true that you get what you pay for. Objects that last longer tend to be more expensive, but since you don’t have to replace them as often as their cheaper counterparts, they can ultimately save you money. Let’s look at the average lifespan of the most popular dental restorations:
- Dentures – 5 to 7 years
- Dental Bridges – 5 to 15 years
- Dental Implants – 30+ years
Over the course of 30 years, you may have to pay your dentist to replace your dentures or dental bridges six times, whereas your dental implants will just be starting to show signs of wear!
Preserve Your Oral Structure
Did you know that when you have missing teeth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate? This is because it doesn’t have a dental root to cling to. Neither dentures nor dental bridges can replace your dental roots, meaning that while they stop any remaining teeth from shifting, they can’t properly maintain your jawbone. This can result in sunken facial features, bite misalignment, difficulties eating or speaking, or a TMJ disorder.
Dental implants have titanium posts that are anchored down to your jawbone to mimic dental roots. The biocompatible material means your bone is more than happy to cling to your implants for support, so you won’t have to spend money trying to reverse the effects of jawbone loss!
Consult With Your Dentist
Nothing will drain your wallet faster than a dental treatment that’s not right for your oral health. If you’re interested in saving money with dental implants, be sure to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They’ll help make sure everything goes smoothly!
About the Practice
Dr. Rob Schumacher and Dr. Katherine Staniek are experienced dentists with advanced training in multiple treatments. For example, Dr. Schumacher is a board-certified prosthodontist, meaning dental restorations like dental implants are his specialty! To request a consultation or contact their office about other dental matters, call 781-334-3400.