How Much do Implant Retained Dentures Cost?
Implant retained dentures are an attractive alternative to traditional dentures. Given their streamlined size and the ease with which these dentures are retained in place even when eating foods that traditional dentures cannot manage, implant retained dentures are highly sought after for their ease and comfort of use as well as their appearance. While the price point of implant retained dentures is somewhat higher than that of traditional dentures, many find that the extra cost is well worth it due to their multiple benefits.
Why Do Implant Retained Dentures Cost More?
The increased price of implant retained dentures is due to the increased number of materials and procedures that they require. Unlike traditional dentures, which slide into the mouth and are held in place only by the structure of the protruding gumline, implant retained dentures are actually held firmly in place with the help of dental implants; small, post-like appliances that are first embedded into the jawbone and then extended above the gumline to provide deep structural support for the dentures that will later be snapped on and off of them (for this reason, they are often referred to as snap-in dentures, as well).
The first step in creating functional implant retained dentures is installing the implant fixtures. While lower arches usually require two to four implants, the upper arch requires at least four. The use of more implants than are initially necessary is almost universally preferred for extra stability and something like an insurance policy: if one or two implants should ever fail, those extra implants can take on the job of holding the dentures in place. This could save you a lot of time and money in the future, as you wouldn’t have to undergo more implant installations.
Because these are sunk into the jawbone, this requires a surgical procedure, which is part of the increased cost of this particular kind of dentures. After the implant fixtures have melded with the jawbone, which takes two to six months, the abutments or connecting pieces can be added on. At this point, the dentures, which your dentist will be working on creating while your oral tissues heal, can be placed.
While every case is somewhat different, implant retained dentures usually start at around $6000 for one arch and two implants. More specific costs can be provided by your dentist following a consultation, which will include a detailed conversation about your individual needs and preferences. You should also discuss this option with your dental insurance provider to find out more about their parameters regarding coverage of this particular kind of denture.
Benefits of Implant Retained Dentures
Because the dentures themselves will snap on and off of the dental implants, they are much more stable in the mouth, capable of biting and chewing harder and stickier foods than traditional dentures. They are also much less prone to movement or the dreaded denture float, wherein your dentures move around your mouth while talking or eating. Because of the deep structural support that holds them in place, many find that the use of implant retained dentures also improves the physical appearance of their face, as well, which is an added cosmetic benefit.
Like traditional dentures, removable implant retained dentures can (and should) be removed at night for thorough cleaning. Fixed implant retained dentures, on the other hand, are made to be permanent fixtures in the mouth that are not removed. This attention to good oral hygiene practices, in conjunction with regular visits to your dentist every 6 months to assess any wear and tear on your dentures, is all that is needed to keep this new investment safe and sound for well over a decade.