I wanted to get dental implants but couldn’t afford it. My sister told me there’s something called implant dentures that don’t cost as much. Is that true?
Luke M.
Dear Luke,
What your sister is referring to is using dental implants to anchor your dentures. It’s very useful in allowing you to build up to the number of implants you’d like but can’t afford in the beginning. You can get this with as few as two implants, using snap-on dentures.
There are important benefits to this above just using straight dentures. When your teeth are removed your body begins to reabsorb the minerals to use elsewhere where they’re more needed. While very efficient, it does mean you’ll be losing most of your jawbone. Not only does this make you look years older, but eventually you won’t even have enough jawbone left to retain your denture. This process is known as facial collapse.
Advantages of Implant Supported Dentures
- Prevents facial collapse
- Keeps your dentures from slipping
- Gives you time to save up for more implants
I’m concerned you’re having to get alternative treatment advice from your sister. A good dentist doesn’t just tell you the ideal treatment. He also tells you about all the alternative treatments along with their pros and cons. For instance, below I’ve pasted a screenshot of Dr. Burba’s submenu for dental implants. You’ll notice he would go through quite a few options with patients and not just expect them to go for the high-end treatment.
If you need to replace teeth, which is a huge and advanced undertaking, I’d like you to get a second opinion with someone who will tell you what your options are.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Randall Burba.