According to NCHstats, over 150 million Americans are missing teeth. The percentage of adults with missing teeth rises with age, and yet replacing those teeth isn’t always the easiest thing.
While people can replace missing teeth with dentures and bridges, they aren’t always enough to substitute for actual teeth. Dental implants function the same as your normal teeth, but they’re expensive to buy.
Follow some of these tips if you’re looking for “affordable dental implants near me“.
Understand Dental Implant Costs
The first step to finding low-cost dental implants is to understand your options. How much your implantation costs will depend on the type of implant and the material used.
Endosteal implants are used on patients with sufficiently healthy jawbones. These can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000.
Those without a healthy jawbone can use subperiosteal implants. These can cost slightly more at $4,000 to $6,000 per implant.
Implants are made from a variety of materials, including titanium, stainless steel, and gold. Titanium is the most popular option due to its durability. Ceramics are less durable and can crack if you chew something too hard.
Explore Dental Schools
If you can’t afford a dental implant at your local dentist, your next best option is to explore dental schools. These institutions allow students to perform procedures under the supervision of experienced dentists. As a result, this reduces the costs significantly.
The only problem is that these implantations could take longer, as the student won’t have as much experience as their professors. However, the quality of care is closely monitored, making it a safe option.
Look for Special Promotions and Discounts
Many clinics provide seasonal discounts, new patient deals, or promotions on dental implants. Search online or contact local clinics to inquire about ongoing offers.
Some offices provide discounts for paying in cash. They may also apply discounts when combining more than one procedure.
Another reason to inquire about deals is because they might recommend alternative procedures that are more affordable. Something like partial dentures may work better for patients missing multiple teeth. Replacing all of them can cost more than expected.
Ask About Payment Plans
The problem with cosmetic dentistry is that it isn’t always covered by insurance since it’s considered elective. It may depend on whether the procedure restores oral function or prevents further problems. Dental implant prices can also fluctuate based on your insurance plan.
Most dental clinics offer financing options or payment plans to make implants more affordable. Instead of paying the full cost upfront, you can divide the expense into manageable monthly payments. You could choose installments over three months, six, or more.
There are also third-party services that allow you to pay your bill in full and then repay the loan later. These function much like credit cards, though they often come with high interest rates.
Research Community Health Clinics and Non-Profits
Community health clinics and nonprofits often provide dental services at reduced rates. Some programs provide coverage for those who need cheap dental implants nearby but cannot afford standard prices.
You can look up these local organizations to see if you qualify for assistance. Their programs will consider your income level when determining eligibility. They may prioritize cases where dental implants are medically necessary due to health concerns.
Choose All-on-4 Dental Implants
Patients who need multiple teeth replaced should consider the All-on-4 technique as a cost-effective solution. This method involves using four implants to support a full arch of teeth, reducing how many implants are required.
If all teeth need replacing, eight implants would be required. This method allows dentists to reduce the time and costs for the patient. Patients can also regain immediate function on the day of the surgery.
Consider Mini Implants
Mini dental implants are a smaller, more slender version of traditional implants. They can support and stabilize dentures in areas with low bone density or narrow jaw widths.
Patients can request mini dental implants if they have limited budgets. They usually cost about half what traditional implants cost and require fewer visits.
The downside to mini implants is that they often have a shorter lifespan and reduced stability. They’re less reliable and have a higher chance of breaking. Despite that, they could be a reliable option for the short term until you can budget for a more permanent solution.
Explore Discount Dental Plans
Discount dental plans need an annual membership fee but provide big discounts on various procedures. Participating dentists agree to offer their services at reduced rates for members.
For example, an adult may make one payment of $350 per year. Included with that payment are two cleanings, two exams, one set of X-rays, and a percentage off of all other services.
Paying for a dental plan is a good option if you have ongoing dental issues or want to stay proactive about your dental care.
Evaluate All of Your Local Clinics
It’s important to find the right balance between affordability and quality.
Patients who want the most affordable care can usually get it from a group dental practice. These have multiple dentists of different specialties rotate between other dental offices. While they can get you the best dental implant deals, it’s sometimes more difficult to see a specific person on short notice.
In contrast, a private practice has one primary dentist that provides most, if not all, of the care. While this allows for more flexibility, it also means a higher cost of care.
Look for licensed and experienced dentists, as well as positive patient reviews. Free consultations can also help you gauge the office’s professionalism and expertise.
Find Affordable Dental Implants Near Me
Search for “affordable dental implants near me” online, and you’re likely to get a lot of hits. The key is to do the necessary research on “dental clinics near me” as well as the type of implants you want. You may find the more affordable option is the best one suited for your oral needs.
Bourbon Family Dentistry provides dental care for patients of all ages. We’re also available for emergency dental treatments or referrals to another qualified professional if necessary.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
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