And in your search, you may have come across dental implants as one of the options.
You may also have noticed that implants seem more expensive than other treatments, and wondered if you should shop around for different treatments?
If you have decided on dental implants, you may wonder how to comparison-shop for a cosmetic dentist.
After all, a quick search of the Internet reveals prices can vary widely. At Smiles First Dental, we are here to clear up any questions you might have.
Dental implants are the top-of-the-line functional and natural replacements for missing teeth, and we know they have a price that might seem high.
But replacing missing teeth can have positive effects on appearance, health, and self-confidence for years to come, so we tend to think of dental implants more as investments than costs.
Let’s take a look at some of the arguments:
Implants Vs. ‘Lower Cost’ Alternatives
Of course, dental implants are not the only way to replace missing teeth, and some alternatives appear cheaper.
The two main options are dentures and bridges – which can also fill in gaps in your teeth. Some people even choose to do nothing, just living with their missing teeth.
However, it is essential to take a look at the real cost of these alternatives and then compare them with the cost of implants. Sometimes the results are surprising.
- A complete denture typically costs a few thousand dollars, which seems quite economical when compared to implants. But dentures need to be replaced every 5 – 8 years and they have ongoing expenses such as adhesives, cleaning materials, and cases. As time goes by, these costs may add up to be more than dental implants. Even worse, dentures can lead to gum and jawbone erosion that requires additional, expensive treatment.
- A dental bridge can cost from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars, depending on the case. Its lifespan is greater than that of dentures, at around 10 – 15 years. However, bridges are nowhere near as strong as implant-supported tooth replacement, and installing them means sacrificing a significant amount of healthy tooth enamel. Additionally, bridges also mean deterioration of gums and bone.
- Doing nothing to replace your teeth is the cheapest option, but it is also the worst option. Those missing teeth can lead to misalignment of other teeth and the need for expensive braces. Missing teeth can also cause further tooth loss, gum and bone deterioration, and increased risk of cavities and other dental issues. Over time, this tends to be the most costly approach, both economically and in terms of appearance.
So, in the long run, considering both economic and aesthetic concerns, dental implants may well be the best bargain of the tooth replacement strategies.
Think of dental implants not as an expense, but as an investment in your future! If you would like help from a professional in determining whether dental implantation is a financially smart decision in Northmead, contact our team at Smiles First Dental. We’ll help you understand the potential costs of your treatment and explore available payment options.
Should I Shop Around For Cheap Implants?
The short answer is, “a little”. While price is one element in choosing your cosmetic dentist, it should not be the only one.
What you should be shopping around for is a dentist you can trust to do a great job, giving you dental implants that will look great and last a lifetime.
There’s no substitute for skill and experience when dental implants are going to be placed. Ask about the level of experience performing implants.
Each case is a bit different – some require supporting treatment like bone implants, the location of the implant affects price, and materials also have varied prices.
There’s nothing like sitting down with your Smiles First Dental dentist for a consultation.
And then there’s that certain something that makes some dentists better at what they do than others.
There is no exact word for it, but it’s a combination of factors including artistry, skill, science, compassion, and experience. At Smiles First Dental, we offer all of that!
Financing For Dental Implants
Check with your dental insurance company to see what portion of dental implants they might cover.
Dental Care at Smiles First Dental
Smiles First Dental is your trustworthy dentist in Northmead in Greater Western Sydney.
Your oral health and the look of your smile are our focus. Our highly trained staff treats all dental issues, including complicated problems related to other health conditions.
Our commitment to our patients is optimal dental health and a breathtaking smile.
We make life a little bit easier for our busy patients by offering late weekend appointments and hours on weekdays.
For more information about dental implants, call us on (02) 9630 9996 or visit us at 19/5-7 Kleins Rd in Northmead.