Research suggests that 178 million individuals in the US have one or more missing teeth. Of these people, an estimated 40 million no longer have any of their natural teeth.
Unfortunately, even one missing tooth can already impair mouth functions. For example, it may already result in difficulties chewing and speaking. Moreover, tooth loss may lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, or even depression.
If you’ve lost one or a few of your teeth yourself, don’t despair, as you can get artificial replacements for them. This guide details common teeth replacement options and cost factors, so be sure to read on.
Dental Implants
If you have sufficient jawbone left, you may be eligible for a dental implant. A dental implant is a metal fixture that requires a surgical placement on or into the jawbone. The device can be a screw cylinder or a wide, flat blade often made of titanium.
Titanium is often the top material choice for surgical fixtures since it’s biocompatible. This means that titanium is compatible with living human tissue. After all, it’s non-toxic, strong, and boasts of high corrosion resistance.
Since dental implants involve surgical placement, they provide permanence. In fact, of all teeth replacement options, they last the longest, with 99% success rates even after 10 years. However, they can last even longer with proper oral healthcare habits.
Moreover, implants may help prevent further bone loss, as they help stimulate the bone. To top it all off, they look almost like the real thing. That’s why you can smile with ease, and other people won’t even realize you have artificial teeth.
With all those benefits, it’s no wonder that a single implant can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500. This can go up to $20,000 to $45,000 if you need a full mouth replacement.
Fortunately, many dental implant specialists now accept insurance. Some of them even offer financing plans and assistance. So, be sure to ask a few of them about these programs, as they can help make it easier for you to pay for your new teeth.
Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures are removable artificial teeth. They consist of artificial teeth bonded to a gum-colored plastic base.
You can get partial dentures, which replace one or more missing teeth. If you’ve lost all your teeth, you can opt for complete dentures.
Removable partial dentures require at least one natural tooth to stay in place. That’s because these oral devices need to attach or clasp onto a tooth to become immobile. Some dentures use metal clasps, while others have internal attachments to stay secure.
By contrast, complete dentures rely on the jaw’s natural shape to remain in place. In addition, a thin layer of saliva between the denture and the gums acts as an additional adhesive. For this reason, full-mouth dentures need to have a snug fit so that they don’t fall out.
As for cost, removable dentures are among the most affordable teeth replacement options. However, this still depends on the material used; a low-cost denture can cost $300 to $500. If you need a pair (upper and lower dentures), expect your costs to double.
Just remember that the better the quality of the dentures, the more expensive they can get. For example, premium dentures can cost $2,000 to $4,000 per denture, so a complete set can set you back $4,000 to $8,000.
Fixed Dentures
Fixed dentures have a composition similar to traditional dentures. However, fixed dentures don’t rely on metal clasps, the shape of the mouth, or saliva. Instead, they anchor themselves to several pieces of dental implants.
About four to six implants provide anchorage for fixed dentures. The surgical implants then help keep the dentures secure and snug in the mouth. As a result, you won’t have to worry about the dentures slipping out or moving while you eat or speak.
Do note that some fixed dentures still require removal at night, though, as you need to clean them. Oral healthcare experts usually refer to these as removable implant-retained dentures.
Your other option is a permanent denture, also known as an implant-supported denture. This one doesn’t require removal at night; you can clean it the same way you do your natural teeth. They’re still removable, but only with special dental tools used by a dentist.
Either way, fixed dentures cost more than a typical implant as they need several implants. So, even if you only need four implants, you’re already looking at $12,000 to $18,000 for the implants alone. On top of that is the cost of the fixed denture itself.
Dental Bridge
Suppose you only have one or two adjacent teeth you lost due to dental cavities. However, the rest of your pearly whites are healthy and free of tooth decay. In this case, you might want to consider a dental bridge to replace your missing tooth/teeth.
A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth made of porcelain or plastic. On one or both sides are dental crowns or caps meant to go over and cover the adjacent teeth. A cementing material then secures the crowns and the entire bridge in place.
That bonding process makes bridges more stable and secure than a removable denture. However, they do cost a lot more than dentures; a single-tooth bridge can cost $500 to $1,200 per tooth. On top of that are the crowns, which can range from $500 to $2,500 apiece.
Use This Guide on Teeth Replacement Options and Cost to Make the Right Choice
There you have it, your thorough guide on teeth replacement options and cost ranges. Now, you know that while removable dentures cost the least, they can move, slip, and fall. By contrast, implants and bridges are far more secure, but they come at a higher price.
If you’re still on the fence on which one to get, don’t worry, as your dentist can help you make the best decision. If you don’t have one, a Houston Heights Dentist will be more than happy to provide consultation on the best options for your oral health.
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