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Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics
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Brian LeSage, DDS, FAGD, FAACD

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What If I Can’t Afford Implant Dentures?

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What are my options if I can’t afford implant dentures? I’m 47 and am embarrassed to wear dentures. I know it makes sense to have dentures rather than a toothless smile. I wonder if there are alternatives that I may not know about. Thanks. Milton from Seattle

 

Milton,

Lower implant denture

Implant denture

Tooth replacement options include partial dentures, complete dentures, a dental bridge, or dental implants. Your options depend on your oral health and how many teeth you have lost.

Implant dentures are a significant investment, but there are options to make tooth replacement accessible. While you won’t find free dental implants, there are several strategies to consider for replacing your teeth:

  • Dental School Clinics: Many dental schools offer discounted treatment to patients who participate in their implant training programs. Treatment from a dental school can be cost-effective, though it may involve longer treatment times and potential discomfort associated with student practitioners.
  • Low-Cost Dental Clinics: While dental clinics often focus on providing primary care, they may offer some assistance with complete dentures or partial dentures.
  • Affordable Dental Implant Options: Snap-on dentures supported by two standard dental implants or mini implants can be less expensive and less invasive than traditional implant procedures.
  • Phased Approach: Consider getting a removable denture now and saving for implant-supported dentures in the future. This phased approach can help you spread out the costs over time.
  • Explore these options and consult a dentist to determine the most suitable approach for your needs and budget. While there may not be a straightforward solution, these strategies can help make dental implants more affordable.

 

 

Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post. Read our financial policies for options to pay for dental treatment at Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics.

Can I Get Dental Implants at My Age?

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Can I get dental implants at my age? I’ve worn dentures since I was 55, and now I am 73. I never thought about implants until seeing local TV commercials for a dental practice that does implants. I have longevity in my family, and if I live as long as my parents did, I have another 20 years of life. I am physically active, and dentures have never fit my lifestyle. Implants seem to make sense. Have I waited too long? Thank you. Sanford T.

Thank you for your question, Sanford.

Dr. LeSage would need to evaluate your oral health, and an oral surgeon or periodontist must take a 3-D CT scan of your teeth and jaw to determine if you qualify for implants. Still, your age alone will not prevent you from getting dental implants.

Do You Qualify for Implants at Your Age?

If you are in good oral and overall health and can maintain excellent oral hygiene, you likely qualify for implants in your senior years.  Consider a few facts about long-time denture wearers and dental implants:

  • Jawbone shrinkage progresses when all your teeth are missing, and the pressure from dentures on the jawbone accelerates shrinkage.
  • An implant dentist or surgeon will measure your bone volume and determine if you need grafting.
  • Bone grafts take about four months to heal.
  • It takes about four months after implant placement for your bone and implants to fuse. Meanwhile, you can wear a temporary denture.
  • When your jawbone and implants fuse, your dentist will expose the implants and allow time for your gums to heal around them.
  • Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth for custom dentures and attach them when they are ready.

What to Expect if You Receive Dental Implants

Lower implant denture

Implant overdenture

Implant-supported dentures have these benefits:

  • Stability – Your dentures will stay in place all day, even when you speak and eat.
  • Maintenance – Implant dentures are easy to clean with nonabrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can flush out debris beneath the dentures with a water flosser.
  • Facial appearance – Implants stimulate your jawbone and prevent premature facial sagging. Quality dentures and implants will give your face a gentle lift if you already have some facial sagging.

We recommend scheduling appointments with at least two cosmetic dentists to discuss your concerns and learn about your options for supporting your dentures with implants.

 

Beverly Hills accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.

Can I Get Dental Implants at My Age?

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”
– Thích Nhất Hạnh

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