implant supported dentures cost

Buyer’s Guide to Implant-Supported Dentures Cost and Types

Published On: February 14th, 202511 min readViews: 5878

Implant-supported dentures are a secure, advanced option for replacing all missing teeth, offering improved chewing, speaking, and smiling without adhesives or slipping, unlike traditional dentures.

  • Design Advantage: Supported by implants, upper dentures can be horseshoe-shaped, freeing up tongue space and enhancing taste and temperature sensation by exposing the palate.
  • Materials and Types: Typically made with an acrylic base and titanium implants (4-6 per arch), they come in two main types: bar-retained and ball-retained dentures, requiring at least two implants for retention, with more for full support.
  • Health Improvements: They enhance speech, confidence, chewing ability, reduce gum irritation, and can address TMJ disorders or jaw pain caused by tooth loss, offering a sturdier, more comfortable fit than conventional dentures.
  • Cost Overview:
      • Two-implant dentures: $2,500–$4,500+
      • Four-to-six implant removable dentures: $2,500–$5,000
      • Full-arch Zirconia fixed bridge: $9,000–$25,000 per arch
      • Full-mouth implants: $20,000–$50,000+ per arch
  • Cost Factors: Influenced by material quality, dentist expertise, number of implants, preparatory procedures (e.g., bone grafts), implant type, and sedation costs.
  • Longevity and Comfort: Higher initial cost but can last decades with proper care (snaps replaced yearly); more comfortable, less bone loss, and fewer sore spots compared to traditional dentures.
  • Worth the Investment: Long-term benefits include better oral health, jaw structure preservation, natural appearance, and confidence; many providers offer insurance or payment plans to ease costs.
  • Mini Implants: Smaller (under 3mm) alternatives for patients with less bone mass, ideal for stabilizing lower dentures without extensive grafting.
  • Candidacy and Process: Requires healthy gums and sufficient jawbone; process takes months, including 3-6 months for osseointegration; recovery involves minor swelling/soreness for days, full healing takes months.
  • Maintenance and Durability: Can last decades with good hygiene; success rate exceeds 95% with proper care and regular dental visits.
  • Insurance Variability: Coverage differs by plan—some cover parts (consultations, diagnostics), but implants may be limited; financing options often available.
Listen to the post

By David Hudnall, DMD

Dentures are one of the best options to replace your missing teeth. Among all types of dentures, implant-supported dentures, also called snap-in dentures, are considered the best and most secure option for people seeking to replace all of their missing teeth and improve their natural ability to chew and smile.

The support from implants enables a complete upper denture set to be made into a horseshoe shape, creating extra space for the tongue and exposing the palate for improved temperature and taste sensations. This article provides general information regarding the cost of implant-supported dentures and the various types of implant-supported dentures available.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

implant supported dentures cost

An implant-supported denture is a modified, unique denture attached to dental implants placed in your jaw bone. Instead of relying solely on your gums for support, the denture is secured by the implants, which allows you to chew, smile, and speak without using adhesives or worrying about the denture slipping.

What Is the Material Used for Implant-Supported Dentures?

Typically, your oral surgeon will use titanium screws to place four to six implants into your jawbone. The screws will then be given adequate time to heal and fuse with your jawbone before securing the artificial teeth to them.

Two basic kinds of implant-supported dentures are:

  • Bar-Retained Dentures
  • Ball-Retained Dentures

Both types of dentures are made with an acrylic base. This material mimics the natural appearance and texture of your teeth and gums. Single-arch dentures need a minimum of two dental implants for basic retention and more for true support. With a proper examination, your dentist can determine the correct number of dental implants required for your specific situation.

Choosing Dental Implants

Whether you are considering them for the first time or thinking of replacing your traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures can be an excellent option. These dental appliances improve speech and confidence, decrease irritation of gum tissue, better restore your ability to chew, and more.

Implant-supported dentures can also resolve TMJ disorders or issues with jaw pain that often occur when there are multiple missing teeth. Compared with conventional dentures, full and partial denture implants are more comfortable, sturdier, and fit better without requiring denture adhesives.

What We Recommend

European Denture Center combines advanced technology and innovation to offer you maximum comfort, chewing ability, and the best fit possible. We create dentures that mirror the look and feel of your natural teeth, ensuring that you retain your original smile and appearance. We utilize new technologies and the finest denture materials from the USA, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland to create and provide the most comfortable and best-fitting denture through your dental implant process.

Cost of Implant-Supported Dentures

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, on average, implant-retained dentures with two dental implants generally cost between $2,500 to $4,500 or more.

Multiple-Tooth Implant Cost

These systems use four to six implants to secure a single removable denture. The average cost of treatment with a removable denture is from $2,500 to $5,000. The same treatment with a full-arch Zirconia fixed bridge instead of a denture costs between $9,000 to $25,000 per arch, including the bridge.

Full-Mouth Implant Cost

The average cost for all of your replacement teeth by full-mouth implant-supported bridgework ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 per arch or more.

Factors Impacting the Implant-Supported Dentures Cost

Numerous factors affect the overall cost of an implant-supported surgical procedure. These factors include:

  • Quality of replacement teeth material used
  • Dentist selected for the procedure
  • Number of implants placed
  • Any preparatory procedures required (bone grafts, sinus lifts, etc.)
  • Type of implants used
  • Cost of sedation dentistry (if elected)

Are Snap-on Dentures Worth the Investment?

Snap-on dentures have many benefits, but with so many options, denture patients often ask if they’re worth the price.

Snap-on Dentures: Longevity

Snap-on dentures often have a greater initial cost when compared with other affordable alternative replacement options like conventional dentures. However, implant-supported dentures have a longer lifespan than traditional dentures and can last for decades. Quality maintenance is critical as the plastic snaps will also need to be replaced around every year.

Snap-on Dentures: Comfort

Snap-on dentures are very comfortable and allow you to smile, speak, and eat your favorite foods with ease. Patients can even sleep with snap-in dentures though doctors recommend avoiding doing this frequently. This type of denture also results in less bone loss and lower risk for developing sore spots as compared to ‘regular dentures’.

Snap-on Dentures: An Investment That Pays for Itself

These implant dentures enable you to speak with confidence and help maintain your oral health by improving or resolving problems like jaw pain, which can occur with  tooth loss.

Snap-on dentures look like real teeth and help preserve the natural appearance and structure of your jaw and the lower third of your face. Despite the higher initial cost of snap-on dentures, they have many long-term benefits.

Additionally, most denturists accept insurance and offer flexible payment plans to help offset the out-of-pocket costs and make the process even easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mini dental implants, often referred to as MDIs (miniature dental implants), are similar in structure to traditional dental implants but are smaller in width, usually less than 3.0 millimeters in diameter. This reduced size makes them suitable for situations where there is insufficient bone mass to support standard implants or when the patient’s anatomy is not conducive to traditional implants.

Mini implants are commonly utilized to stabilize lower dentures, offering a secure foundation for prosthetic teeth without the need for extensive bone grafting procedures. Additionally, they can be a viable option for patients who may not be candidates for traditional implants due to medical conditions (such as gum disease) or anatomical constraints.

Despite their smaller size, mini dental implants provide reliable support and stability, enhancing the functionality and comfort of dentures for individuals seeking a more secure tooth replacement solution.

Implant-supported dentures offer numerous benefits, including improved stability, enhanced chewing ability, better speech, and increased comfort compared to traditional dentures.

While they may have a higher upfront cost, many patients find that the long-term advantages justify the investment.

Candidates for dental implant surgery need to have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implants. Smokers or individuals with certain medical conditions may need additional evaluation before proceeding.

The process can take several months, depending on whether you need bone grafting. After implant placement, the jawbone must heal and integrate with the implants (osseointegration), which usually takes 3-6 months.

Recovery involves some swelling, soreness, and potential minor bleeding for a few days after surgery. Most patients can resume normal activities within a week. Full healing and implant integration takes several months.

If you don’t have enough bone, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to build up the jawbone before you receive dental implants. This adds time to the overall process but ensures a stable foundation for the dentures.

The lifespan of implant-supported dentures can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene, bone density, and overall health. With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures can last for decades, making them a durable and cost-effective tooth replacement option.

The cost of implant-supported dentures is influenced by various factors, including the number of implants needed, the quality of materials used, the expertise of the dentist, and any additional procedures such as bone grafts or sinus lifts.

While the initial cost may be higher than that of traditional dentures, many patients consider the long-term benefits and improved quality of life to be worth the investment.

Coverage for denture implants varies depending on the specific dental insurance plan. While some dental insurance policies may cover a portion of the cost of implant-supported dentures, others may not cover dental implants at all. It’s essential to review your insurance policy carefully and consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for implant-supported dentures.

In many cases, insurance coverage may be available for certain aspects of the treatment, such as initial consultations, diagnostic procedures, or the cost of traditional dentures. However, coverage for the surgical placement of implants and the prosthetic components may be limited or subject to specific criteria, such as medical necessity or pre-authorization requirements. For example, cosmetic dental services are less likely to be covered than medically necessary dental implant procedures.

Patients are encouraged to inquire about coverage options and potential out-of-pocket expenses before undergoing treatment to make informed decisions regarding their dental care. Additionally, many dental practices offer flexible payment plans or financing options to help offset the cost of implant-supported dentures for patients with limited insurance coverage.

The success rate of implant-supported dentures is generally high, with studies indicating success rates of over 95% in most cases. Factors such as proper implant placement, good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups can contribute to the long-term success of implant-supported dentures.

It’s essential to follow your dentist’s recommendations for care and maintenance to ensure the best possible outcome.

What Are My Next Steps For Dental Implant Surgery?

At European Denture Center we have over 20 years of dental implants and denture placement experience. Our team of denturists and dentists have treated thousands of patients with a wide range of case needs. If you are considering dental implants, schedule a free consultation with us, and we will walk you through the process and help you evaluate your options.

1. Evaluate Your Oral Health

  • Comprehensive Exam: The dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination to assess the condition of your gums, teeth (if present), and overall oral health.
  • X-rays and 3D Imaging: X-rays or CT scans will be taken to evaluate the quality and density of your jawbone and determine the ideal placement for the implants.
  • Dental Impressions: Molds or impressions of your mouth may be made to plan the placement and design of your dentures.

2. Discuss Your Medical History

  • The dentist will review your medical history to ensure you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. They will discuss conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, or habits like smoking that might impact healing or implant success.

3. Determine Jawbone Health

  • If there is insufficient bone density to support implants, the dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure before proceeding with implants.

4. Develop a Customized Treatment Plan

  • The dentist will create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your needs, including:
    • The number of implants required.
    • The type of denture implant system (e.g., fixed or removable).
    • Any additional procedures, like tooth extractions or bone grafting.
    • Estimated costs and timelines.

5. Financial Discussion

  • The dentist will discuss the cost of the procedure, insurance coverage (if applicable), and financing options to help you budget for the implants.

Discover Whether Snap-on Dentures are Right for You

European Denture creates customized implant-supported denture solutions. Our team of experienced and caring denturists and staff will provide you with various treatment options, each with its distinctive benefits adapted to your unique dental requirements and budget.

To schedule a complimentary consultation at European Dentures, give us a call at 208-584-5433.

Related Reads