Best Options for Cheap Implants and Dentures

Dental implants are considered to be the superior choice for tooth replacement options. Crowns supported by implants have the look and functionality of natural teeth and also aid in the prevention of jawbone loss.

However, dental implants are not the best option for every patient. Implants may be unsuitable for some patients due to medical conditions, financial reasons, or for those who prefer other types of less invasive treatment alternatives.

How Can You Get Affordable Implants?

We will discuss some of the most viable inexpensive dental implant alternatives.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable appliances that replace one or more missing teeth. They can be positioned on the upper or lower jaw and are secured by precision attachments that fit onto crowns or by clasps that surround the existing teeth. Their gum-colored acrylic base supports the denture. The denture base may or may not include a metal framework for extra strength and support.

The cost of partial dentures depends upon their quality. More expensive partial dentures generally use higher-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, enabling them to be more durable and to better replicate the look and feel of natural teeth.

Pros:

• They are a safer option for patients who have recently had their teeth removed because dentures allow the mouth time to heal.
• Partial dentures may be modified should additional teeth need to be replaced at a later time.
• Partial dentures are a non-invasive, reversible procedure. You can choose to have implants placed at a later time should your health or financial situation change.
• For patients who have never worn dentures before, partials are a more comfortable option. Since they are customized for patients, they are lightweight and flexible.
• They are easier to adjust.
• The process of getting partial dentures is easier and faster.

Cons:

• Partial dentures cannot be worn overnight and should be removed regularly for cleaning.
• The natural teeth that support partial dentures may be gradually weakened.
• Dentures are not permanent restorations and need to be replaced as required.
• They may trap food and debris, which can increase the possibility of gum disease involving the remaining natural teeth.
• Certain foods cannot be eaten while wearing partial dentures, e.g., caramel and hard foods.

Flippers

Dental flippers are removable partial dentures used by dentists or oral surgeons as a temporary replacement for one or more missing teeth. They are made from denture acrylic that simulates the gum tissue and acts as the support for the replacement tooth.

Since denture teeth are less expensive than an implant, patients may opt to wear flippers indefinitely. For underage kids with missing teeth, flippers can be a long-term solution until they have grown and developed enough to become a candidate for other tooth replacement options.

Pros:

• Flippers fill the gaps resulting from missing teeth to give patients a better appearance.
• They can be prepared in advance of the tooth extraction procedure.
• They enable patients to chew food more easily despite the missing teeth.
• Flippers help stabilize the remaining teeth and prevent them from shifting.
• Affordable all

Cons:

• Dental flippers are less durable than removable partial dentures, implants, and dental bridges.
• Some people find wearing a flipper uncomfortable and want a more long-term solution.
• Flippers limit the patient’s ability to bite or tear food. Some foods may need to be avoided entirely while wearing the flipper.

See Also: Flipper Tooth: What You Need to Know

All-on-4 Dentures

All-on-4 dentures are an excellent permanent tooth replacement option for patients missing several teeth or who do not have any natural teeth. Traditional dental implant surgery needs up to 10 implants per arch in order to secure crowns in place. The all-on-4 technique requires four implants per jaw to secure an implant-retained hybrid denture or partial. The procedure is more affordable and efficient as compared to traditional implant restorations.

Pros:

• The procedure requires only one surgery.
• The procedure rarely requires bone grafting.
• The all-on-4 implant procedure has a shorter recovery time than traditional implant procedures.
• The entire procedure is more affordable than traditional implants.

Cons:

• There is a slight chance of implant failure if new bone does not form properly around the implant.
• During the healing process from the surgery, patients may face temporary tender gums and may have difficulty speaking.

See Also: Should You Get All-On-4 Dental Implants?

Cheap Implants from Abroad

The cost of a tooth implant procedure in the United States ranges from $2,500-$5,000 per tooth. However, in Mexico, the treatment cost is below $3,000. In Thailand, it costs around $3,500. And in India, the cost can be less than $1000 per tooth.

Pros:

• Lower cost than implant brands available in the US.
• Lesser overall expenses for the procedure.
• Good quality treatment in internationally accredited dental clinics.
• Multilingual medical teams are available at many facilities that regularly treat foreign nationals.

Cons:

• Less pricing transparency with dental tourism.
• The expense of travel, lodging, meals, and transportation increases the overall cost of the treatment.
• US medical or dental insurance is unlikely to cover any of the expenses of treatment.
• The medical team cannot always reach out to patients or be accountable for any adverse reactions to drugs, dental materials, or treatment.
• Patients may not be able to make changes to their smile or bite easily after returning to the US.

Low Cost Dental Implants: Payment Options

Dental implants cost anywhere from $0 to thousands of dollars depending on the needed dental procedure, assistance available, and payment plan. Here are some of the options that allow individuals to get affordable dental implants.

Government Programs and Non-Profit Assistance

For individuals who find it strenuous to afford dental implants or dentures due to financial limitations, various government programs and non-profit organizations might offer aid. These bodies often provide dental care and replacement options for free or at a substantially reduced cost, enabling access to oral health solutions without breaking the bank.

Government Programs

In the United States, Medicaid may provide dental services for qualifying low-income adults and children, though coverage for cheap dental implants can vary greatly from state to state. Some states may include dental implants or dentures as part of their Medicaid coverage, especially if deemed medically necessary, while others might only cover emergency dental services.

Pros:

• Offers access to dental care for low-income individuals and families.
• Could provide significant cost savings or even free services for qualifying treatments.
• Helps manage and spread out dental costs through affordable or no-cost care.

Cons:

• Not all states provide extensive dental coverage through Medicaid.
• Paperwork and qualification processes can be complex and time-consuming.
• Limited choice of dental care providers who accept Medicaid and provide the cheapest dental implants.

Non-Profit Organizations

Numerous non-profit organizations are dedicated to providing dental care and tooth replacement options to individuals who cannot afford them. Organizations such as Dental Lifeline Network, America’s Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF), and the Oral Health America (OHA) often have programs dedicated to offering dental services to those in need.

Pros:

• Provide free or low-cost dental services to individuals and communities in need.
• Available to various populations including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families.
• May offer comprehensive services including preventive care, surgeries, and tooth replacement options with lowered dental implant cost.

Cons:

• Often have long waiting lists and may require extensive documentation to prove eligibility.
• Limited to certain populations or demographic groups.
• These low dental implant costs may not be available in all geographic locations.

Dental Schools

Dental schools offer another avenue for affordable dental care, including dental implant treatment. Students, supervised by experienced dentists, perform dental implant placement as part of their educational experience. This option is beneficial for those who need cost-effective solutions and are willing to contribute to the education of budding dental professionals.

Pros:

• Significantly more affordable than private dental clinics.
• The work is supervised by experienced dentists, ensuring a standard of care.
• Helps dental students gain practical experience.

Cons:

• Appointments often take longer than in traditional dental offices due to the educational aspect.
• Availability of dental care may be limited to certain times of the year, aligning with academic calendars.
• Some complex procedures and mouth implants might not be available.

​​Affordable Dental Implants With European Denture Center

Patients facing dental issues should have tooth replacement as soon as possible to prevent any complications, such as the need for bone grafts, before treatment. Additional treatments will extend the overall time and cost. Contact us at European Denture Center to discuss your options and hear more about cheap and inexpensive dental implant solutions that may be right for you.