If you are among the millions of Americans that are missing most or all of their teeth, you may be looking for a solution. For many years, the primary solution has been conventional dentures. However, while they can be effective, they come with a variety of issues.
Dental implants, on the other hand, address these issues. However, dental implants can be expensive, especially when you are replacing a full arch. One option is implant retained dentures. This is a hybrid solution that uses both dental implants and an overdenture.
Implant supported dentures can be permanently secured to dental implants or can be removable, just like conventional dentures. The team at Rainier Ave Dental can help you restore your smile with implant-supported dentures. Here’s what you need to know about this tooth replacement solution, including the cost.
Types of implant supported dentures
There are two types of implant supported dentures:
- Bar-retained: has a bar attached to the implants for the denture to clip onto, providing more security than a traditional denture.
- Ball-retained: has ball-shaped attachments on the implants for the denture to clip onto, providing more stability and functionality than conventional dentures.
Both of these options offer patients the ability to remove their overdenture at night for cleaning and to allow their mouth to rest.
How implant supported dentures differ from traditional dentures
Traditional dentures rest on top of the gum and depend on your mouth muscles and denture adhesive to remain in place. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, are supported by dental implants that are secured in the jawbone. Typically, 4 dental implants are used to hold a full arch in place.
Benefits of implant supported dentures
- Increased stabilityTraditional dentures rest on top of your gums, which means they can slip around in your mouth. Even if you use denture adhesive, it can wear off after several hours. Implant-supported dentures are held in place with dental implants. The overdenture can only be removed by the dentist during an exam or cleaning.
- No mess Traditional dentures need the help of denture adhesive to stay in place, which can be frustrating and messy. Plus, you’ll have to spend extra time scrubbing the adhesive off of your dentures and gums. Implant-supported dentures don’t need denture adhesive.
- Supports healthy jawboneIf you are missing teeth, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate, leading to a variety of additional oral and overall health issues. Dental implants replace the stimulation of tooth roots, which helps maintain the shape and strength of your jawbone.
- Improved quality of lifeThere are lots of complications that come with missing most or all of your teeth. Your overall quality of life is greatly impacted. However, if you replace your missing teeth with implant-supported dentures, you can smile, speak, laugh, and eat with confidence.
How much are implant supported dentures?
The price you pay for your implant-supported dentures will vary. There are many dental insurance plans that consider this a cosmetic procedure and will not cover any of the procedure. On the other hand, there are some that will cover some- or even all- of the procedure. Therefore, our office staff will be happy to work with your provider to determine your coverage.
On average, traditional implants cost around $1,600 to $2,200 per implant. On the other hand, mini implants cost between $500 to $1,500 per implant. A full set of porcelain dentures costs approximately $1,500 to $4,000. This does not include the cost of additional services such as sedation, gum disease treatment, extractions, bone grafts, or other required procedures.
Therefore, the average base cost of implant supported dentures is $6,000 to $8,000 per arch.
Factors that Affect Cost
There are several factors involved in determining the cost of implant supported dentures, including:
- Quality of denture
- Type of implants
- How many implants are used
- Additional procedures required
- Location of the dentist
- Experience/expertise of the dentist
Another factor that can impact your cost is your dental insurance coverage. Most dental insurance plans do not cover implants, unfortunately. However, this does vary from one company to another. Our office staff will be happy to contact your provider to determine your coverage. If you do not have coverage or your coverage is inadequate, we do offer some financing options to make treatment more affordable.
Who can benefit from implant-supported dentures?
If you are missing most or all of your teeth and are interested in a permanent solution, you may benefit from implant-supported dentures.
Schedule Your Implant-Supported Denture Consultation Today
If you are missing all or most of your teeth and believe that you may benefit from implant-supported dentures, schedule your consultation at Rainier Ave Dental today. We can restore your smile and your confidence. Our dentists have the experience and expertise in many dental procedures, including implant-supported dentures.
Our office is located on Rainier Avenue in Seattle. Our office hours are Monday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday by appointment only.
Implant-Supported Dentures FAQs
Implant supported dentures offer the stability and functionality of dental implants with the affordability of conventional dentures. If you have any questions or concerns, the team at Rainier Ave Dental will be happy to discuss those with you. In the meantime, we’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below:
How long does it take to get implant-supported dentures?
Due to the time it takes to get dental implants, the entire process of getting implant supported dentures can take at least 2 months and up to 7 or more, depending on how quickly you heal and whether you need additional procedures or not.
Are implant supported dentures removable?
Implant supported dentures are fixed permanently in place. Only the dentist will be able to remove it during an exam and cleaning. Implant-retained dentures, on the other hand, are removable. This means that, while they are secured in place when you’re wearing them, you’ll still need to remove them at night for cleaning and to let your mouth rest.
Are implant supported dentures comfortable?
Conventional dentures sit on top of the gums, which can cause pressure and friction sores- especially if the denture moves around in the mouth. Implant supported dentures are secured in place with dental implants, giving them a more natural look and feel.
How long do implant supported dentures last?
The implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, which includes proper oral hygiene habits and visiting the dentist every 6 months. However, it is important to note that the overdenture may need to be replaced after about 15 to 20 years, depending on how well you care for it.
