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What If I Can’t Afford Dental Implants?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I’m looking for ways to avoid getting dentures and getting dental implants even though I don’t have money for them. I’m wondering if I could find a discount or join a waitlist for a dentist who does implants for people who can’t afford them. Or if a dental practice could use me in an ad or if there is a study or something that I can sign up for to get dental implants in return for my time. I’m a 40-year-old single dad who is on the verge of losing all my teeth from neglect. My kids have been through so much. I just want to smile for them without embarrassing myself or them. How can I get implants? – Thanks. Ethan from Chicago, IL

 

Ethan,

Your concerns are understandable since our teeth and smiles impact our self-confidence.

Can You Get Affordable Dental Implants?

Unfortunately, to get dental implants, you’re going to need to pay for them. The reason dentists who do quality implant work don’t offer discounts in return for testimonials is that they have no trouble getting testimonials from patients who pay the full fee. But let us explain ways to make treatment more affordable.

How Can You Get Affordable Dental Implants?

You can get affordable dental implants by attending a dental school or choosing an option, such as a snap-on denture or mini implants.

Dental school

A dental school that teaches implant dentistry needs patients for its students to place implants. The school will offer you a discount for accepting treatment from a dental student.

Snap-on denture

Snap-on denture hovering above the lower gums

Snap-on denture

A snap-on denture uses two implants to stabilize your denture. The denture is removable for you to clean and let your mouth rest at night. This option is less expensive than a fixed implant denture.

Mini implants

The diameter of mini implants is 1/3 that of standard implants. Not all dentists offer this option, but mini implants are more affordable than standard implants. Your dentures will not fall out, but they won’t be as secure as standard implants.

Getting treatment in phases

If you can afford dental implants in the future, you can get a quality denture now and get it fitted later for dental implants. Discuss this option with an implant dentist.

What If You Can’t Get Dental Implants?

If you investigate snap-on dentures or mini-implants and find that you still cannot afford them, consider charity dental clinics. Search online for dental clinics in your city or charitable dentistry events. Although a dental clinic will not provide dental implants, it can provide a removable denture to replace your missing teeth and improve your quality of life. Getting a denture will help you feel more comfortable in public and allow you to smile without the embarrassment of missing teeth.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie. Ask Delaune Dental about financing to help pay for dental care.

medical insurance & dental implants

Posted on by writeradmin.

I had to remove all my upper teeth due to extensive gum disease and decay. I’ve gotten the gum disease back under control, though it cost me a small fortune. I’ve been trying traditional dentures, but that dental plate has made things impossible for me. I have too strong a gag reflex to even keep it in. This has made eating almost impossible. I’ve already lost ten pounds and I’m not a big woman to begin with. My dentist suggested I get implant dentures. Is it possible to get medical insurance to pay for this because I can’t eat? I would think that would count as a health issue. My dentist didn’t think it would.

Beth

Dear Beth,

upper implant overdentures
Implant overdentures

Implant overdentures will be a great solution for someone in your position. The extra hardware in your mouth which comes along with traditional dentures is a problem for most people.

Using dental implants to support them, not only makes them more secure, it also removes all the extra material over your palette which causes so many gagging problems. Not to mention the food that can get under there.

Medical Insurance for Dental Implants

Unfortunately, your dentist was right. It is highly unlikely medical insurance with cover you getting the dental implants you need. This is a shame because it does have a negative impact on your health when you can’t eat and get the nutrition you need.

Most medical insurance comes with a dental exclusion clause. There is sometimes an exception where if you had a car accident and lost your teeth. Then, it COULD be covered through the medical portion of your car insurance.

Affording Dental Implants

There are a few ways to make this more affordable. First, you should know you don’t have to pay for the entire procedure at once. Instead, you pay for the implant portion before that is done. Then there is a period of healing, which also allows for osseointegration. When that is completed, it is time for the denture portion. That is when you’ll pay for the second half.

Even then, things can be broken up for you. Many dentists work with a company called “Care Credit“. This is a medical credit card of sorts which will pay for your procedure and then allow you to pay them back.

The interest is much lower than traditional credit cards. If you have good credit, you can even get a zero-interest payment plan. I would talk to your dentist. Their business office can usually find options for you.

If they’re not willing to show you options, then this isn’t the best dentist for you. Find a better dentist. One who is more compassionate.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.