What can I do if I can’t afford dental implants but am not ready for dentures? I’m 42, and most people think I look younger until I smile. I’m embarrassed and depressed. I’ve searched online for assistance and have joined various forums about people who have lost their teeth. Instagram has so many full-mouth implant videos of people who look like they have an average income. After seeing the cost of implants, I wonder if those advertisements are real. How can I find dentists for pro bono implants, or who give away implants if you do ads for them? Am I being unrealistic? Are dentures my only option? I’m a single mom with two teenagers, and I want to be happy for my kids. Thanks. Jada from WV
Jada,
We understand your concerns and how missing teeth can affect your emotions and self-image. Dental implants outlast and outperform removable dentures. However, if you want dental implants, you must pay for them. We have some suggestions for making implant dentures more affordable.
How Can You Replace Missing Teeth If You Can’t Afford Dental Implants?
If you can’t afford dental implants, you can replace missing teeth with a removable partial or complete denture. When all your upper or lower teeth are missing, consider the following options that may allow you to get dental implants.
Get Dentures Now and Save for Implants
Getting dentures now and saving for implants can make them more affordable. If you get a quality denture, an implant dentist can modify it to accommodate dental implants.
Get a Discount at a Teaching School
If you live near a university with a dental school, they may teach implant dentistry and need patients as subjects. Although the dental implants won’t be free, you may get a discount for being willing to get implants from students.
Consider Implant Denture Options
A snap-on dentures makes implants more affordable
Although four to six dental implants provide superior stability for a denture, you can get an affordable option, such as a snap-on denture. Two implants can anchor a snap-on denture. Some dentists use mini-implants to secure a denture.
Find Charity Dental Clinics for Removable Dentures
Some communities have charitable clinics that will offer a budget removable denture. However, the clinics do not offer free dental implants and dentures. Dentures were the standard of care for decades until about 30 years ago. Still, 40 million Americans wear partial or implant dentures. A dental clinic will provide dentures to fulfill your basic need for replacement teeth.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley, Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Coughran do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
