How Much Do Implant Retained Dentures Cost?
If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth due to injury, disease, or aging, you may be exploring more stable options than traditional dentures. Implant retained dentures, also known as snap-in dentures or overdentures, provide a secure and natural-looking alternative for full-arch tooth replacement. These dentures are anchored to dental implants placed in the jaw and dramatically improve comfort, function, and appearance. If you’re considering implant retained dentures for your tooth restoration, it is important to understand the costs to determine if they are right for you. Read on to learn more.
What Are Implant Retained Dentures?
Implant retained dentures are removable or fixed dental prosthetics that attach to implants surgically inserted into the jawbone. A typical treatment plan involves placing 2 to 6 implants per jaw, though more may be needed depending on bone density, desired stability, and overall oral health. Once the implants heal and fuse with the bone, custom dentures are created to attach securely to the implants. Some are removable for daily cleaning, while others are fixed and can only be removed by a dentist.
What Are the Benefits of Implant Retained Dentures?
The cost of implant retained dentures is higher than traditional removable dentures, but so are the advantages. Patients report stronger chewing ability, better speech, and greater confidence. Because the dentures attach to the implants, there’s far less slipping or irritation. The implants also stimulate the jawbone and help prevent bone loss over time. This is a major benefit not offered by conventional dentures. Appearance also improves, as implant-supported dentures tend to look and feel more like natural teeth.
What Are the Cost Considerations?
The cost of implant retained dentures varies widely based on several factors. On average, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 per arch. This range can increase if additional implants are needed or if bone grafting is required before the implants can be placed. The factors that generally impact the cost are:
- Number of Implants: The more implants placed, the higher the cost. However, more implants often provide greater stability and durability.
- Type of Denture: Fixed dentures tend to cost more than removable ones because they may require additional attachments or a custom metal bar.
- Location and Provider: Fees can differ depending on the region, the dentist’s experience, and the complexity of your treatment plan.
- Insurance Coverage: Most private insurance plans provide limited or no coverage for implant dentures. Medicare typically does not cover them. It’s important to check with your provider to understand what portion of the cost, if any, will be reimbursed.
Procedure Timeline and Additional Costs
The process of receiving implant retained dentures is not immediate. Healing time between implant placement and final denture attachment can take several months. During this time, patients may use temporary dentures. Some cases may also require a second surgical procedure to expose the implants and attach connectors.
Additional costs may include imaging, extractions, bone grafting, and adjustments after placement. All of these should be included in your dentist’s quote before treatment begins.
What Does This Mean for Me?
Implant retained dentures represent a long-term investment in both comfort and quality of life. While the cost can be significant, many patients find the improved stability, function, and appearance to be worth it. To determine your exact treatment plan and get a more precise estimate, consult with your dentist today.
