How Much Do Implant Retained Dentures Cost?
Patients who are missing a significant number of teeth on one or both arches of their mouth may consider implant retained dentures to restore their mouth to a healthy, functioning state. Traditional dentures are held in place using adhesion and suction and can slip during eating and speaking. Over time, they can become ill-fitting as the patient’s jaw bone structure deteriorates.
Unlike traditional dentures, implant retained dentures are held in place with dental implants! Also called “snap in dentures“, implant retained dentures are able to be removed by the patient for cleaning but have the advantage of snapping onto permanent implants for a secure and stable fit.
Implant Procedure
Your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant placement surgery. The doctor who places your implants will make a small incision in the gum tissue and drill a hole into your jaw bone and then place a titanium implant post. A healing cap will be placed over the implant to protect it from food particles and bacteria while the implant heals.
The healing caps will remain in place for about six months until the implants are fully integrated with your jaw bone. During this time, you will wear a temporary denture so that you can eat and speak normally. Four to six implants per arch are placed for implant retained dentures.
What are the benefits of implant retained dentures?
implant retained dentures, or snap-in dentures, are significantly more stable than traditional dentures. They also fit better and do not slip when you speak or eat. Traditional dentures can move around during the day causing sores on your gum tissue but snap-in dentures do not cause this irritation.
Along with being more aesthetically pleasing than a traditional denture, implant retained dentures are better for the overall health of your mouth and jaw bone. Dental implants help stimulate bone regeneration whereas traditional dentures sit above the gum tissue and over time, can allow the jaw bone structure to deteriorate.
Is there a downside to implant retained dentures?
The biggest cons for implant retained dentures are the cost and time associated with treatment. Aside from the six months of healing time after implant placement surgery, you may require preparatory surgeries such as a bone or gum graft which will have to heal before the implants can be placed. This can add up to three more months of healing time.
Snap-in dentures are also more costly up front than traditional dentures but because they last so much longer, they are more cost effective in the long run.
So, how much do implant retained dentures cost?
Dental implants cost up to $2000 each and one arch for an implant retained denture can cost between $5000 and $6000 for the implants. The denture itself can cost up to $10,000, depending on the materials used.
Dental implants can last a lifetime and the denture can last up to 20 years before needing to be replaced. If you have dental insurance, it may cover some of the cost of treatment but most insurances will only pay out between $1500 and $2000 per year.
If you need a denture, speak with your dentist to determine if you are a candidate for implant retained dentures.