When you look in the mirror and smile, do you like what you see, or are missing teeth keeping you from living your best life? Missing one or more teeth can negatively affect your self-confidence and make it challenging to eat your favorite foods and speak correctly. Gaps in your smile can also lead to several health issues.
Your Wilmette dentist can work with you to form a treatment plan to replace your missing teeth. You may think dental implants are not an option because they’re more expensive than dentures or bridges. Still, weighing the cost-effective benefits of dental implants before making the best decision for your oral health is essential.
Keep reading to learn more about investing in your smile with dental implants from Wilmette Dental Institute.
Understanding the Initial Investment
When considering dental implants, you might initially think they are too expensive. Although the implant process can be costly, it includes the entire procedure. You’re paying for the following:
- The dentist’s expertise — An experienced dentist will ensure you achieve the best results possible.
- Implant placement — Your dentist will surgically place each implant into your jawbone, making this treatment option more involved than bridges or dentures.
- Abutment placement — Once your implant heals, a connector piece is attached to hold the dental crown.
- Restoration placement — Your dentist will finish the process by placing a crown on top of the abutment to complete your new smile.
Long-Term Financial Benefits of Dental Implants
After your dental implant treatment, you can expect numerous long-term financial benefits, including:
- Lifespan — With proper care and good oral hygiene, your dental implants can last a lifetime. They are a permanent solution to tooth loss.
- Prevention — Replacing your teeth with dental implants can prevent jawbone deterioration and keep your other teeth from shifting into the gaps in your smile, helping you avoid oral health issues later on.
- Maintenance — With dental implants, there aren’t any special cleaning products or adhesives, so you won’t incur additional costs after treatment.
- Further treatment — Once you replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you won’t have to worry about paying for certain restorative procedures in the future. Addressing tooth loss with dental implants is an excellent long-term financial decision.
Insurance Coverage and Financing Options
Many people can’t afford to pay for the total cost of dental implants, but it’s important to realize several financing options are available. Here are some ways you might be able to pay for your treatment:
- Insurance — Depending on your dental insurance coverage, part of your dental implant treatment could be covered. Our dental team can work with you to determine your insurance benefits.
- Healthcare installment plans — Different companies will fund your treatment costs and allow you to make monthly payments for dental work. Consider CareCredit, Lending Point, or Lending Club as possible options.
- FSA — You may be eligible to contribute pre-tax dollars to a Flexible Spending Account. These accounts can be used for dental expenses.
- HSA — A Health Savings Account allows you to set aside part of your income for healthcare expenses not covered by insurance.
Quality of Life: The Non-Monetary Benefits
We understand the need to consider the cost of dental implants, but have you considered the non-monetary benefits? Here’s what you can expect after you replace your missing teeth with dental implants:
- Improved appearance — Your new teeth will look and feel like your natural teeth, improving your overall appearance.
- Improved speech — You won’t have to worry about slippage or improper fit. You can speak properly, knowing your implants are secure.
- Superior comfort — Dentures can cause sore gums and mouth sores, but dental implants are secure and offer exceptional comfort.
- Easier eating — You can comfortably eat your favorite foods; your implants will function like natural teeth.
- Improved self-confidence — After you complete the treatment process, you will be ready to show the world your new smile. Your self-esteem will improve, and you will look forward to socializing again.
- Improved oral health — Because your jawbone strength is restored and your teeth won’t shift into the empty spaces in your mouth, expect improved oral health after the dental implant procedure.
- Convenience — Dental implants are more convenient than removable dentures. You won’t have to worry about removing them or using adhesives to keep them in place.
Making an Informed Decision
When it’s time to decide whether dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you, making an informed decision is essential. Talk to your dentist, educate yourself, and keep the following in mind:
- The difference between dental implants and other tooth replacement options
- Whether dentures will give you the benefits you want
- The long-term oral health considerations
- The lifestyle and comfort factors of dental implants
- Your budget and treatment timeline
Want to Learn More about Dental Implants in Wilmette, IL?
If you’re looking for a dentist in Wilmette, IL, consider the expert dental team at Wilmette Dental Institute. We will happily guide you through your tooth replacement options and determine if dental implants fit your timeline, smile goals, and budget.
To begin the process, call our dental office at (847) 251-3110 to schedule a consultation today.
We look forward to hearing from you.