Between extreme couponing, thrift store scouting, and online freecycling groups, there are no shortage of ways to save a buck or two on almost anything. In fact, savvy consumers have found hacks to pay less for anything from haircuts to houses, and everything in between. But what about your smile? If you’re ready to permanently replace missing teeth with dental implants, you may have seen those ads for discount prosthetics. But are they worth the price? Here’s a closer look at why when it comes to restoring your smile, there’s no bargaining with your oral health!
Buyer Beware
Although investing in discount dental implants may seem like a good deal, the truth is that those savings must come from somewhere. Often, this means that the prosthetic itself is made of inferior quality, the offer doesn’t include the full cost of the treatment, or some important preliminary procedures may be ignored. This can ultimately lead to an increased risk of dental implant failure.
Quality > Quantity
The quality of your prosthetic is extremely important. In addition to looking fake or obvious, “cheap” dental implants are more likely to break with regular use, cause adverse reactions, or fail to properly fuse with the jawbone. This can result in pain while chewing, dental implant failure, and may even require additional procedures to repair, which of course will all cost even more money.
Conversely, when you invest in a quality restoration from a reputable dentist, you can dramatically reduce your risk of these problems developing, costing you less in the long run. In fact, paying for high quality prosthetics the first time can save you time, money, and your beautiful smile!
Choosing the Right Dentist
Now that you understand the importance of choosing the right prosthetic, it is also important to note that your dentist matters, too. A qualified dental professional will have undergone many hours of specialized training and will be able to identify any factors that could put your treatment at risk. Thus, they may recommend some preliminary procedures before your mouth is ready to receive your new dental implants, such as bone grafting, gum disease therapy, or a sinus lift, when discount providers may not.
Just as frustrating, some less reputable dentists will entice patients with the promise of a low-cost treatment, only to surprise them with a list of additional expenses like X-rays and anesthesia that are necessary for everyone regardless of their oral health, effectively quadrupling the price quoted in their advertisement! However, a qualified dentist will never quote you a price without providing a full dental examination first, and when they do, they will provide a clear, concise treatment plan that explains each line item in detail.
Remember, although saving money on your smile with dental implants may seem like a great way to cut corners, the truth is that when it comes to your oral health, the best deal is the one that gives you beautiful results without compromising your safety!
About Dr. Jake
Dr. Jake earned his undergraduate degree at Hunter College and his dental degree at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Since graduating, he has dedicated much of his free time to expanding his dental knowledge in areas like reconstructive and implant dentistry. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology just to name a few. To schedule a consultation for dental implants at W Dental, visit our website or call 559-431-9104.