Seniors Are Choosing Dental Implants Over Dentures
Groundbreaking technology means dental implants are finally an affordable solution for seniors
Having a million-dollar smile doesn’t have to cost you a million dollars. There has never been a better time to finally – and permanently – fix your missing or damaged teeth. Advancements in technology, a competitive market, cheaper pricing and a variety of payment options make dental implants more affordable for seniors than ever.
As with so many things in life, handling the cost of dental implants requires creativity alongside a little bit of research. Solutions exist. You just have to find them. On this page, we provide information on ways to finance dental implants, even if you have bad credit. In fact, you might be able to improve your credit simply by taking on and responsibly handling the cost of implants. From this page, you can link to resources that will help put you on the path to paying for dental implants.
Quality of life
If you have missing or damahttps://iili.io/KkSk79.md.jpgged teeth, you are not alone. Seniors in particular suffer tooth loss due to gum disease, tooth decay, injury and chronic disease. Among people 65 and older, 20 percent have untreated tooth decay, 68 percent have gum disease, and nearly 1 in 5 have no remaining teeth. Good oral health is a quality-of-life issue. In fact, one study of older adults shows a connection between tooth loss and mental and physical decline. Moreover, medical research suggests a link between poor oral health and general health, noting associations with heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, diabetes control, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, skin ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancers.
Why dental implants?
Dental implants are a permanent option to replace missing or damaged teeth. The procedure affixes an artificial tooth (a crown) to a post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, much like a natural tooth’s roots. Each crown is custom made to match the shape, size and color of your natural teeth, so they look and feel real. Unlike dentures and bridges, implants fit securely so they’re more comfortable and won’t slip when you chew. That means you can eat more of what you want – no more soft-food diets that can lead to poor nutrition. Dental implants are stable; they don’t need to be removed and soaked like dentures and bridges, so you can ditch those adhesives and fixatives that add cost and bother. And while dentures and bridges can break, leading to expensive repairs or replacement, dental implants won’t decay and likely will never have to be replaced. With success rates estimated as high as 98 percent, dental implants are a reliable solution. Coupled with a good dental hygiene regimen of daily flossing, brushing and regular dental checkups, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Help covering costs
Time and costs vary depending on your individual circumstances, including oral and general health, how many teeth need replacing and where they are located (back teeth can be more expensive). Though the initial cost of dental implants is higher than dentures and bridges, insurance companies are recognizing the long-term value of implants. With an estimated 5 million implants placed each year in the United States alone, more insurers are beginning to offer some coverage. If your insurance does not cover dental implants, ask if they might offer an amount equal to dentures or a bridge. If you have a private Medicare health plan, check to see what they offer. And always ask the implant dentist’s office about financing options and payment plans. You’ve earned the right to enjoy your golden years, from dinner with friends to visiting the grandkids, celebrating your anniversary or taking that dream vacation. Get your smile back, and get back in the game. With dental implants, you’ll look – and feel – like a million without spending a fortune.
A Need, Not A Want
Despite the way insurance companies classify dental implants, they’re quite often medically necessary. In fact, you can make the argument that they always are. If you need a tooth replaced and fail to do it, more serious dental issues can arise and persist. Beyond the physical implications, having healthy teeth and a smile you’re proud of can improve your mental health. All of this said, if you’re in the market for dental implants, you’re most likely not splurging for an irresponsible extravagance. Rather, you’re taking steps to maintain and improve your physical and mental health. There might not be anything more important. So it’s imperative you take the steps to make the process as financially painless as possible.