IMPLANTS VS. BRIDGES: WHAT TO CONSIDER
Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing the right solution for you. How much you will need to pay out of your own pocket for the procedure will vary depending on your coverage through your work benefits and/or insurance policy if you have them.
Most dental benefits packages through employment will cover these types of procedures up to a specific dollar amount for the year.
Insurance companies consider both dental bridges and implants to be high-end procedures, making it more difficult to make a claim to fully pay for either procedure. Because of the vast difference in cost between either treatment, insurance companies are more likely to pay for a dental bridge than an implant.
When considering either option for your missing tooth or teeth, it is best to check what is covered by your employment benefits first if you have them. If you also have insurance coverage, speak with your provider about the options you are considering and if you have information regarding benefits coverage, provide them that information as well. They will help you make your decision by telling you what claim options your have for either procedure.
WHAT OUR DENTISTS RECOMMEND
We will consider your individual situation before making any recommendations. We will consider the number of teeth you are looking to replace, your age, your overall oral and medical health as well as any financial considerations that are relevant to you. We will provide multiple options for treatment and their costs.
That being said, our team is focused on your total oral health, and not just your smile. That is why we recommend dental implants over bridges whenever possible since they promote the health of the underlying bone and gum structures while bridges don’t.
It may be a more costly and stressful procedure, but the longevity of dental implants compared to bridges means once the procedure is complete, you won’t have to worry about it ever again. With a bridge, you will need to have it periodically replaced, and may have to have other procedures due to the complications bridges can cause. In the end, this could end up costing you more over the course of your lifetime than the implant would have.