What are my options if I can’t afford dental implants? I’m 42 and am embarrassed to wear dentures. I know it makes sense to have dentures rather than a toothless smile. I wonder if there are alternatives that I may not know about. Thanks. Tish

Tish,

Tooth replacement options include partial dentures, removable complete dentures, a dental bridge, and dental implants. Your options depend on your oral health and the number of teeth you have lost.

Dental implants are a significant investment, but there are options to make them more accessible. While it’s unlikely to find dentists willing to provide implants in exchange for advertising, there are several strategies to consider:

• Dental School Clinics: Many dental schools offer discounted treatment to patients who participate in their implant training programs. Treatment from a dental school can be cost-effective, though it may involve longer treatment times and potential discomfort associated with student practitioners.
• Affordable Dental Implant Options: Snap-on dentures supported by two standard dental implants or mini implants can be less expensive and less invasive than traditional implant procedures.
• Phased Approach: Consider getting a removable denture now and saving for implant-supported dentures in the future. This phased approach can help you spread out the costs over time.
• Charity Dental Clinics: While dental clinics often focus on providing primary care, they may offer some assistance with dentures or partial dentures.

Explore these options and consult a dentist to determine the most suitable approach for your needs and budget. While there may not be a straightforward solution, these strategies can help make implant dentures more affordable in the future.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.