With the prevalence of thrift stores, social media marketplaces, and even deal saving apps, it’s safe to say that everyone loves a good deal. But buyer beware takes on a whole new level of importance when it comes to your oral health. Although there are plenty of ads circulating about “discount” dental implants and same-day treatments that will supposedly save you money, trusting just anyone for your restorations can ultimately cost you much more in the long run. Here’s a closer look at the dangers of so-called bargain dental implants, and why when it comes to your health, it pays to invest in quality.
Bait & Switch: Why Low-Cost Dental Implants Cost Less
Have you ever gotten one of those mailers full of coupons for things like free estimates on shower renovations, low-cost air filtration systems, and discount dental implants? Maybe you’ve even seen billboards or ads on the side of a bus for local “dentists” promising a whole new smile in one day. You may be wondering how this is even possible, considering the amount of work and recovery time involved in dental implant treatment.
The truth is, however, that these so-called deals aren’t usually a bargain after all. Often, they rely on cutting corners to bring down the initial cost of your treatment, like using low quality brands, not offering a warranty or treatment of complications, failing to use proper diagnostics, using unqualified or untrained professionals, and even neglecting to mention hidden ‘gotcha’ fees like CT scans, temporary restorations, follow-up visits, or even anesthesia! So, for example, that $799 dental implant you see advertised can quickly add up when you include the $300 CBCT scan, $900 bone graft, and $1,200 crown. Suddenly that $800 price tag has ballooned to $3,200!
Unfortunately, these discounts may seem like a good deal at first, but frequently cost more later, either because you still need to pay for the hidden fees, or because your inferior quality restorations fail and need further intervention.
How to Avoid Dangerous Dental Implants
The best way to avoid dangerous dental implant treatments that could cost you more than expected is to seek treatment from an experienced dentist. Feel free to ask questions about their credentials and experience, and even to see before and after photos of real patients. You can also check out their reviews on sites like Google to see what other patients had to say about their own experiences.
When it’s time to select your dental implant, your dentist will go over the pros and cons of each required part, such as whether you should choose titanium or zirconium for your implant and abutment, or which material or manufacturer is best for the teeth. They can even help you decide on whether you’d be better suited to crown, bridge, or denture. At the end of your consultation, they’ll provide you with a detailed treatment plan, including the total cost for your procedure, preliminary treatments, the prosthetics themselves, and even which portions your insurance may cover. They may even offer options like special offers, membership plans, and flexible financing to make your treatment more affordable.
This expertise can not only save you money, but it will help improve your implant’s odds for success, saving you even more time, money, and frustration down the road.
Remember, while those glossy ads may seem like the deal of a lifetime when making a big investment like dental implants, they can often cost you more in the long run if you make the wrong choice. Thus, be sure to select a trusted, well-credentialed dentist who will act in the best interests of your oral health and not their own bottom line!
About Our Practice
At Amaze Dental Arts, we believe every smile is a work of art. That’s why we’re proud to offer durable, lifelike dental implants. If your smile is missing one or more teeth and you’re tired of dealing with temporary solutions like dentures, it’s time to consider these permanent prosthetics. To learn more about treatment and to see how we can restore your gorgeous grin for a lifetime, schedule a consultation today by visiting our website or calling 972-230-1100.