Which Implant Dentures Are the Most Affordable?

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I am unhappy with my denture, so I spent the past few weeks researching my options. I am interested in overdentures but would like to know which ones are more affordable. Is it worth going with the least expensive type? I’ve worn complete dentures since 2002, and most people think I am 10 years older than my age. Besides that, my dentures are so loose that I skip most social functions because I can’t enjoy them like I used to. What should I ask for when I have a consultation with a dentist? – Thanks. Gabe from CO

Gabe,

Thank you for your question.

Which Implant Overdentures Are the Most Affordable?

The most affordable implant overdentures are removable and require at least two dental implants to retain your denture. A snap-on denture is a popular option that improves your experience with dentures.

What Is a Snap-On Denture?

Snap-on denture diagram

Snap-on denture

A snap-on denture is a removable implant denture. The denture base has two to four grooves that snap onto dental implants. Although you can get a snap-on denture with just two implants, more implants will increase denture stability.

Snap-On Denture Advantages

You will notice these benefits from your implant-retained denture:

  • Feels more natural
  • Makes it easier to eat and speak with your denture
  • Stimulates your jawbone to prevent further shrinkage

A snap-on denture will outlast and outperform a complete removable denture. A June 2017 article in the Journal of Prosthodontics reviewed 25 studies that compared removable full dentures with implant-retained dentures. Studies show that implant-retained dentures significantly improve chewing function and quality of life.

Snap-On Denture Disadvantages

The disadvantages below compare a snap-on denture to a fixed implant denture:

It does not fit, feel, or function as well as a non-removable denture

  • . You must remove the denture to clean it.
  • You must remove the denture overnight while you sleep.

How Much Is a Snap-On Denture?

The average cost of one snap-on denture (upper or lower) with two dental implants in the U.S. is $10,000 – $15,000, but each patient’s case is unique. Your cost will depend on your needs, which may include several factors, such as these:

  • Your dentist’s fees for x-rays and a 3-D CT scan, which is essential for accurate implant placement
  • Bone grafting procedure
  • Bone grafting materials
  • Dental implant surgery
  • Dental implant parts
  • Wear temporary dentures while your implants heal
  • Custom denture
  • Follow-up visits

Also, costs vary depending on where you live in the U.S., how many implants you receive, and the denture you choose.

Fixed Implant Overdentures

Fixed implant overdentures are non-removable implant-supported dentures and cost more than implant-retained dentures. You will wear a temporary denture while your jawbone and implants fuse. Afterward, your dentist will screw the denture onto the implants.

Schedule Consultations for Snap-On Dentures

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two dentists with post-graduate training in dental implants.

  • Bring a list of questions you want to ask.
  • Ask each dentist about their experience with cases like yours.
  • Ask to see patients’ before-and-after pictures of snap-on dentures.

Compare your options and the costs, but please do not let cost alone be the reason for selecting a dentist. You deserve high-quality implant dentures regardless of which option you choose.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

My snap-on denture bone graft failed

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I agreed to two dental implants for a lower snap-on denture. My dentist said my jawbone had shrunk from having all my teeth missing for 15 years, so he needed to do bone grafting. We waited two months, and then during my second follow-up appointment, my dentist said that the bone graft failed. I am disappointed that I must start the process all over. I know my dentist has placed implants for at least a hundred patients. Although I didn’t think about it before, I wonder if he is not is good with bone grafting. Although I like my dentist, I hate the thought of another bone graft failure. I don’t know what to ask you, but I’m nervous and want some insight into the issue. – Thank you. Isaac from TN

Hello, Isaac,

Thank you for contacting our office.

We understand your concern and hesitation. Although many dentists have implant training and place implants frequently, fewer dentists have lots of bone grafting experience.

It is good that your dentist is upfront with you and did not try to place your implants anyway. Any implant denture—including a snap-on denture—requires good bone support. Otherwise, both the graft and implant will fail.

What to Do After Bone Graft Failure

Diagram of a snap-on denture. The denture is hovering above the jawbone that has two dental implants in it.

Healthy bone grafting will help secure your affordable implant denture

If you have experienced bone graft failure and are hesitant about letting your dentist try again, consider these options:

  • Talk to your dentist about your concerns – It may be easier to decide what to do if you ask your dentist how much bone grafting experience he has acquired over the years. You can also ask if your dentist knows what caused the bone grafting failure and what he will to do prevent it from recurring.
  • Ask for a referral – You can ask your dentist to refer you to a periodontist (implant specialist) or an oral surgeon for grafting and implant placement.
  • Get a second opinion – You can get a second opinion from a dentist with advanced implantology training who regularly performs bone grafting procedures.

Each time you experience bone graft failure, you must wait for the grafting sites to heal before another attempt. Weigh the pros and cons and do what you think is best for your oral health. Best wishes for a resolution and being able to enjoy your new implant denture.

Steven Brooksher, DDS is a cosmetic and implant dentist in Baton Rouge, LA. Read about his credentials and visit his smile gallery. It will help you determine what to look for in a dentist in your area.