Dental implants are one of the most commonly used methods for replacing missing teeth. A titanium screw is inserted into the jaw where the roots of the teeth are, and after bone fuses around the implant, an artificial crown is affixed to the top.
Dental implants are an effective treatment that provides patients with natural-looking teeth for the long term. They also tend to be expensive in Australia, which leads many budget-conscious potential patients to ask, “Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?”
While the cheapest option regarding missing teeth is to take no action, this is also the least advisable course. Missing teeth can potentially cause a lot of problems that go beyond affecting your self-esteem or making you more reluctant to smile in photographs. Other teeth can and do shift to fill the space, the jawbone muscles often weaken, and you become more susceptible to further tooth loss. Gum disease may set in, increasing your risk for conditions elsewhere in the body, such as cardiovascular disease and endocarditis. Replacing missing teeth is always the best bet; the question is how to do so without breaking the budget.
This article will address common concerns of those with missing teeth. What are the alternatives to dental implants? Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants? Can the All-on-4® treatment save you money, and what does it involve? We answer those questions so that no matter what sort of budget you’re working with, you have a reason to smile again soon.
Cheaper Alternatives to Dental Implants
What are the alternatives to dental implants? There are several potentially cheaper treatment options, including
Full or partial dentures
Dentures are false teeth, although these days, they look and feel a lot more comfortable than the traditional ones of yesteryear.
Dentures come in two varieties: full dentures replace all of your teeth, while partial dentures are used when you still have some natural teeth remaining. Dentures look and function like natural teeth and can be used for biting, chewing and everything else your natural set can do. However, they don’t feel as close to real teeth as implants. They’re also removable, unlike implants, which are permanently attached.
Dental crowns
Traditionally, dental crowns have been used to cover decayed or damaged teeth. They’re still most often used to cap damaged teeth and sometimes implants. However, they can also be a lower-cost alternative to implants and dentures as long as dental bridges are in place to support them.
Dental crowns are most commonly made from porcelain, sometimes mixed with other materials, and are designed to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth.
Single tooth implants
If you only need to replace one tooth, a single dental implant is obviously a lot cheaper than an entire set of implants or dentures. During the procedure, a solo titanium implant is inserted to support a crown that blends in with your natural teeth.
A single implant is relatively cheap and affordable but has limitations. If you’re missing multiple teeth, restoring one won’t remove the health risks associated with the absence of others.
Dental bridges
As the name suggests, dental bridges are prosthetic devices that “bridge” the gap left in your mouth by one or more missing teeth. Two crowns are placed on either side of the gap, connected to either actual teeth or implants, to support the false tooth – or teeth – in the middle. Different bridges include traditional (attached on both sides) and Cantilever (attached on one side only).
Non-surgical implants
Putting financial benefits aside, non-surgical implants have additional benefits. No cuts or stitches are required, meaning less time in the chair, less pain and discomfort and shorter recovery periods. Non-surgical implants involve your dental clinic using 3D imaging to map your bone structure and design a prosthesis.
All-on-4® Dental Implants
All-on-4® dental implants are an advanced dentistry method offering a new full set of teeth that look and feel completely natural. If you’ve been waiting for the opportunity to flash the world a big, bright smile again, All-on-4® may be exactly what you’re seeking.
What are All-on-4® Dental Implants?
Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants? What if you could find a more affordable alternative that offers you an entirely new full set of beautiful teeth? All-on-4® dental implants are a chance to do away with gaps in your grin and difficult dentures forever.
Your entirely new set of teeth will rest on only four implants, hence the name “All-on-4®”. Four dental implants – two at the front and two at the rear – are all needed to support an entire “bridge” of teeth. The numerous benefits include no bone grafts, quick recovery time, and easy maintenance and cleaning.
At Next Smile Australia, we use the Malo Protocol, a two-bridge process pioneered by Dr Paulo Malo. This process involves a “provisional bridge” worn for three to six months and then the fitting of your final bridge, your new set of permanent teeth. Your new set of teeth is manufactured by our partners Nobel Biocare to the highest quality possible.
All-on-4® dental implants have a clinically proven 98% success rate. Although they require proper care like any other teeth, regular cleaning and check-ups can help ensure they last a lifetime.
How much Do All-on-4® Dental Implants Cost?
If you’ve been driven here by the question, “is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?” you’re likely to be wondering how much All-on-4® dental implants cost.
We offer a downloadable price list so that there are no surprises in store when you book one of our treatments.
Our All-on-4® Single Arch package is $27,000 (plus extra for anesthetic fees). This package includes dental surgery performed by a Malo-trained surgeon, treatment in state-of-the-art facilities with exceptional care, a natural-looking new set of teeth within 24 hours, and attentive and supportive after-care.
We offer payment plans starting from as little as $140 per week through third-party providers such as Humm, Ezidebit, Zip Money and Total Lifestyle Credit. We also offer a five per cent discount for upfront payment on a single or double arch.
Get All-on-4® at Next Smile Australia
If you’d like more information about the All-on-4® procedure, Next Smile Australia can offer you detailed, in-depth answers to questions beyond “what are the alternatives to dental implants?” and “is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?”
Guided by both values and experience, Next Smile Australia take a thorough, dedicated, respectful and empathetic approach that puts your mind at ease as we focus on quality work.
Our All-on-4® procedures are carried out in our Super Clinics, surgery-grade environments designed to deliver high-quality care to our patients in a medically regulated environment. We have Super Clinics across the country. Yet even if you live in a more remote area, you can still access our services via our accredited partners. We also have in-house labs where we construct your teeth in partnership with Nobel Biocare.
If you’d like to attend a Next Smile information session or personal consultation, contact us.