Dr. Hall,
Like so many other people, I need but can’t afford implants. My only option is dentures and I’m just not ready for that. If I was older I wouldn’t care but I’m 33, look better than ever (aside from my teeth) and have more confidence than I’ve ever had. Until I smile. The depression is unreal. I’ve trained myself to be less happy, to laugh less, just to avoid showing my teeth. I’ve been searching for some kind of miracle online in the form of assistance in the cost but I’ve found nothing. I see videos of people getting implants and I just wonder if they had to pay for them because they use the video for advertising. And if that is something that would be free if I signed a contract that allows for it to be used in advertising for the company because I would do it in a heartbeat. I can’t even go get a consultation without crying my eyes out so I’m at the point I just want to give up. Is there any way to apply for something like that? To receive assistance or have it covered if I allow it all to be used for media and advertising? Is there any way to get that help without just luck of the draw? I can’t take this depression much longer. My son deserves to see his mom smile.
– Mika from Oklahoma
(See Dr. Hall’s answer below.)
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Mika,
I wish I had a better answer for you, but the reality is that to get dental implants you’re going to have to pay for them. I’ll explain why. But I also have some suggestions for making them more affordable.
On the idea of getting the implants in exchange for being an advertising subject, the reason that doesn’t happen is that good dentists have no trouble getting endorsements from their paying patients.
But here are some ideas for making this treatment be more affordable:
- You could be a teaching subject for a dental implants course. Dental schools that teach implant dentistry need patients to be subjects, and they will offer a discounted fee in return for your being willing to put up with the inconvenience of being treated by students.
- There are a couple of affordable implant options, such as a snap-on denture that uses only two implants, or the use of mini implants that are much easier to place.
- You could get the removable denture now and begin saving up to later have it supported by implants. Spacing it out like that could maybe help you fit the treatment into your budget.
There is a lot of charity dentistry that goes on. Many cities have charity clinics that cater to people who can’t afford regular dental care. However, if you have no teeth, they will want to give you a removable denture and won’t get into any dental implants treatment. The thinking is that up until about 30 years ago removable dentures were the standard of care and that should be good enough.
I wish I had better answers for you. See if any of these options make it easier for you.
– Dr. Hall
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About David A. Hall
Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.