Fixed full arch dental implant restorations may be worth it for patients looking for a long-term solution for missing teeth. However, for some patients, the cost of implant dentures can cause concern, with many wondering if fixed full arch dental implants are a worthwhile investment in their quality of life and future dental health. If you’re on the fence about getting fixed full arch dental implant treatment, consider these eight benefits.
1. Dental implants can help boost confidence
Your confidence can suffer if you have gaps from missing teeth or if you’re using a replacement solution like removable dentures that slip around in your mouth. Patients who have the security of dental implants can get a confidence boost that allows them to eat in front of others, talk freely without worrying about speech enunciation, and confidently smile in photos.
2. They deliver a natural appearance
When you schedule a consultation for a dental implant restoration, your dental implant team works with you to design your ideal smile. That means you’ll have a say in the size, shape, and color of your replacement teeth. Since these are manufactured in a lab, you can rest assured that they’ll be created to your exact specifications and look as natural as possible.
3. Fixed full arch dental implants don’t require an implant for every tooth
A single dental implant uses a titanium post that goes into the jawbone and acts as a stable root for the artificial tooth. But the good news about having a full arch of dental implants is that your dentist won’t be placing a dental implant for every single tooth in the arch. Depending on the type of implants you get and your bone health, your dentist may be able to place as few as four dental implants to support the entire arch.
4. Implants can bring stability to your smile to support chewing and speaking
If you’ve been wearing removable dentures for years, you can understand the frustration of teeth that are bulky, pop out, or impact your ability to speak clearly. Fixed full arch implants are anchored into your jawbone using a titanium screw that creates a stable foundation. Once the arch is attached, your teeth will no longer move the way dentures can. This can create a more stable smile, allow you to enjoy the foods you were hesitant to eat with dentures, and help you speak more clearly and confidently.
5. Fixed full arch dental implants can preserve jawbone health
Dentures and dental bridges sit on top of the gumline, which can irritate gums while also allowing bone deterioration underneath. Since dental implants stimulate the jawbone, they lessen the risk of the bone deteriorating over time. This can help maintain a healthy facial structure and avoid the sunken appearance some people experience with dentures.
6. You can care for implants like your natural teeth
Since implants are permanently affixed to your mouth, you can brush and floss them just like you’d care for natural teeth. There’s no specialty care required, and you won’t need to remove them for nightly cleaning like you would with dentures.
7. Implants can last a lifetime with proper care
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth. If you properly care for and maintain your dental implants, they can last a lifetime. Some people find the longevity of implants makes it well worth the upfront cost, especially when you consider all the dental appointments and procedures they can avoid, thanks to a long-lasting, healthy smile.
8. Dental implants may be more cost-effective over time
If the price tag of dental implant treatment is giving you pause, it’s also important to consider the long-term savings. The cost of implant dentures is an investment that can outweigh the cumulative expenses of replacing dental appliances, such as removable dentures, flipper teeth, or dental bridges, every few years. Additionally, if you’ve faced oral health issues or a history of gum disease, future procedures could escalate in cost. When weighing the merits of fixed full arch dental implants, take time to evaluate your annual dental care expenses and forecast them over decades to understand your potential savings.
The bottom line
The question of whether fixed full arch dental implants are worth it depends on your unique dental health needs and budget. You may find that consulting with a dental professional can help answer lingering questions and resolve any reservations you may have about dental implants.
