Your Top 10 Payment Options for Dental Implants Ranked

Picture this: you’ve just left your dentist’s office, and they’ve hit you with a jaw-dropping quote of $50,000 for a complete set of dental implants to replace your remaining problematic teeth. It’s an overwhelming figure that can leave anyone reeling.

This is a common scenario. Maybe all your teeth are at the end of their life, many are loose or broken off at the gum line. Perhaps you are dealing with severe periodontal disease, and your mouth needs a fresh start. Such procedures include All-on-4 dental implants, fixed hybrid or zirconia bridges, or dentures supported by implants.

In the real world, not many of us have an extra $50,000 just waiting in the bank for unexpected expenses. A $50,000 dental bill is no small matter and can feel like an insurmountable financial hurdle. But fear not, because in this article, we’re going to dissect that mind-boggling price tag, explore alternative options. We’ll also share valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about your dental health without breaking the bank. So, let’s dive in and uncover the truth about this hefty dental expense.

Average Price of Dental Implants

The average price for full teeth replacement in the US is $25,000 per arch or $50,000 for both. The price can increase if you live in high-cost cities like San Francisco or New York. Some clients have been quoted $70,000 to $90,000 for this full-mouth implant procedure in certain parts of the country.

Here’s the Good News: You have alternatives. We’re going to rank your options on a scale of 1-5 based on viability and popularity to help you get your dental implant work done.

1. Dental Financing (3/5)

Your dentist is likely to offer a few financing options. Some of the best ones in the US are LendingPoint, Proceed Finance, or Care Credit.

But here’s the thing: you need at least a 650 credit score to qualify for most of these financing options. Even if you do qualify, interest rates can be high. Imagine buying a $50,000 car and paying it off over five years with interest rates between 7% to 30%. You could be looking at monthly payments of $800 to $1,300.

We give this option a 3 out of 5 because of the high interest rates and the requirement for good credit.

2. Go to a Dental School (3/5)

Dental schools can save you approximately 30-40% of the cost. However, they are concentrated in big cities and might not be a viable option for everyone.

Additionally, the treatment might take much longer, potentially up to two years, and you will be working with students under supervision.

We give this option a 3 out of 5 due to the extended time required to complete the procedure.

3. Loan from Family and Friends (2/5)

If you have a rich uncle or supportive parents, this might be an option. However, such loans can strain relationships. It’s essential to be clear about the terms and expectations.

We give this a 2 out of 5 because not many of us have wealthy relatives to rely on.

4. Bargain Hunt with a Cheaper Dentist (3/5)

Shopping around, even outside your city, can help. However, significantly cheaper options might mean lower-quality materials or less experienced dentists. It’s crucial to know the experience level of your dentist and understand what happens if something goes wrong.

We give this a 3 out of 5, provided you avoid the cheapest options that could lead to problems.

5. Dental Grant (1/5)

While there are some legitimate dental grants, many are lead-generation schemes for dental offices. The savings might not be substantial after considering the average cost in your area.

In our experience, dental grants rarely offer significant benefits. I give this a 1 out of 5.

6. Community Dental Clinic (1/5)

Community dental clinics serve underserved populations and might require proof of income. However, they typically do not specialize in complex procedures like full-mouth implants.

We give this option a 1 out of 5 due to their limited capability to handle complex cases.

7. Loan from Your Retirement Funds or Home Equity (3/5)

Using retirement funds or home equity can offer better interest rates than typical dental financing. It’s a good option if you have these assets, but it means dipping into your savings.

We give this a 3 out of 5 due to the potential impact on your future finances.

8. Dental Insurance (1/5)

Dental insurance will not cover a $50,000 full-mouth implant treatment. Most policies have a yearly cap of $1,500 to $2,000 and may only cover basic procedures.

We give this a 1 out of 5 because it won’t significantly offset the cost of implants.

9. Go to Mexico (4/5)

Dental implants are significantly cheaper in Mexico. Full-mouth procedures costs between $16,000 and $24,000. Many people travel to places like Los Algodones for quality dental work at a fraction of US prices.

We give this a 4 out of 5 because of the substantial savings, though it involves travel expenses and time.

10. Do Nothing (Unrated)

For some, doing nothing might be the only option. However, untreated dental issues can worsen. It can even affect your overall health and quality of life. Waiting too long can also reduce the chance of successful implant placement due to jawbone loss.

We won’t rate this option as it is a highly personal decision. Every dental case and financial situation is unique.

We hope you found this list helpful. Explore our other resources to learn more about your dental implant options in detail. You can also check out our other videos on YouTube for more information about making smarter dental care decisions.

You check out our channel by clicking the icon below.