If you’ve ever wondered about alternatives to dentures, maybe 3 on 6 dental implants have come up in conversation with your dentist. So far, the procedure’s reputation has been excellent, though some people might be concerned about the cost or maintenance. Luckily, both are easy questions to answer.
What Are 3 on 6 Dental Implants?
3 on 6 dental implants is a dental procedure meant to permanently restore your smile. The procedure includes putting six implants with three attached teeth bridges on an arch of the mouth. The result is supposed to be stronger and more natural-feeling and only requires regular brushing and flossing.
Unlike other smile restorations, the 3 on 6 procedure is permanent and cannot get removed. It also preserves all bones in the mouth. With three full teeth bridges that sit against the gums just like natural teeth, it handles biting pressure a lot better. Plus, with less bulk in their mouths, most patients find speech and eating a lot easier.
Like all dental procedures, you can either choose to go under full or local anesthesia. Recovery time takes only a day or two before you can return to work as usual. However, you will need a three-month healing period before the dentist puts the final restorations into your mouth.
How Much Do 3 on 6 Dental Implants Cost?
How much a 3 on 6 dental implant costs depends on the dentist, local economies, and even tax codes. They can cost just under $10,000 at the least, but some procedures might be as high as $68,000.
Do keep in mind that besides the cost of the procedure, cost also involves care and maintenance items. For instance, you would need to buy adhesives, cleaners, and cases with dentures, and you might eventually need to replace the dentures. Add all that up, and it can become an expensive venture.
However, while 3 on 6 dental implants is the most expensive dental procedure, it requires just as much oral care as regular teeth, so buying a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss every so often is all you need.
Alternative Treatments
While the 3 on 6 dental implant procedure feels the most natural and is most secure, it might not be the best treatment for your mouth. Before you decide which procedure is best for you, have a thorough chat with your dentist about all your options.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
If you have had significant bone loss in your mouth, the All-on-4 dental implant procedure might be better. It requires four implants instead of six, but you’ll need to remove it for cleaning and disinfecting. It does not take biting pressure as well as the 3 on 6 dental implants, but the teeth will still be secure.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are similar to dentures, except that your dentist sets them to your gums. You’ll have a much easier time talking and eating since they do not come loose.
Like veneers or crowns, you’ll need to be vigilant about cleaning fixed bridges since you cannot remove them. They might even do slight damage to the surrounding natural teeth if you’re not careful.
Full-Mouth Dentures
Dentures are a last-ditch treatment for replacing lost teeth. Although they can partially or fully replace all of your teeth, you may experience gag reflex with them, and you may need a lot of denture glue to keep them from slipping. Dentures also wear at the bones in your mouth, which gradually changes the shape of your mouth. You may also have to limit your diet since dentures cannot chew as well as fully implanted teeth.
Dentures are more susceptible to accidental damage as well since you might drop them on your bathroom floor.
Partial Dentures
On the other hand, partial dentures allow you to chew much more easily. Metal wires are custom-fit to your existing teeth (almost like a retainer), and a tooth bridge replaces lost or missing teeth. They are easy to clean, but they might need repairs every so often, depending on your diet.
Despite their smaller shape and closer fit, they might be uncomfortable and are not as stable as other teeth replacements.