Alternatives to Dentures Abroad
More than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth.[1] Read on to know the differences between implant-supported dentures and removable dentures.
Traditional Denture Vs. Snap-on Vs. Implant-based
| Features | Traditional Dentures | Snap-on Dentures | Bridge on Implants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image | 
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|
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| Cost | Least Expensive | Less Expensive | Expensive |
| Strength | Low | Moderate | Best |
| Retention | Low | Moderate | Excellent |
| Comfort | Uncomfortable | Excellent | Excellent |
| Removal | Self: Anytime | Self: Anytime | Only by the Dentist |
| Process | No surgery | Less-invasive surgery | Invasive surgery |
| Time | 6-7 sittings in 20 day's time | Possible within a week. | 1 day to 8 months (varies with bone) |
| Resorbed ridge |
Not Advised | Advised | Advised |
| Examples |
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An often asked question is "Do I have other options besides Dentures?" The mere mention of removable dentures makes people fearful of dental treatment.
Dental Implants Vs. Dentures: Rehabilitation
Removable Dentures
These are also known as Traditional dentures, bridges, choppers, artificial teeth, or dental plates.
These are the cheapest way to replace missing teeth. But these have there own set of problems:
- Dentures may become loose over time: This is due to the resorption (melting away) if the jaw bone beneath the prosthesis (denture).
- Unstable rocking dentures result in mouth ulcers.[2]
- Loose dentures often fall off during daily activities like laughing or eating sticky foods, and thus are a cause of social embarrassment.
- The biting force of removable dentures is very less as compared to the fixed dentures. This directly affects the wearer's health as there are a variety of foods that the wearer is unable to eat.
Implant-supported Dentures
These can be categorized into:
- Removable implant-supported dentures
- Fixed implant-supported dentures
*The term denture and bridge can be used interchangeably.
These are also known as overdentures, snap-on dentures, snap-in dentures, implant-retained dentures or hybrid dentures.
The hybrid denture has attachments inside the base, which are attached to the implants in the jaw bone.
The implants can be 2, 3, or 4 in number, depending on the amount of alveolar bone ( jaw bone) remaining.
Advantage
Snap-on implant-supported dentures offer an alternative that is more stable and less likely to slip.
Disadvantage
- The cost of implant-supported dentures may be high for some patients.
- Patients may not want to undergo the surgery necessary to place implants.
However, the advantages offered may make snap-on dentures more cost-effective in the long run.
These can be:
- All on 4
- All on 6/8
- 3 on 6
- Teeth on Implants
These hybrid dentures are fixed to four implants in each jaw.
The back implants in this procedure are tilted at an angle of 450 to provide more anchorage.
Advantage
- Teeth in a day: All on 4 implants and denture placement can be done in one day.
- A fixed and permanent solution to teeth loss.
Disadvantage
- The implants are placed surgically.
- The cost is more than removable dentures.
All-on-6 and All-on-8 dental implants abroad are a low-cost option for replacing missing teeth in the entire arch.
| Difference | All-on-4 | All-on-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Four implants | Six implants |
| Gum Replacement | Usually the bridge has a part that looks like gums. | Usually, only tooth crowns. No gum replacement component. |
| Angulation | Back implants are inclined at a 45o. | All implants are placed vertically. |
| Bone Grafting | Usually graftless procedure. | Bone grafting can be done if needed. |
| Cost | Expensive, as special angular implants are used | Less expensive, normal implants are used. |
Advantage
- A fixed and permanent solution to teeth loss.
Disadvantage
- The implants are placed surgically.
- The cost is more than removable dentures.
Six implants are placed to provide permanent strength and protect from bone loss.
Three porcelain bridges are attached to the implants.
Advantage
- A fixed and permanent solution to teeth loss.
Disadvantage
- The implants are placed surgically.
- The cost is more than removable dentures.
*Image Credit: 3on6.c0m
False teeth are placed on individual implants. Implants placed previously can be used.
Advantage
- A fixed and permanent solution to teeth loss.
Disadvantage
- The implants are placed surgically.
- The cost is more than removable dentures.
After-care of Dentures and Implants
Dentures will need to be re-aligned, re-based or re-made as your gums and jaw structure change with aging. Dentures are also subject to normal wear and proper oral hygiene is necessary.
With proper care, dental implants last a lifetime.
Are Dental Implants Better than Dentures?
- Dental implants are titanium screws that act as the root of a natural tooth
- You can chew better with implant-supported artificial teeth.
- Dental implants are made of titanium, which the body accepts. Thus, it promotes healthy bone growth and this bone holds the implant firmly in place. The opposite happens with dentures, as pressure from the dentures causes disintegration of bone material.
- Some people may be allergic to some of the material like acrylic used in dentures whereas titanium used in dental implants is bio-compatible.
- Dental implants offer more options. It is possible to get your dentures fixed with mini dental implants.
The Disadvantages of Traditional Dentures (*Video credit: Westshore dentistry)
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- Dental implants are more expensive than dentures.
- Dental implants are more time-consuming. After the implants are placed, it may take anywhere from 3-6 months for osseointegration (fusion of implant to the bone). After this, false teeth are placed. Now, immediate loading implants are available, but the placement depends upon the quality of alveolar bone.
- If the bones have shrunk and are not in a condition to support the implant, the dental surgeon may advise bone graft for dental implants. This involves further cost, time, and surgery.
Cost of Dentures and Dental Implants Abroad
The cost varies according to which of these you need, the different materials used and the dentist’s fee. Traditional dental implants cost in the range of $2,000 and $4,500 in the US.
Low-cost dental implants in Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador, or India can save you about 60% or more of the US cost, with no compromise in quality.
Plus, it offers you the chance to combine a tropical vacation with your dental treatment package.
What is Better: Dentures or Dental Implants?
There is no definitive answer for this, it is dependent on the needs and the paying capacity of the patient.
If the patient wants a cheaper alternative, dentures are better. But if the person wants a permanent and more stable solution to his dental problems, dental implants are better.
Dental Work in Mexico
Dental tourism in Mexico is another popular choice among people seeking affordable dental treatment.
Why Choose Mexico?
- World-Class Facilities: Our network clinics in Mexico offer world-class facilities:
- CAD/CAM technology: giving you crown in a single visit
- Dental laser technology: Zoom whitening and laser RCT
- CT-Scan
- In-house dental lab
- Specials & Discounts:
- In Mexico, currently we offer up to 3 FREE nights at Hotel Hacienda Los Algodones on treatment of $2000 and above.*
- Driven by rising healthcare costs at home, nearly 952,000 Californians visit Mexico to receive medical, dental or prescription services in Mexico yearly.[3]
*Terms and conditions apply.
- Warranty: Medical Tourism Co. partner dental clinics in Mexico offer 2-5 year warranty on dental implants.* Certain implants like Nobel Biocare are covered under lifetime warranty.[2]
- Medical Fast Pass: We also offer FREE fast passes for border crossing in order to reduce wait times so that you can cross the border easily.
Are Mexican Dental Facilities Reliable?
We have many positive dental tourism stories to share. Check out one such client talking about her experience getting All-on-4 dental implants in Mexico.
This is what she had to say in her review:
We have partnered with some of the finest dental clinics across Mexico in cities like Rosarito, Los Algodones, Tijuana, Puerto Vallarta, Mexicalli and Cancun.
Our partner dental clinics in Tijuana, Mexico, is less than an hour’s drive from San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN) The cost of All on 4 in Tijuana is $8,765.
Our associate dental center in Los Algodones, Mexico is an ADA (American Dental Association) member clinic and is just about 7 miles west of Yuma, Arizona.
Our network dental clinic in Puerto Vallarta is an ITI (International Team for Implantology) member and follows USA-ADA (American Dental Association) recommended protocols and materials.
Our affiliate dental clinic in Cancun, Mexico has been in operation for more than 30 years. Our dentist here is a Coordinator of Implant Fellowship Program, LSU School of Dentistry, Louisiana, USA.
Another Mexican network dental clinic in Rosarito, is located almost 20 miles from the US-Mexico border and boasts of contemporary technology.
All-on-Four Fixed Implants Surgery in Costa Rica
The savings in beautiful Costa Rica are substantial. As mentioned above, the cost of all-on-4s in San Jose, Costa Rica starts at $13,500.
Why Choose Costa Rica?
Below are some of the reasons to choose dental work in Costa Rica
Qualified Dental Surgeons
Our network dental surgeon in Costa Rica is an implant dentistry expert and fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
The dental team is also affiliated with:
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- College of Dental Surgeons of Costa Rica (CCDCR)
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Connectivity: San Jose, Costa Rica, is only a 3 hour flight from Miami International Airport. Our network clinic is less than 12 miles away from Juan Santamaría International Airport (IATA: SJO).
- Quality Dentistry: Dental tourism in Costa Rica is not only affordable but there's no compromise on the quality.
Accreditations and Affiliations
- Our Costa Rica based dental center is AAAASF (The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities ) accredited.
- It is locally accredited by PROMED
Enjoy a Vacation
With all the money you save on your dental bills you’ll be able to revel in Costa Rica’s wild life, beaches, hot springs, forests and everything else that this breathtaking country has to offer.
How are Dental Facilities in Colombia?
Our partner dental clinics are located in Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena.
In addition to All-on-4 treatment, you can also get other dental works looked at including periodontics, endodontics and of course, orthodontics.
Beautiful Colombia
Dental Work in Thailand
Thailand has lately emerged as a leading dental tourism destination.
1. JCI Accreditations: Our network dental clinic in Phuket, Thailand is the only clinic in Phuket to be JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited and adheres to strict standards of patient safety and care.
2. MALO clinic: Our Bangkok based dental clinic has partnered with MALO Clinic Worldwide which means global access to MALO clinics in more than 62 cities world over.
3. Easy Accessibility: There are 2 airports in Bangkok
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK)
- Don Mueang International Airport (IATA: DMK)
4. In-House Dental Lab: Dental clinin in Thailand has an in-house dental lab which is ISO 9001 certified.
Dental Work in Vietnam
If you wondering what is the cost of all-on-4 implants in Vietnam, it starts from as less as $7,000.
Our associate clinics in the country use the latest and great equipment and technologies including Nomad Pro 2, Picasso Lite Plus. The clinics are certified from ISO 9001: 2008.
Halong Bay Vietnam
Dental Work in India
A trip to India would make for a life-enriching experience.
As mentioned above, the cost of all-on-4 implants in India begins from $5,500. This cost is 80% lower than what a person will usually pay in Canada or the United States.
With our associate dentists in Chandigarh, you get
- CAD/CAM dentistry
- 3D technology for greater precision and reduced complication rates.
MedicalTourismCo offers affordable alternatives to dentures in premium dental tourism destinations such as Mexico, Colombia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and India.
