complete dental implants vs. clip on implants

[calmloki]

We are looking at dental implants, which involve setting about a dozen titanium posts in the jaw and then attaching upper and lower denture sets to the posts. There are clip on sets, which can be removed and - duh - clip onto the posts - typically fewer posts are set. Then there are permanent implants, which are installed onto the posts and then remainthere forever. Either is supposed to be an upgrade for regular dentures. The difference in cost is pretty amazing. Like $58k for permanent vs. $22k for clip-on.
So. Anyone here have experience with complete dental implant sets? anyone change from clip-ons to permanent? Not looking to scrimp on something that will be intimately associated, but have an aversion to waste.
Testamonials please?

[FUEGO]

What does your oral surgeon/dentist say the $36000 extra cost gets you?

[lazygood4nothinbum]

no experience with a clip-on but i do have one perm post with implant & it is just like a real tooth. i think it is three years already and not a single issue with it. i would do others the same way if need be.

[laurence]

Um...so is it certian that one will need dentures or implants someday? Am I doomed to lose my teeth? $50k is one heck of an expense to fold in.

[OAG]

The last set I got were full upper and lower. I did look into the implants but they were too costly for me. However, it was suggested to me that an alternative (which I did not buy) was to get the lower as implants as that is usually the problem plate (coming loose when eating stuff like a peanut butter sandwich, holiday Carmel candy, etc.,). The upper full plate usually has enough suction to remain in place. I was told both types could coexist just fine. That price you were quoted seems excessively high. I got a full set of upper and lower "set in" type last January (2007) from a specialist and I though $2,400 was a lot (I do not carry insurance). The last estimate I got for implants about 5 years ago was in the $20,000 range for upper and lower or $12,000 for the lower implanted and a regular "set in" for the upper. We are working on DW mouth now (appointment in 2 days to "assess" what she needs) but we have found a Dental School at the local University so while it will be costly, the price will no doubt beat the locals.

[novaman]

I'm a dentist- and here's the way I see it.

If you have been a denture wearer for some time and are looking for something that is more solid, but practical, then go for the clip on type.

If, however, you want something as close as possible to what God gave you in terms of permanency, feel, and contour, then go for the full mouth fixed restorations on implants

all my patients in that situation have opted for the clip on type and all have been quite happy.

hope this helps

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurencewill Um...so is it certian that one will need dentures or implants someday?.

LOL, no Laurence. You'll keep your choppers, as long as you brush 'em once a month whether they need it or not.

As I understand it, gingival disease is the main cullprit as you get older, and can be prevented or treated.

[Khan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurencewill Um...so is it certian that one will need dentures or implants someday? Am I doomed to lose my teeth? $50k is one heck of an expense to fold in.

Anecdote: I'm 58 and have all my teeth (except for 3 wisdom teeth), and the dentist doesn't foresee any problems except for 2 old amalgam fillings which probably will have to be replaced. I do have 9 gold crowns (he installed 6) all from problems from before I was 30.

As I have mentioned before: my gums have improved incredibly since retirement and the dentist says it has to be from stress reduction.

Just remembered: last I knew, my father at 80 had all but the wisdom teeth intact.

[calmloki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurencewill Um...so is it certian that one will need dentures or implants someday? Am I doomed to lose my teeth? $50k is one heck of an expense to fold in.

The gal's Mom still has her choppers at age 93 1/2. The gal had a well meaning dentist start adjusting her bite back when she was in her impoverished twenties, before she found out the cost and put a stop to it. result is that the adjustment and all subsequent tooth bite adjustments were not good - she used to grind her teeth at night - a horrible troll eating gravel noise that would bring me wide awake. Even with 4 times yearly cleanings the last decade or so and the best care we could afford it's been a losing battle - she's down to chewing with the last two opposing teeth, a pair right behind her R. canine. She looks mahvelous though. Tough girl - she has had novacaine once that i know of, prefering the transitory pain of fillings or extractions to the numbness. Shudder. I'se a big sissy by comparison.

[calmloki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by novaman I'm a dentist- and here's the way I see it. If you have been a denture wearer for some time and are looking for something that is more solid, but practical, then go for the clip on type. If, however, you want something as close as possible to what God gave you in terms of permanency, feel, and contour, then go for the full mouth fixed restorations on implants all my patients in that situation have opted for the clip on type and all have been quite happy. hope this helps

Thanks, it does. Am i correct in thinking that clip-ons can be more easily cleaned since one could dunk them in denture cleaner and could clean the then fully exposed gum line? Dentist said the full implant set would call for 1-2 visits to the hygenist/year. Trying to get my head around the difference - rather buy her this than a honkin big diamond (thank you fates - she likes turquoise), but the difference is a pretty nice car... Clip-ons - same type of tooth material (gold with enamel)? Permanent - more custom fitting?

[Kronk]

Not that I'm recommending it (never tried it), but since the numbers are so high, have you given any thought to Mexican Dental Vacation-Save Up To 75% On Dental Work In Our Modern Clinic?

[novaman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by calmloki Thanks, it does. Am i correct in thinking that clip-ons can be more easily cleaned since one could dunk them in denture cleaner and could clean the then fully exposed gum line? Dentist said the full implant set would call for 1-2 visits to the hygenist/year. Trying to get my head around the difference - rather buy her this than a honkin big diamond (thank you fates - she likes turquoise), but the difference is a pretty nice car... Clip-ons - same type of tooth material (gold with enamel)? Permanent - more custom fitting?

Yes clip ons are much easier to clean. ou just clip them off and clean everything. With implant retained fixed bridges, you will need to use floss threaders to get under every section of the bridge- a tedious task that must be done. It really comes down to how badly you want "permanently" fixed teeth that you can't remove.

[calmloki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kronk Not that I'm recommending it (never tried it), but since the numbers are so high, have you given any thought to Mexican Dental Vacation-Save Up To 75% On Dental Work In Our Modern Clinic?

Suggested it in a half-hearted way and it was rejected. Embarrassed to say i'm kind of zenophobic and concerned about getting her in a chair with people from another culture and hoping they do a good job. You know - USA #1. She's concerned about getting back up here, having a problem, and the dentist is 1500 miles away. Full disclosure: almost all the head doctors keeping her Mom ticking - heart, cancer, diabetes, etc. - have heavily accented english - and i'm not talking Brit, Aussie, or German. They have all been caring and quite competent.