Most consumers are in the dark when it comes to dental implants, what they are actually getting, and choosing the right dentist.
Many dentists offering low cost dental implants, may be using undisclosed clone dental implants. I have talked to several dentists who advertise ‘$950 implants’, ‘free implant with crown’, or other low cost deals, and asked them how are they able to charge such low fees and still make profit with a practice overhead that can approach 70-80% for most dental offices?
Their answer: “We use cheaper clone dental implants”.
Clone dental implants are indeed cheaper than brand implants. Most are manufactured abroad with unknown quality assurance, materials, or composition. They are FDA approved but they do not have the research and long term experiences that brand name dental implants have. Therefore, clone implants may have increased risk of the following:
- Infections
- Poor bony healing
- Bone loss over time
- Fractures
- Screw loosening
- Crown loosening
- Gum recession
- Cosmetic problems
Brand name dental implants on the other hand, have long history of research and success with predictable results. They are FDA approved, are manufactures in US or Europe, and are considered to be the top dental implant companies in the world. Brand dental implants offer:
- Predictable healing
- Long term stability
- Bone and gum tissue health
- Life time success
I think consumers have the right to know what they are buying, potential risks, and what to expect. Clone implants may work in some situations but their long term results are largely unknown. That is the reason why top oral surgeons and prosthodontists never use clone dental implants.
If you are offered low cost dental implants, make sure you ask what kind of implant they are using, why they use it, what are the inherent risks, and ask for proof. You deserve full disclosure.