How Much Do Dentures Cost?

What are Dentures?

Dentures, sometimes called false teeth, are prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. For patients with missing teeth, wearing dentures can make speaking and eating easier.

If you also have jawbone loss, dentures or partials can significantly impact your appearance and improve confidence by substantially reducing facial wrinkles and making you appear younger.

Dentures are made from a composite material that resists bacteria and breakage. The framework may be made of acrylic, resin, or a mixture of resin-based material with metal attachments.

False teeth are usually made of porcelain or ceramic (glass-like), which helps give an appearance that closely resembles natural tooth enamel.

Common Types of Dentures

Forty-one million Americans wore dentures in 2020.

Common types of dentures include:

• Full Dentures — also called complete or conventional dentures, a full set of dentures is best for patients missing all of their teeth.
• Partial Dentures (Removable) — best for patients who have some remaining teeth or for those who prefer a removable option. A removable partial denture attaches to the natural teeth with devices called precision attachments. 
• Partial Dentures (Fixed) — best for patients missing some teeth and those who prefer a non-removable option
• Implant Retained Dentures (Snap-In dentures) —  another type of complete dentures, snap-in dentures are best for patients who are missing all of their teeth and need added retention. Dental implants provide an anchorage for the teeth to connect to when they are in the mouth. 
• Immediate Dentures — best for patients who want their teeth extracted and dentures installed the same day.

Dentures are usually made by a prosthodontist, which is a dentist who specializes in dentures and denture fittings. To get dentures, the prosthodontist will recommend the best type based on the patient’s individual needs. Then, they will take an X-ray and make the initial impressions to create the dentures.

To properly care for dentures, patients must maintain adequate oral hygiene. 

Dentures also need to be adjusted over time. Patients should maintain regular checkups with their dentist, who will perform denture relines to refit the false teeth back to the gums. The average lifespan of a denture is 10 years. 

The total cost of dentures depends on: 

• The type of prosthesis needed
• The cost of possible tooth extractions
• The cost of immediate dentures until the permanent dentures are ready for wear
• The cost of follow-up appointments for adjustments as needed

How Much Do Dentures Cost Without Insurance?

Without insurance, a low-cost denture costs $300 to $500 per denture or $600 to $1,000 for a complete set.

Affordable dentures are usually cold cured. They are temporary solutions because of the lower-quality materials used. These dentures are also typically not as natural-looking as higher-quality, more expensive dentures.

For mid-priced dentures, patients without insurance can expect to pay an average cost of $500 to $1,500 per denture or about $1,000 to $3,000 for a complete set. 

For the highest quality dentures or dentures that require extractions and extra customization, patients can expect to pay $2,000 to $4,000 per denture or about $4,000 to $8,000 for a complete set. 

How Much Do Dentures Cost With Insurance?

Most dental insurers consider dentures a major procedure and will cover 50 percent of the cost. The patient will pay the remaining balance out-of-pocket.

Patients with dental insurance can expect to pay an average cost of between $250 to $2,000 per denture or $500 to $4,000 for a complete set. 

For patients with dental insurance, the dental clinic will provide an appropriate dental walk-out statement and discuss any out-of-pocket costs.

Factors That Can Affect The Cost of Dentures

Here are some factors that can influence the cost of dentures:

1. How many teeth need to be replaced — complete dentures cost more than partial dentures.
2. Where your dentist is located — dentists located in busy cities typically cost more than those in suburban areas.
3. The type of denture and how it is secured — surgically implanted dentures cost more than regular dentures.
4. The type of denture material used — porcelain dentures cost more because they are natural-looking, durable, and last the longest.

How Much Do Dentures Cost With Medicaid or Medicare?

The cost of dentures with Medicaid or Medicare depends on where the patient is located. Medicaid is federally administered, but each state has its own version, with specific coverages and guidelines.

Even if it isn’t covered, patients may get help through grants for dentures and other resources.

Other Ways to Pay for Dentures

Other popular ways to pay for dentures include:

Discount Dental Plan

Also called dental savings plans, discount dental plans are an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional dental insurance. Patients who use a discount dental plan can access a network of dentists who provide discounted rates to plan members. 

With a dental savings plan, patients can pay just $625 for a full upper denture.

Patients considering a discount dental plan for dentures should consult with their dental office about which discount plans they accept and recommend.

Payment Plans

Some dental practices offer financing options for dentures, including payment plans or credit cards. An in-house payment plan allows patients to pay off their dental bills in increments rather than all at once. 

Some offices offer financing through a medical credit card, like CareCredit, which patients can use to cover their dental bill.

Dental Schools 

Patients can save hundreds of dollars on dentures' costs by having dental work done by a dental school. Dental schools offer reduced-cost dental care that is performed by dentists in training.

Government Programs 

Many government programs offer grants for dentures for seniors, disabled, low-income households, and other disadvantaged populations.

Some examples of dental grants and government-funded programs include The Give Back a Smile program and the Dental Lifeline Network. Give Back a Smile helps victims of domestic abuse.

The Dental Lifeline Network offers assistance to low-income patients with a permanent disability, are age 65 or older, or have an underlying illness.

Donated Dental Services (DDS)

Donated Dental Services (DDS) is a program where dentists volunteer to provide dental care for free to eligible applicants.

Patients who have a permanent disability, are over 65 years old, or are medically compromised, and can't afford dentures' cost may qualify for free treatment through the DDS program.

What is the Cheapest Way to Get Dentures?

The cheapest and easiest way to get low-cost dentures is through a dental school. Anyone is eligible to receive treatment at these schools.

Patients considering getting dentures through a dental school should clear the work through their insurance policy and choose an accredited school. 

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