Permanent Dentures Cost

What are Permanent Dentures?

Permanent dentures are false teeth that are attached to the jaw. These dentures are an alternative to removable dentures for missing teeth. Approximately 32.6 million Americans have dentures.

Unlike traditional dentures, permanent dentures are held in place by dental implants.

The implants make permanent dentures stable. They allow the patient to chew, talk, and smile more easily than with removable dentures.

Permanent dentures look and feel just like natural teeth. There is no risk of them shifting or falling out, and they can't accidentally be misplaced. Dentures are made with various dental materials, including acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal.

Partial permanent dentures are also available as implants. They can be placed where you need them, whether it's just one missing tooth or many.

7 Types of Permanent Dentures 

The seven most common types of permanent dentures include:

1. Complete or Full Dentures

Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are full-coverage oral prosthetic devices. They replace an entire arch of missing teeth. 

To make complete dentures, a dentist will use a plastic base that supports a complete set of plastic or porcelain teeth. 

A dentist then uses a sealant or bone grafting to hold the dentures in the mouth. Complete dentures can also be held in place by attaching to dental implants. 

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable yet natural-looking dental appliances. They help restore the jaw's form and function by replacing one or several missing teeth. 

To create partial dentures, a specialist creates a plastic base or a metal framework. This framework is held in the mouth by clasps and rests around your natural teeth.

3. Overdentures

Snap-on dentures are also called implant-supported dentures or overdentures. They are held in place by the remaining teeth or metal posts implanted in the jawbone.

Unlike conventional dentures, snap-in dentures are more stable and versatile.

4. Dental Bridges

A permanent dental bridge is an appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth.

A dental bridge is made up of several pieces fused to fit into the open space where the teeth used to be.

5. All-on-4 Implant Dentures

All-on-4 dental implants support an entire arch of teeth, with just four implants. They're also called full arch dental implant bridges.

These replacement teeth look and feel identical to natural teeth and function the same. 

6. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a weakened or damaged natural tooth. It provides support to a weak or damaged tooth.

A tooth that is weakened and can't withstand the force required to chew might also need a crown.

7. Dental Implants

Dental implants are screw-shaped devices that are placed into the jawbone as artificial tooth roots. They are usually made of titanium. 

After an implant is inserted, a dental crown is placed on top to restore the tooth’s crown. 

Pros and Cons of Permanent Dentures

If you're considering getting permanent dentures, you should weigh the positives and negatives before deciding.

Pros of Permanent Dentures

• Offer a permanent solution 
• Look more natural than temporary dentures
• More comfortable for chewing, smiling, and speaking
• They prevent your bone from deteriorating
• They last longer than other types of dental treatment

Cons of Permanent Dentures

• Can be costly
• They require surgery
• Can cause discomfort, pain, swelling, and bruising from the surgical process of placing titanium rods
• Requires that implants be changed every decade
• They require sufficient bone density and good overall health
• They are more challenging to clean than conventional dentures because of the additional parts from the implants

Permanent Dentures Procedure: What to Expect

The permanent denture process is slightly more complicated and time-consuming than a traditional removable denture. This is because it requires surgery for dental implants. 

Some people require additional surgeries like bone grafting or ridge or sinus augmentation before dental implants. This is to help improve success rates if you lack sufficient jaw bone.

The permanent denture process is broken down into several steps:

1. Consultation and imaging. Your dentist will discuss your medical and dental history, perform a thorough clinical examination, and take any needed dental imaging. Many dentists will take a panoramic x-ray, a 3-D Cone Beam x-ray, and intraoral photographs.
2. Extractions. If you need any teeth removed, your dentist will extract decayed or damaged teeth. Some people will need bone grafting at this stage to add sufficient bone quality and density for implant success.
3. Implant placement. Once healed, your dentist will surgically insert dental implants into your bone to replace missing teeth. Sutures are placed to allow for healing. This process can take several appointments.
4. Abutment and impressions. Once healed, your dentist will expose the implant and take impressions for your denture. You can select the shade and size of your teeth at this time.
5. Insertion. Once your custom denture is fabricated, your denture is permanently screwed in to give you a new, beautiful smile. 

How Much Do Permanent Dentures Cost?

Denture pricing depends on patient needs and the type of denture/dental prosthesis used. 

See below for the different types of permanent dentures and their average costs:

• Complete or full dentures — $1,300 to $3,000 (for upper or lower, not both)
• Partial dentures — $700 to $1,800
• Snap-on or implant dentures — up to $6,000 each
• All-on-4 dentures — Between $15,000 to $30,000
• Dental bridges — $1,000 to $16,000 depending on the type of bridge
• Dental crowns — $800 to $1,600
• Dental implants — $1,000 to $3,500 per tooth

What Factors Influence the Cost of Dentures?

The cost of dentures varies based on several factors:

Partial vs. Total Teeth Replacement

The first factor that influences the cost of dentures is the number of teeth that need to be removed and replaced. Some patients only need one or a few teeth removed, while others require full-mouth extraction. 

On average, the more teeth you need to be replaced, the higher the cost of your denture treatment. 

A patient who only requires partial tooth replacement will usually pay less than a patient who needs a full set of dentures.

Method of Securing Dentures

The method used to secure the dentures in place will impact the cost of the dentures. For example, patients that opt for implant-supported dentures will typically pay a higher price for the treatment. 

Also, denture implants are surgically implanted, and that additional step comes with extra fees.

Patients who want a lower-cost denture solution may be able to opt for the use of adhesives to secure their dentures. This will lower the overall cost of treatment.

Denture Materials Used

Dentures can be made in various materials, including acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. Typically, the higher the quality of material used, the more expensive the dentures will be.

Design & Fabrication

The design and fabrication of the replacement teeth will affect the cost of the denture treatment.

Overall Dental Care

Patients with poor oral hygiene and other oral conditions, including gum disease and tooth loss, may require additional treatment. This could include bone grafting.

Other factors that impact the cost of dentures include the location of the dentist providing the treatment and the type of dental insurance you have. If you use a dental specialist like a prosthodontist or cosmetic dentist, the cost may be higher.

Does Insurance Cover Permanent Dentures?

Dental insurance may help cover part of the cost of permanent dentures. A full-coverage dental plan covers primary restorative care, including bridges, crowns, and dentures.

Before moving forward with dentures, contact your insurance company to determine coverage.

Other Ways to Pay for Permanent Dentures

Some dental offices offer monthly payment plans, making it easier for some patients to pay for dentures. Many dental offices also work with financing companies so that you can make monthly payments through a third party.

You can also consider getting treated at a dental school to receive cost-effective dental care and dentures. Dental schools charge much less for the other treatments that go into denture placement, such as tooth extraction. The cost of the dentures may be similar.

Overall, dental schools charge about half of what a general dental practice would charge. At a dental school, dental students treat patients under the strict supervision of experienced clinical faculty. 

Other ways to pay for permanent dentures include:

• A flexible spending account (FSA)
• A health savings account (HSA)
• A credit card to make payments.

A dental savings plan can also save you money on dentures.