If you’re in need of dentures, you may be worried about the price tag. Will it be affordable? Will insurance cover it? These are common concerns among those who need dental work.
Dentures are a common solution for those who have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or age. The cost of dentures can vary greatly depending on several factors, including insurance coverage, materials used, and the type of dentures needed.
Knowing the dentures cost is important for anyone considering this dental treatment. Whether you have insurance or not, the price of dentures can have a significant impact on your budget. In this article, we’ll explore the dentures cost with and without insurance, and provide you with some tips on how to save money on this essential dental treatment.
Who Needs Dentures?
Dentures are a viable option for people who have lost some or all of their teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease. Candidates for dentures typically experience difficulty with eating, speaking, or smiling due to missing teeth, and dentures can help restore their ability to do so.
A good candidate for dentures is someone who:
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- Has lost most or all of their natural teeth or will require the extraction of their remaining teeth
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- Has healthy gums and a healthy mouth
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- Does not have any medical conditions that would interfere with denture placement, such as uncontrolled diabetes or certain autoimmune diseases
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- Is willing to commit to proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to maintain their dentures and overall oral health.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures available, including complete dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants for a more secure fit. Your dentist can help you determine which type of denture is best for your individual needs.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable dental prostheses designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a metal or plastic framework that fits snugly around the remaining teeth and has artificial teeth attached to it.
The partial denture works by attaching to the remaining teeth in the mouth using clasps or attachments. These clasps are custom-made to fit the shape and position of the natural teeth and provide stability to the partial denture. The artificial teeth are then set into the denture base, which is made of acrylic resin and is designed to match the color of the gums.
When a person wears a partial denture, the artificial teeth fill the gaps left by missing teeth, restoring the person’s ability to bite and chew food properly. They also help maintain the shape of the face and prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting or drifting into the empty spaces left by the missing teeth.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures, or traditional dentures, are the type that most likely comes to mind when you think of false teeth. They are a type of removable dental prosthesis that are used to replace all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw or both. They are custom-made to fit an individual’s mouth and gums and are typically made of acrylic resin.
Complete dentures are used for people who have lost all of their natural teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury. They can improve the individual’s ability to eat, speak, and smile, as well as restore the natural shape and appearance of the face.
Complete dentures work by creating a suction effect between the denture and the gums, which helps keep them in place. They are usually held in place with dental adhesive or paste and can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance.
The process of getting complete dentures typically involves several appointments with a dentist or prosthodontist. The dentist will take impressions of the patient’s mouth and create a custom-made set of dentures that are designed to fit the individual’s specific oral anatomy and aesthetic preferences.
Like partial dentures, complete dentures require proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Regular visits to the dentist are also recommended to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a permanent solution to tooth loss. Unlike removable dentures, which are removed daily, they are anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. The implants act as artificial tooth roots and provide a stable foundation for the denture to attach to. The result is a more secure and stable denture that doesn’t slip or move around, allowing for better oral function and confidence.
Implant-supported dentures can be either removable or fixed. Removable implant-supported dentures are attached to the implants using special connectors and can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance. Fixed implant-supported dentures are permanently attached to the implants and can only be removed by a dentist.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
The cost of dentures can vary depending on the type of denture and the materials used. There can also be additional cost if the patient requires dental work beforehand, such as tooth extractions or implants. Here are some average costs for dentures:
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- Partial Dentures: The average price of partial dentures can range from $500 to $2,500 per arch (upper or lower), with the total cost for both arches typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
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- Complete Dentures: The cost of complete dentures can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per arch (upper or lower), with the total cost for both arches typically ranging from $2,000 to $6,000.
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- Implant-Supported Dentures: Permanent dentures are typically more expensive than conventional dentures since they require an artificial tooth root to secure them in place. On average, the cost of implant-supported dentures can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per implant, with a minimum of two implants required for a lower denture and four implants required for an upper denture. The total cost for implant-supported dentures can range from $4,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the specific case.
Using a Dental Insurance Plan to Pay for Dentures
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the dentures cost. Some dental plans may have limitations on the type of dentures covered, the materials used, or the frequency of replacement.
It’s important to review the details of your dental insurance plan and speak with the insurance provider to understand the coverage for dentures. Some plans may require a waiting period or pre-authorization before the denture procedure, so it’s important to understand the specific requirements.
In some cases, dental insurance may not cover the entire cost of dentures, and patients may be responsible for paying a portion of the out-of-pocket cost. When you come for a consultation, our office staff can help you understand your insurance coverage and determine what your cost will be.
Contact Strull Oral Surgery for Dentures in Northern Kentucky
If you are in need of affordable dentures in Northern Kentucky, Strull Oral Surgery is the place to go. We offer a variety of modern denture options to fit your needs and budget, and our experienced team will work with you to ensure a comfortable and successful outcome.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation for custom dentures and take the first step toward a beautiful and healthy smile.