Dentures, sometimes called dentures, are prostheses that replace missing teeth. For patients with missing teeth, wearing dentures can make talking and eating easier. In addition to making you look younger, dentures or partial dentures can significantly reduce facial wrinkles if you also have jawbone loss.
Dentures are made of a composite material that can resist bacteria and breakage. The frame can be made of acrylic, resin or a mixture of resin-based materials and metal accessories. Dentures are usually made of porcelain or ceramic (like glass), which helps to give a natural enamel-like appearance.
1.Types of dentures
In 2020, 41 million Americans will wear dentures. Common dentures include:
- Complete dentures-also known as complete dentures or traditional dentures, complete dentures are most suitable for patients with missing teeth.
- Partial dentures (removable)-best for patients who have remaining teeth or prefer removable teeth. Removable partial dentures are attached to natural teeth through a device called precision attachment.
- Partial Denture (Fixed)-Best for patients with missing teeth and those who like to have fixed teeth
- Implant dentures (occlusal dentures)-another type of complete dentures, occlusal dentures are best for patients who have missing teeth and require increased retention. Dental implants provide a fixture for the connection of teeth in the oral cavity.
- Instant dentures-best for patients who want to extract and install dentures on the same day.
Dentures are usually made by a prosthetic dentist, who is a dentist who specializes in dentures and denture accessories. In order to get dentures, the prosthetic dentist will recommend the best type according to the patient’s personal needs. Then, they will take X-rays and make initial impressions to make dentures.
Denture wearers must maintain proper oral hygiene in order to keep their dentures in good condition. Dentures also need to be adjusted over time. Patients should check with their dentist regularly, who will floss the dentures back into the gums. The average life span of dentures is 10 years.
The total cost of dentures depends on:
- Type of prosthesis required
- Possible cost of tooth extraction
- The price of direct dentures before permanent dentures can be worn
- Follow-up appointment fee adjusted as needed
Summarize
Common dentures include complete dentures, movable partial dentures, fixed partial dentures, implant dentures and instant dentures.
2.How much does an uninsured denture cost?
Without insurance, the price of a pair of low-cost dentures is US$300 to US$500 per pair, and the price of a complete set of dentures is US$600 to US$1,000.
Cheap dentures are usually cold processed. Due to the low quality of the materials used, they are only temporary solutions. These dentures are generally not as natural as high-quality, more expensive dentures.
For medium-priced dentures, uninsured patients need to pay an average of US$500 to US$1500 per set of dentures, and about US$1,000 to US$3,000 for a complete set of dentures.
For high-quality dentures or dentures that require extraction and additional customization, patients may need to pay between US$2,000 and US$4,000 for each set of dentures, or approximately US$4,000 to US$8,000 for a complete set of dentures.
3.How much does denture plus insurance cost?
Most dental insurance companies consider dentures to be an important surgery and will bear 50% of the cost. The patient will pay the balance by himself.
The average cost of each set of dentures is between US$250 and US$2,000 for patients who purchase dental insurance, and the cost of a complete set of dentures is between US$500 and US$4,000.
For patients with dental insurance, the dental office will provide an appropriate dental resignation statement and discuss any out-of-pocket expenses.
Remote dental services provide patients with immediate care around the clock.
Summarize
The price of uninsured dentures ranges from $300 (low-cost dentures) to $8,000 (customized highest quality dentures). Some insurance plans can cover up to 50% of the cost.
4.Factors affecting the price of dentures
Here are some factors that affect the cost of dentures:
- How many teeth need to be replaced-full dentures cost more than partial dentures.
- The location of the dentist-dentists in busy cities are usually more expensive than dentists in the suburbs.
- Types of dentures and how to fix-surgically implanted dentures are more expensive than ordinary dentures.
- The types of denture materials used-porcelain dentures are more expensive, because porcelain dentures look natural, durable, and have the longest use time.
5.How much does it cost to use Medicaid or medical insurance to make dentures?
The cost of dentures using Medicaid or Medicare depends on the location of the patient. Medicaid is administered by the federal government, but each state has its own version with specific coverage and guidelines.
Even if there is no reimbursement, patients can get help through denture subsidies and other resources.
6.Other ways to pay for dentures
Dentures can also be paid for in the following ways:
Discount dental plan
Also known as dental savings plan, discount dental plan is an affordable and flexible alternative to traditional dental insurance. Patients using the discount dental plan can access a network of dentists who offer discounted prices to plan members.
With the dental savings plan, patients can buy a full set of dentures for only $625.
Dental discount plans for dentures are offered and recommended by many dental clinics. Patients looking for a discount plan for dentures should consult with them.
Payment plan
Some dental clinics offer financing options for dentures, including payment plans or credit cards. An internal payment plan allows patients to pay their dental bills in installments instead of paying them all in one lump sum.
Some offices provide financing through medical credit cards, such as CareCredit, which patients can use to pay their dental bills.
Dental school
Patients can perform dental surgery in a dental school, saving hundreds of dollars in denture costs. Dental schools provide low-cost dental care performed by dentists in training.
government program
Many government programs provide subsidies for dentures for the elderly, the disabled, low-income families and other disadvantaged groups.
Some examples of dental grants and government-funded projects include the “Smile Back” project and the Dental Lifeline Network. “Give me a smile” to help victims of domestic violence.
The Dental Lifeline Network provides assistance to low-income patients who have permanent disabilities, are 65 years of age or older, or have underlying medical conditions.
Donate dental services
Dental Donation Service (DDS) is a project where dentists voluntarily provide free dental services to eligible applicants.
Patients with permanent disability, over 65 years of age, or poor physical condition, who cannot afford dentures can receive free treatment through the DDS program.
Summarize
Donations of dental services (DDS), discount dental programs, and government assistance programs are all excellent ways to obtain low-cost dentures. You can also go to an approved dental school to receive “dentist training” (up to 30% off) treatment.
7.What is the cheapest way to buy dentures?
The cheapest and easiest way to get cheap dentures is through a dental school. Anyone is eligible to receive treatment in these schools.
Patients considering obtaining dentures through a dental school should clarify this work through their insurance policy and choose an accredited school.
8.Conclusion
Dentures are a type of “false teeth” that are used to replace part or all of the missing teeth in the patient’s mouth. They look natural, durable, and come in many different forms.
