You’re careful with your money. Before making a large purchase, you research the options, consider the cost, and determine which choice provides the most bang for your buck. As you’re weighing your options for replacing your missing teeth, cost definitely plays an important role in your decision for dentures, but how much do these restorations cost? It depends! Here are four factors that can affect the amount you’ll pay for your dentures.
#1 The Number of Teeth You’re Replacing
It makes sense that the more teeth you’re missing, the more expensive your denture will be. Partial dentures, which typically use a metal clasp to hold onto remaining natural teeth, are created to blend in and make your smile appear complete. In contrast, full dentures start from scratch, replacing the whole arch of teeth. Regardless of the type of denture, each one is customized to fit your unique mouth and to look natural.
#2 Whether You Need Preliminary Work
In some cases, extra procedures may be necessary before new dentures can be made and provided. For instance, if you have gum disease or a tooth that needs to be extracted, these treatments need to be addressed prior to dentures. Otherwise, your dentures may not fit properly, necessitating adjustments or even new dentures entirely.
#3 Your Dental Insurance
Although coverage can vary greatly from company to company, most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of dentures. In fact, generally speaking, most policies pay for about 50 percent of the total, leaving you as the patient responsible for the other half. To take full advantage of your benefits, you need to work with a dental office that is familiar with how insurance works and can help you maximize your coverage.
#4 Whether You’re Getting Implants
In addition to opting for dentures made from higher quality materials, you can choose to have your teeth replaced both above the gumline and below with dental implants, which increases the initial cost of treatment. At first glance, dental implants may seem only to make tooth replacement more expensive.
However, if you take a longer-term perspective, you can see the value in combining your dentures with implants. Dental implants keep the jawbone strong, preventing deterioration. As a result, your implant dentures continue to fit properly for much longer than traditional ones, which need to be altered and replaced frequently. You may find that attaching your dentures to implants could save you significant money down the road.
Ultimately, dentures are an investment in your smile and oral function. If you want to get the most value from your replacement teeth, you need to think carefully about your options and your unique situation. When you consider these factors with your dentist, together you can find a solution that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
About the Practice
At Boyles General Dentistry, we are proud to have a father-and-son team of dentists. Dr. Franklin Boyles has been practicing for well over 40 years, and both he and Dr. Stephen Boyles have achieved Mastership of the Academy of General Dentistry. They are also members of many organizations, including the International Congress of Oral Implantology, the Texas Dental Association, and the West Texas Academy of General Dentistry. If you need dentures or would like to learn more about implant dentures, you can schedule a consultation with us through our website or by calling 432-366-0896.