How Much Do Dentures Cost?

The saying goes that the best things in life are free. It’s true: neither smiles nor laughter costs a single penny. To do either of them with confidence, however, you need to have great teeth. Or, if that’s no longer a possibility, you need to invest in great dentures.

One thing is for sure: getting dentures is not exactly a cheap endeavor. Read on to get the answers to questions like how much do dentures cost without insurance, and more.

What Are the Defining Factors Behind Denture Prices

There are three main factors that go into defining your dentures’ price: material, type, and level of customization. Dentures that are made from acrylic are cheaper than their porcelain counterparts; full (or complete) dentures cost more than partial dentures; while pre-made removable dentures are considerably less expensive compared to a properly-fitting set of upper and lower dentures.

Additional denture cost factors include:

• the price of possible teeth extractions,

• the cost of immediate dentures until your permanent dentures are ready for wear,

• and the cost of follow-up appointments for adjustments if needed.

Also, inflation has impacted the costs of dentures and dental work. You might find dental costs have tripled or quadrupled since the pandemic due to the rising cost of materials.

Price Range of Dentures

The average price of dentures varies greatly, depending on the denture making process and the materials used in their production. On average though, the cost is around $1,800 for a traditional, full set of dentures. Keep in mind, though, that all the prices listed below are just guidelines, and may vary from dentist to dentist.

Low-cost dentures go for anywhere between $300 and $500 per plate, with a complete set of lower and upper dentures costing $600 to $1,000. They’re generally cold-cured and made of lower-quality materials, resulting in an artificial look.

• A complete set of mid-priced dentures typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, with a single denture plate priced at $500 to $1,500. Because they’re heat-cured, they look more natural and have greater longevity compared to cold-cured, low-cost dentures.

• Dentures in the premium price range ($2,000-$4,000/denture; $4,000-$8,000/complete set) are also heat-cured, made using only top-quality materials, and are completely customized for the most authentic look possible.

If the cost is not an issue for you, and you’d like a more permanent solution to your dental problems, consider looking into getting dental implants.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Whether or not your new dentures are covered by your insurance company depends on the type of dental plan you have. Some plans include insurance for dentures, but others don’t. For example, if you only have Basic Medicare with Parts A and B, then this does not include dental care.

If you add on Medicare Advantage Plans, Part C, then this should include all or part of the cost of full dentures. Still, it’s worth noting that most dental insurance plans have an annual spending cap of $1,000 or $1,500, which is certainly something, but probably won’t cover your total costs if you want anything better than standard, low-cost dentures. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer dental insurance for dentures and for how much.

You can also use funds from health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and flexible saving accounts (FSAs) to cover the cost of dentures and implants, but make sure you keep all your records, like invoices, should you need to present them in the future.

Another way to spend less money on dentures is buying a dental discount plan. Consult with your local dentist about which plans they accept and recommend.

Regardless of which type of denture you choose, it’s important to take good care of your dentures to ensure you two have a long and healthy relationship ahead of you. Daily cleaning and nightly soaking go a long way when it comes to extending the lifespan of your dentures.