Getting a new pair of dentures is an exciting time in any patient’s life. After all, soon you’ll have a complete, beautiful, functional smile. However, although this popular tooth replacement option restores 2.5 million smiles each year, much like the diverse patients they benefit, there’s no one-size-fits-all price for these prosthetics. Here are three factors that your dentist must consider when determining the cost of your new dentures, and how you can make these restorations more affordable.
Size
Dentures are highly customizable, and as unique as the patients who wear them. This means that to fit your mouth perfectly, they must come in different shapes and sizes. If you’re only missing a few teeth, a partial denture may be an ideal option. Conversely, if you need to replace an entire arch of teeth, a full denture may be a better choice. Generally speaking, the larger the prosthetic required, the more it will cost.
Material
Dentures are available in several different materials. In most cases, the base is made of resin acrylic, but they could also have an underlying metal mesh to enhance their strength, which will increase their price.
The teeth in your new denture can be made of porcelain or acrylic resin. Acrylic resin is lighter and therefore less expensive, but wears down a lot faster than porcelain, meaning it will need to be replaced sooner. Thus, even though porcelain may be more costly up front, it may be a better overall value due to its longevity.
Preliminary Treatments
Sometimes, you may need dental work performed before you can get dentures, such as gum disease treatment or tooth extractions. These procedures are not included in the price of your prosthetic and will incur separate costs that add to your final treatment total. They may be partially covered by insurance, but your dental team will need to verify this first. Please also be aware that each plan is different, so what is covered in yours may not be covered in your neighbors, or vice versa.
Making Dentures More Affordable
Many patients try to save money on dentures by looking for discount or bargain prosthetics. Unfortunately, however, this usually ends up followed by a lot of regret. Inferior quality often means your prosthetics will wear down or break faster, meaning you’ll need to replace them much sooner. Plus, when you’re investing in something that will be kept in your mouth, it’s important to choose a product that is safe and comfortable, which is often not the case with those bargain dentures.
Thankfully, your dentist understands that finances can be tight, which is why he offers options for making your treatment more affordable, such as welcoming dental insurance, flexible financing plans, and even in-house membership programs that include discounts on dentures.
Remember, there are several factors that can affect the cost of your new dentures, but no matter the price, restoring your smile is certainly an investment worth making. To learn more about this treatment, including how much it will cost and how you can make it work with your budget, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About Our Practice
At Zahner Dental, Dr. Jonathan Zahner and Dr. Shawn Zahner are proud to continue their father’s legacy of providing high quality oral health treatment with compassion and skill. If you’re ready to upgrade your grin with a gorgeous new pair of durable, lifelike dentures, schedule a consultation today to learn more about these dynamic prosthetics and their cost. To book your appointment, visit our website or call 860-870-9031.