Dentures are one option for reconstructing the appearance and function of natural teeth after they are removed, broken, or otherwise missing. Referring to dentures broadly actually encompasses several different categories of “replacement teeth,” each with different specifications. There isn’t one blanket statement to answer what the cost of dentures is, but it can be broken down by examining a few different factors.
Factors behind the cost
There are several variables that go into determining the cost of dentures. The first thing to think about is the type of dentures you are referring to. Are they a full set of dentures? Partial dentures? Or maybe you’re just trying to replace one missing tooth? Each of these options will have a different price, with replacing a larger number of teeth typically correlating with higher prices. That is to say, a full set of dentures for both your upper and lower teeth will tend to cost more than a partial denture that is meant to replace only one-half or one-third of your teeth.
Another point to consider when looking into the cost of dentures is the materials that they are made out of. Usually, dentures are made out of either plastic, porcelain, or even metal. Plastic dentures are also often referred to as acrylic resin dentures. Out of these three options, plastic and porcelain dentures tend to be the most common. They also tend to be similar in cost, and both plastic and porcelain dentures are usually less expensive than their metal counterparts. With several options, visiting a dentist can be an invaluable tool to help decide which material would be best suited for you.
Beyond thinking about the type of dentures and the materials that they are made out of, you should also think about where you plan on going to get your dentures. If you live in the United States, the price of dentures will likely vary based on the region of the country that you live in. The price will likely have some correlation with the cost of living, which tends to be higher on the coasts versus the interior part of the contiguous United States.
Average cost of dentures
How much do dentures cost? Now that you have somewhat of a better understanding of what goes into the average cost of dentures let’s get a little more specific.
Full dentures
Full dentures are meant to replace both your upper and lower teeth. On average, full dentures cost somewhere between $800 and $2,000. To help get the most out of the money that you spend on a full set of dentures, make sure that you educate yourself on proper denture care to keep them in top shape for as long as possible.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures have a significant amount of variability in cost compared to a full set of dentures or dentures that are only meant to replace one tooth. In fact, single tooth dentures are technically a type of partial denture. Partial dentures can refer to dentures that replace any amount of teeth less than a full set of dentures, ranging from dentures that are for the entire row of upper or lower teeth to dentures that only replace 4-5 individual teeth. This variability makes it difficult to pin down an average cost for partial dentures, but anywhere from about $500-$1,000 is a decent baseline estimate. Upper denture cost closer to the $1,000 end of this range since they replace half of all teeth in your mouth.
Single tooth dentures
How much are dentures that are only intended to replace one tooth? As mentioned briefly above, single tooth dentures are a type of partial dentures. Since you might think of dentures as traditionally being meant to replace the upper and lower rows of teeth, this might make you question what are dentures in the first place? Whether it’s all 32 teeth or just one, there are dentures to help. But since only one tooth is being replaced, the price is a bit more consistent compared to that of partial dentures. Usually, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250-$500 for single tooth dentures.
Does insurance cover dentures?
One of the first questions you may have when thinking about how much dentures cost is whether or not they are covered by insurance. The answer to this depends on the specific insurance plan that you have, along with the reasons behind why you need dentures in the first place. There are definitely dental insurance plans that do cover dentures, but it’s always wise to read the fine print of your insurance plan to find out not only if dentures are covered but in which situations and how much of the cost if covered.
Dentures fall under the “restorative care” umbrella for many insurance plans. Orthodontics, dental implants, and bridges are a few of the other types of dental appliances that may fall within this category. Implants vs dentures is a conversation for another time, but dental implants are another excellent option for replacing the natural teeth. There tends to be more extensive insurance coverage for “preventative care,” which includes things like routine dental exams and cleanings. But as mentioned previously, there are many insurance companies that will still help pick up at least some of the cost of dentures.
Dentures cost with insurance
So how much do dentures cost with insurance? Some insurance companies will cover up to 50% of the cost of dentures, but this percentage is not in any way representative of the coverage of all dental insurance plans. Some may cover less (or nothing at all), while others may even provide coverage beyond that 50%. For the sake of comparison between insurance plans, it may be easier to look up how much of the cost of the dentures will be covered rather than the final cost of the dentures themselves since the cost of different types of dentures has so much variability.
Dentures cost without insurance.
How much do dentures cost without insurance? However, without insurance, you can expect to pay somewhere between $800 and $2,000 for a full set of quality dentures. This cost will vary greatly based on the several factors that have already been discussed (including the type of dentures, materials, and cost of living in your area), but this is a good starting range to consider.
I need dentures but iam retired and I don’t have insurance at this time is it a program that can help me with the cost I will need to and bottom. I already been to a dentist and I know much it will be. But two of my teeth that need to come out will be need to be done by specialist that will cost me more.