The cost of dental treatment is a concern that prevents many patients from receiving the care they want and need. If you are missing teeth, dentures can restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with ease. There are several measures you can take to ensure you receive the most affordable dentures possible. Being honest with your care provider during your initial consultation and practicing good at-home care can help you reduce the initial cost of your dentures and keep them functional for years to come.
Your Initial Consultation
When you visit the dentist to discuss your options, be honest about your budget and goals. Your dentist may be able to make recommendations based on your financial needs and adjust your treatment plan to cut costs wherever possible. While some patients prefer to try on a wax-up or model of their dentures before treatment, you can choose to forego a wax-up and save money. Some dental labs can deliver dentures more quickly, but that requires a larger expense. If you are trying to save money, you might choose to have your dentures delivered at a standard rate. Talk to your dentist about other factors that can affect the overall cost of your treatment.
If you are on a budget, conventional acrylic dentures may be a better option for you.
Choosing Cost-Effective Materials
The quality of materials will greatly influence the cost of your dentures. High-quality dentures are made using plastic and zirconia, which closely mirrors the look, feel, and translucency of natural teeth. It is also extremely durable. However, you can choose to have your dentures crafted out of plastic and acrylic. Acrylic teeth are typically a more affordable option and also offer a variety of benefits for patients.
In addition to choosing acrylic over zirconia, you can also ask your dentist to use a standard plastic base for your dentures. This plastic base will closely mirror the smoothness and color of your gums, but will not be customized for a more natural look.
Although implant-supported dentures offer superior stability, security, and aesthetics, they can be very expensive. Oral surgery, sedation, and dentist’s fees can significantly increase the overall treatment cost. As dental implants are considered an elective treatment, they are typically not covered by your insurance. If you are on a budget, conventional dentures may be a better option for you.
Financing Your Dentures
If your dentures are deemed medically necessary, they may be fully or partially covered by your insurance company or Medicare. If you do not have dental insurance, your dentist may work with third-party lenders to offer flexible financing options.
Making Your Dentures Last
Your set of dentures can last up to a decade with proper care and frequent visits to your dentist. Be sure to follow the cleaning instructions provided by your dentist, and protect your dentures from damage by practicing extreme care. Once you make your initial dentures purchase, any maintenance, care, and repairs are fairly inexpensive. However, irreparably damaging your dentures may require costly replacement and should be avoided.
