Getting a full set of dentures is a significant yet essential investment for many people needing to replace missing teeth. However, the final out-of-pocket cost for dentures can vary quite drastically based on the specific treatments required and choices made regarding materials and providers. If you need multiple teeth extracted before getting dentures, this can drive up the total price rapidly.
Key Takeaways
- Expect to pay $3,000 to $6,000+ for a complete set of quality upper and lower dentures including necessary extractions and dental work leading up to getting the dentures made.
- Dental insurance usually only covers about 50% of denture costs depending on your plan maximums. This still provides vital financial relief from total costs.
- Opting for a general dentist instead of a prosthodontist specialist can save hundreds of dollars in denture fees although materials may be more basic.
- Getting dentures made at a private practice dental clinic instead of a hospital saves many thousands compared to operating room fees under IV sedation.
- Ask your dentist if they offer in-house membership plans or cash payment courtesy discounts to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for uninsured dental treatments. Every dollar counts.
Defining Price Factors for Custom Dentures
The main elements that influence the total price you’ll pay for dentures include:
Type of dentures – Full dentures that replace all upper or lower teeth are more expensive than partial dentures. Hybrid dentures with dental implants for support or attachment cost more as well. Immediate dentures placed right after extractions also cost significantly more upfront.
Materials chosen – Basic acrylic dentures offer a lower-cost option starting around $500 per arch. High-end porcelain or flexible thermoplastic nylon materials cost upwards of $2,000-4,000 per arch but have a more natural, realistic look and feel.
Necessity of extractions – Removing unhealthy teeth before getting dentures usually ranges from $50-150 per tooth depending on complexity and location. Molars and surgical extractions run higher.
Additional dental procedures needed – You may need root canals ($300-1500 each), bone grafts ($500+), ridge augmentation using cadaver bone ($800+), or sinus lifts ($600+) before getting dentures, which can add significantly per procedure.
Dental office costs – Dentists practicing in areas with higher costs of living typically charge higher prices across the board for specialized and cosmetic treatments.
Seeing a prosthodontist vs general dentist – Getting dentures made and fitted by a dedicated specialist rather than a general dentist often costs more although the materials used may be higher-end and deliver better function.
Overview of Typical New Denture Cost Ranges
Here’s an overview of typical costs based on the type of dentures:
Basic partial dentures – $300-$1,500 per arch
Basic full dentures – $500-$2,000 per arch
Premium full dentures – $1,800-$4,000+ per arch
Flexible partials or fulls – $900-$2,500 per arch
Immediate full dentures – $800-$2,500 per arch
Implant-supported dentures – $500-$2,000 for the dentures, plus $1500-$5000+ for implants
Assessing Dental Insurance Coverage for Dentures
Some dental insurances pay part of the cost for dentures. But they may not pay everything unless you reach your yearly limit. Yearly limits for dental insurance usually go from $1000 to $1500. Some plans keep some money just for dentures or implants.
With insurance, you usually pay 20% to 60% of the total cost yourself. This is because of deductibles and copays. For example, a plan with a $50 deductible and 50% coverage up to $1500 yearly limit. This would make a $4000 treatment cost around $2950 from your own money.
Without any dental insurance, full top and bottom dentures usually cost between $3000 to $5000 total. Dentists in big expensive cities may charge over $6000 or more. This is because they have to remove all your teeth before the dentures.
Itemized Cost Breakdown for the Denture Process Without Insurance
The complete treatment timeline for getting custom dentures made once any necessary extractions occur often spans 2-4 months or more. This allows proper healing time prior to taking final impressions for a quality fit. Here is a step-by-step overview of the cash fees involved:
Initial dental checkup – Doctor looks at teeth, gums, and mouth with pictures and tools. They make a plan to fix issues before dentures. $150 to $250.
Tooth extractions – Removing teeth that are broken, decayed, or can’t be saved. This is the first step. $75 to $300 per tooth.
More dental work may be needed like root canals, gum jobs to make teeth look nicer or make more room for dentures. Added costs per tooth of $250 to $900.
Bone graft – The doctor may add dense bone material to help sockets heal better and support dentures. $500 to $1000 per side of mouth.
Temporary dentures are placed right after extractions to help while gums heal for 4 to 12 weeks. $500 to $2000 per top or bottom.
Dentures reline – As gums heal, dentures may become loose. Soft material is added inside to fit better. $250 to $500 per top or bottom.
Final mold of mouth – Accurate molds are made after 3 months when tissues are done changing. $200 per top or bottom.
Denture test – The doctor checks bite, look, and fit of dentures before being made final. $100 to $200.
Final dentures placed – Dentures are finished and placed. May need small fixes. $500 to $2000 per top or bottom.
Variables That Impact Total Expenses for Dentures
Some factors that can influence your final bill for dentures either positively or negatively include:
Dentist office vs hospital – Getting work done at a dentist’s office is much cheaper than at a hospital which costs over $5000 not including dental fees.
General dentist vs specialist – A dentist with extra training as a prosthodontist costs 20-50% more but may do a better job.
Small towns vs big cities – Dentists in small areas usually cost less than big cities which can be 50-100% higher, but city materials may be better.
Standard vs custom dentures – Dentures made specially for your own mouth fit better but take more time and cost more to make at the dental lab.
Pre-made vs custom implant parts – For dentures supported by implants, pre-made parts may not fit as well and each custom part adds over $200.
Basic acrylic vs nicer materials – Basic plastic is cheap but doesn’t look real, nicer tooth colored porcelain and metal look better but cost way more.
Insurance amounts – If your plan covers $1000 or $2000 for dentures makes a big difference in your own costs since every dollar of coverage reduces what you pay.
Dentures vs bridges – Bridges are another option where teeth are fixed on either side to nearby healthy teeth permanently instead of being removable.
Benefits of bridges:
- Sense of normalcy from a fixed restoration vs removable
- No need to clean dentures nightly or soak and store them
- Avoid social concerns like dentures slipping or making noises
Potential downsides of bridges include:
- Higher failure rate needing replacement eventually
- Doubles likelihood of endodontic needs in abutment teeth over time
- Requires filing down healthy enamel on anchor teeth
- Makes accessing implant sites later more complex
For missing back teeth, removable cast partial dentures tend to be easier to clean and repair as needed. For more visible gaps up front, adhesive bridges or flexible partials offer advantages. However, today implant-supported dentures provide the ultimate in function and longevity albeit at a higher price tag.
FAQ’s
How much does it cost to have all teeth removed and dentures fitted?
The average cost is $3,000-$8,000. Most of the cost is for the extractions and denture fabrication. Insurance may cover part of the cost.
Can you get extractions and dentures at the same time?
It is possible to have all teeth removed and get dentures placed in one visit. This is called immediate dentures. It avoids being without teeth temporarily.
Why are dentures cheaper than implants?
Implants require surgery to place implant posts into the jawbone. Multiple visits are needed for healing and placement of crowns. Dentures can be done in a single day with fewer medical procedures.
What is the highest price of dentures?
The highest price is around $10,000 for highly customized dentures. Standard dentures are $1,000-$3,000 per jaw. Custom designs may use precious metals and special enhancement features.
Why is denture so expensive?
The dentist charges professional fees for the work done. High-quality materials are needed to make dentures that fit well. Follow-up visits for adjustments can add further costs over time.
Conclusion
Getting dentures is a significant yet worthwhile investment to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently again. However, the costs can be daunting, especially when extractions and other preliminary dental work enter the equation. The good news is you can take steps to maximize affordability based on the options chosen. Seeking out an economical but qualified general dentist, staying with basic acrylic materials rather than porcelain, and avoiding hospital setting fees keep costs as low as possible.
Dental insurance and payment plans through dental offices also alleviate the financial hit. While the total price for removing diseased teeth and getting fitted with comfortable, natural-looking dentures often reaches $5000 or beyond, breaking it down into itemized costs makes the process less overwhelming so you can focus on the immense benefits new teeth provide in restoring oral health and lifestyle.
