Dentures are not just cosmetic. They serve a purpose by providing their owners with teeth to chew with. A person who has lost their teeth due to decay, accident or age, can benefit from having dentures but not everyone can afford them. So, that’s where the age old question comes into play. How affordable are dentures?
Two Different Types of Dentures to Choose From
There are two different types of dentures available. The first is known as a partial. The second is known as a complete set of dentures. There are some notable differences between the two with cost being only one thing to consider.
A partial denture is also known as a bridge. It consists of a pink or gum-colored plastic base with a number of replacement teeth attached to it. It is connected by metal framework which serves its purpose by holding the denture in place in the mouth. A partial is used when a person has one or more natural teeth existing in the upper or lower jaw. The partial is used to fill in the spaces where teeth are missing.
A complete set of dentures is also known as “conventional” or “immediate”. Once all the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, a person is fitted for conventional dentures. This happens anywhere from eight to twelve weeks after the teeth have been pulled.
The True Cost of False Teeth
There is a cost involved with being fitted for false teeth. Some insurance companies will cover some of the expense and others will cover all of the expense. Let’s take a look to see how much a partial will cost and how much a conventional set of dentures will cost.
According to CostHelper Health, basic dentures start at $300-$500 per plate with a full set of upper and lower teeth costing $600-$1,000. They may be a standardized fit versus a custom fit. A mid-range set of dentures costs anywhere from $500-$1,500 per plate or $1,000-$3,000 for a set. They come with a warranty which is ideal and are much more comfortable because of their personalized fit.
A premium set of dentures can set you back $2,000-$4,000 per plate or $4,000-$8,000 as set. You pay for what you get, however, because the high-end dentures have a lot of advantages over the more affordable dentures. First and foremost, they look like real teeth. Next, they carry a warranty which protects you from chipping and cracking for up to 10 years or longer. The cost of follow-up visits is often factored in.
Removable partials start at $300 and can cost up to $4,000 depending on the materials being used. Gold can cause the price to shoot up significantly. It is used in place of acrylic or other types of metals because it is long lasting and durable.
