Guide to Getting Cheap Dentures Without Insurance

By David Hudnall, DMD

The cost of everything keeps rising. Dentures are no exception. Many people are looking for ways to obtain the dentures that they need at a price they can afford.

In this article, we will discuss the general costs of a variety of denture types, factors that affect their cost, and some options for finding low cost dentures without insurance.

Cost of Dentures With and Without Insurance

There is a distinction between affordable dentures and dentures that are made from cheap materials that will not last in the long term. Dentures made from less expensive materials do have their place in dentistry as transitional dentures when used after extractions or when the patient requires time for implant integration. Otherwise, cheap materials should never be used for replacement teeth.

The prices quoted here provide a general overview of denture services without insurance.

Full Dentures

The cost of full dentures is affected by the type of materials used to construct the dentures and the case’s complexity. In general, dentures made from premium quality materials involve more time and money to produce, and the added cost is passed onto the patient. Dentures made from high-quality resins or containing porcelain or zirconia teeth are usually more durable, more aesthetically pleasing, and last longer than dentures made from less costly acrylics. With proper care, the added cost of premium quality dentures can be justified by lasting up to 10 years on average.

While this article concentrates on getting cheap dentures without insurance, there is usually a middle ground that balances cost with quality. Instead of dentures made from the most inexpensive materials possible, it is possible to obtain permanent dentures from good quality materials at a reasonable price that will last 5 to 7 years on average.

Full dentures can range from $600 to $3,000 per denture, on average. However, dentures cost more or less depending on the raw materials they are made from.

Partial Dentures

The cost of removable partial dentures is largely associated with the type of partial denture chosen in conjunction with the configuration and position of the remaining natural teeth. Partials with metal frameworks cost more to make than all-acrylic partials.

Partial dentures can range from $500 to more than $2,500, depending upon the type of partial selected.

Denture Implants

Implant dentures, which are secured by implants, cost more than most premium-quality dentures due to the complexity involved in their manufacture. Dental implants must be made from high-quality materials for strength, durability, and fracture resistance. Some implant-supported dentures also include a metal bar or cast framework to help with rigidity and minimize the opportunity for breakage.

All of this adds to the cost of implant dentures. Prices for implant dentures range from $2,500 to more than $10,000 for a non-removable bridge, depending upon the complexity of the case and the type of denture selected. There may also be tooth extraction involved which makes the complete dentures more expensive.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate denture cases have the added expense associated with removing your natural teeth plus any other necessary oral surgery procedures, such as bone reduction or alveoloplasty, to recontour the bone that will be used to support your dentures. Since the surgical and extraction costs vary widely among immediate denture patients, the cost of these procedures is in addition to the cost of immediate dentures themselves.

Additionally, immediate dentures are usually made from lower-quality materials because they are designed to be temporary appliances that will be replaced within a matter of months with a new denture made on healed gums. The final replacement denture type chosen will determine the cost of the final denture.

Some clinics offer package deals for immediate denture patients, including temporary dentures, necessary relines, and replacement dentures, all at a reduced price compared to the total cost of each individual service. Basic immediate dentures start at $500 per arch, not including the cost of extractions, oral surgery, or final dentures.

See Also: Which Denture Type Is Right for You?

Options for Receiving Cheap Dentures Without Insurance

Clearly, those who have dental insurance through their workplace or a Medicare program are at an advantage because a portion of their dental treatment is covered, allowing them to receive higher-quality dentures at a lower out-of-pocket cost.

Insurance rarely pays for all dental services, whether deemed medically necessary or not. However, the lack of dental insurance does not have to prevent you from receiving dentures or the dental services that you need.

Pick the Right Denture

There are ways to identify funding by thinking outside of the box. If you have a lack of funds, it may not be possible to obtain the very best, most lifelike denture that you desire. However, the lack of adequate resources shouldn’t deter you from seeking out ways to improve your ability to eat and smile.

Choosing the most affordable denture to meet your basic needs may be best.

Work with a Reputable Denturist

Dentists and dental clinics that limit their practice to providing dentures using an on-site laboratory are able to offer dentures at a lower price point than most individual or group dental practices that provide a wide range of services. Because they “specialize’ in dentures, these dental clinics are able to construct dentures from higher quality materials at a reasonable price, allowing the patient to receive better quality dentures with greater longevity for less money.

In addition, some clinics offer coupons or special offers from time to time. If you are a member of a special group, such as a veteran or senior citizen, it may be possible to receive a discount. It never hurts to ask what specials or discounts may be available to lower the overall cost of receiving dentures.

Medicaid

In some U.S. States, Medicaid may provide dental services for qualifying low-income adults and children, though coverage can vary greatly from state to state. Some states may include preventive dental services, extractions, or dentures as part of their Medicaid coverage, especially if deemed medically necessary, while others may only cover emergency dental services.

Contact your State Medicaid office to see if you qualify.

See Also: How to Know If Your Insurance Covers Full Dentures

Look at Payment Plans

Third-party payment plans allow you to receive all of the dental treatment that you currently need at one time while paying for the services over a period of time, usually six months to one year. You can make a financial agreement for a line of credit with a medical financing organization, such as Care Credit, offered by many healthcare offices.

As long as you make regular, on-time payments, you’ll avoid penalties and higher interest rates associated with your outstanding balance. This form of dental discount plan is an excellent way to replace missing teeth on a budget.

Treatment Options with No Insurance

Numerous non-profit organizations are dedicated to providing dental care and tooth replacement options to individuals who cannot afford them. Organizations such as Dental Lifeline Network, America’s Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF), and Oral Health America (OHA) have programs dedicated to offering dental services to those in need.

What is required of you is to do your homework to determine if you are eligible and how to tap into the resources that are available. Often, an internet search is a good starting point. It’s also to keep in mind that those with insurance may not have dental coverage. So, does dental insurance cover dentures? Contact your assumed dental insurance plan to find out.

European Denture Center Prioritizes Accessibility and Honesty

Rather than focusing solely on cheap dentures without insurance, European Denture Center is committed to helping you obtain the best dentures possible. There is usually more than one way and multiple treatment solutions to address your dental health needs. While some basic treatments may not be optional, European Denture Center offers multiple denture lines at varying price points to replace your natural teeth.

We’re committed to being honest with you about your treatment options, and we will work with you to offer alternative avenues for financing your treatment so that you can focus on the most important aspect of treatment – making the best decisions for your better health.