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How Much Do Dentures Actually Cost?

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While there are many health and medical programs designed to help low-income individuals and families get the care that they need, there aren't nearly as many options when it comes to dental care. Dentures in particular often aren't covered by insurance plans or government programs. Dentures may not be a health necessity, but they greatly improve a person's quality of life. Find out more about how much dentures cost and how to find low-income assistance.

Types of Dentures

Dentures are false teeth. If someone is missing many teeth or has several teeth that need to be removed, dentures are an option for replacing them. Dentures stay in place with suction or an adhesive that holds them on the gums. This allows patients to preserve their smiles and comfortably chew and eat. The two types of dentures are full dentures and partial dentures.

Full dentures mean that all of the teeth are replaced. Patients may have a full upper plate, lower plate or both. Partial dentures are held in place by securing the device to the remaining teeth in the mouth rather than using suction or an adhesive.

Find the Cost of Dentures

The cost of dentures varies considerably depending on the amount of work that needs to be done and the materials used to make the dentures. If you're getting dentures for the first time, you should expect to pay more than people who already have dentures and need a replacement. A lot of the cost stems from removal of existing teeth. On the low end, dentures can cost $300, but prices can exceed $10,000 in some instances, notes Authority Dental. Typically, the most natural-looking dentures cost the most, but they're also made from the highest-quality materials and last the longest. It's important to speak with a dentist to get an estimate for how much dentures will cost in your individual case.

Determine If Medicare or Medicaid Pay for Dentures

Many people with low income rely on Medicare and Medicaid to pay for their dental and medical care. Unfortunately, neither of these government plans pays for dentures. Some dental procedures are covered by Medicare Part C plans, but usually only if there's a health reason. Some private insurance plans will pay for a portion of dentures depending on the coverage. However, you should expect to pay for part or all of the cost of your dentures.

Look for Options for Low-Income Patients

There are options to help people who have limited income. For people who qualify, the government program called Program All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly can provide free dentures for low-income senior patients. This program is only available in certain areas, and there are specific criteria to qualify. Others can visit a dental school for affordable dentures. Dental students provide dental care at a fraction of the cost that you'd pay a licensed dentist. They're qualified to fit patients with dentures and work under the supervision of a dentist.

Seek Local Resources for Affordable Dentures

If there are no dental schools or PACE options nearby, then you'll want to consider other options. Dental clinics and some private dental offices cater to patients who have low income levels or limited funds. They may be willing to work out a payment plan to spread out the cost over time and in smaller, more manageable payments. Others charge fees based on a sliding scale. This means that the fees they charge are dependent on your income.