It may not be easy to accept the fact that you need artificial teeth to repair and rebuild your smile. But without them, your oral and overall health can suffer. You and your dentist can discuss which option is right for you, but if you’ve already decided that dentures are what you prefer, it’s important that you understand the process of their creation as well as how much you can expect your new smile to set you back. The cost of dentures is different for everyone, but here are 3 factors your dentist will consider when creating an estimate for your treatment.
Which Type of Denture Do You Need?
The answer to this question depends on how many teeth you are missing. If you’re without several along an arch, you’ll likely be recommended for a partial denture. This type of prosthetic uses an acrylic base that matches the natural color of your gum tissue. Supporting multiple artificial teeth, it includes metal clasps that attach to healthy teeth so that the denture will remain in place.
If you are without an entire arch of teeth, or you need to have the last few natural ones extracted, a full denture is what you can expect. This prosthetic uses much of the same material as a partial but does not include metal clasps. Instead, it relies on natural suction so that it doesn’t slip, but many individuals turn to denture adhesive for added security.
What Kind of Material Will Be Used?
You have the option of choosing dentures that cost less, but you’ll likely receive a set of artificial teeth that are brittle and break easily. This will cause you to spend more money and time trying to fix and replace your prosthetic.
Dentists who believe in providing quality products will likely use acrylic bases and porcelain or acrylic artificial teeth. These are known to hold up to daily wear and tear much better than cheaper plastic. Not to mention, they look more natural, allowing you to feel more confident in your smile.
With a higher-quality denture, you can expect to enjoy your appearance for 5-7 years before needing to have it replaced.
Will You Be Using Dental Insurance?
Not everyone has private dental insurance, which is why it’s important to consider this as one of the factors for your denture expenses. Most companies will agree to cover up to 50% of the total cost, but this is largely dependent on how much of your annual maximum remains available.
By choosing to use your dental insurance plan, though, you can save more out of pocket so that you can use the remaining funds to purchase denture adhesive and appropriate products to help keep your new smile clean and healthy year after year.
Although higher-quality dentures may cost more from the start, you’ll enjoy the results much longer and prepare to experience many of the great benefits these artificial teeth can provide.
About the Author
Dr. Giannina McBryde is a trusted dentist in Leesburg who earned her dental degree in 2002. After moving to the U.S., she completed a general dentistry residency at Mercy Health System in Youngstown, Ohio. After opening her private practice, she and the team at All Smiles Leesburg work with patients who are living without a full set of teeth. Offering effective solutions designed to rebuild smiles, she can deliver top-of-the-line results that remain affordable and accessible. Contact us via our website or by calling (703) 782-5171 to find out how we tailor-make our plans to match a patient’s needs.