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Anyone who is missing all their teeth – or even just a few teeth – knows what a difference it can make to replace them. The reasons are obvious: living with missing teeth can affect how well you can eat your food, how you speak, and how you look to others. So it just makes sense to replace missing teeth. One of the most cost-effective ways to do that is with some type of denture. In this article, we’ll explore options in affordable dentures that are available to dental patients in and around the Austin, Texas area. Of course, “affordable” is a relative term depending on your own financial situation and whether or not you have adequate dental insurance to help cover some of the costs. So we include a broad range of options that are suitable for different budgets.
Types of Dentures
There are two basic types of dentures available to patients: complete dentures, which are intended for people who need a full top set of teeth, a full bottom set of teeth, or both; and partial dentures, which are designed to replace just a few missing teeth. Although there are several different styles of complete dentures, most consist of a set of artificial teeth mounted onto a gum-colored base plate. Partials are made of one or more crowns (made of acrylic, porcelain or metal) mounted in a metal frame that attaches to the patient’s existing natural teeth on either side. The cost of dentures varies widely depending on whether you need a full set or partial set, as well as a list of other factors, such as the quality of the materials used in the appliance and the length of time it takes to fabricate it.
What the Most Affordable Complete Dentures Cost
One important adage to keep in mind when choosing dentures: you get what you pay for. By the “most affordable” dentures, what we really mean are the cheapest or least expensive. These dentures typically cost between $300 and $500 per plate, or between $600 and $1,000 for an entire set. The key word to keep in mind here is “cheapest,” because although these prices may sound appealing, the majority of dentures you’ll find in this price range will have very limited warranties, won’t be as comfortable, won’t last as long, and won’t look as good as more expensive dentures. Still, basic dentures are better than no dentures at all, and the least expensive dentures may be the only option for some people, particularly those on limited budgets and/or without dental insurance.
What Mid-Range Complete Dentures Cost
The next step up from the least expensive dentures, or what we refer to as “mid-range” dentures, typically cost between $500 and $1,500 for an upper or lower plate, or somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000 for a complete set. As you might expect, dentures that fall into this category offer more advantages than the least expensive type, so mid-range dentures usually come with a limited warranty of 1 or 2 years, and will fit better since they will be personalized for the individual patient.
What Premium Complete Dentures Cost
The most expensive types of dentures also offer the patient the most advantages. Generally speaking, they will fit better, look more like natural teeth, will feel more comfortable, last longer and offer a more extensive warranty period. These dentures typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000 per plate, or between $4,000 and $8,000 for a complete set. The price usually includes periodic trips back to the dentist for adjustments to ensure a proper fit.
What Partial Dentures Cost
Not surprisingly, partial dentures cost less than complete sets. Although the price range variables are the same as for full sets of dentures, including the material used to make the partials and the length of time it takes to create the appliance, to name just two. Partial dentures are removable, just as complete sets are, and usually include artificial teeth that are made of acrylic, porcelain or even metal. The cost range for low-end partial dentures is typically between $300 and $500; mid-range partials usually cost between $700 and $1,800; and high-end partials made of premium materials (such as gold) can cost from $2,000 to $4,000.
Other Costs Associated with Dentures
In addition to the cost of the appliance itself, there can be other costs that come with complete or partial sets of dentures. If you need to have your teeth extracted, that can be an additional charge, as will follow-up trips to the dentist to have the dentures adjusted and/or relined. Having a tooth extracted varies greatly in price, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the experience of the dentist performing the service. A simple extraction, for example, may cost as little as $100, while a more complicated surgical extraction can be $650 or even more. The good news is that tooth extractions are usually covered by most insurance policies, which can help to cover the cost. If you need to have one or more teeth pulled, talk to your dentist for a more exact estimate of the cost.
Whether you need a complete set of dentures, or just a partial set, getting new replacement teeth can change your life for the better in so many ways. In fact, several studies conducted over the past few years have shown that having an attractive smile actually boosts your self-esteem and increases your self-confidence. This, in addition to improving your ability to eat all types of foods and speak more clearly, means that dentures are one of the best investments you can make. And there’s more good news – many dentists are more than happy to work out a payment plan that will make it easier for their patients to enjoy affordable dentures, whether they have dental insurance coverage or not. Talk to your Austin, Texas dentist today to find out more about your denture choices, which type would work best for you, and what the costs would be.
