Dentures have been around since 700 B.C. This is when the Etruscans created the first dentures from a mixture of animal and human teeth. Porcelain dentures evolved a thousand years later. Today, dentures are made with the latest dental technology; however, porcelain remains a popular choice for construction material. Unfortunately, the cost of quality porcelain dentures is high. This makes affording them difficult, especially for senior citizens who are on a fixed income and have limited access to secondary dental health insurance. Fortunately, many discount dental plans can help you save between 10 percent and 60 percent off the cost of your dentures and other common dental care services.
What are Dentures?
Dentures, also called false teeth, are simply a prosthetic device that is made as an oral insert. Each plate is designed to replicate the normal procession of teeth found in the mouth. Dentures can be complete, or they can be partial. Complete dentures generally replicate the tooth line for the mandibular arch or the maxillary arch and are removable. However, permanent versions of complete dentures are also available.
If only a few teeth are missing then dentures partial inserts are made. Partials, also referred to as crowns and bridges, can be fixed or removable. Fixed bridges are substantially more stable then the removable version, though they tend to be significantly more expensive.
What do Dentures Cost?
The cost of your dentures, like any other medical product and procedure, is going to depend on where you live, who you work with and what dental insurance you carry. Generally, you can expect to pay up to $1,200 per arch if you work with a cosmetic dentist and up to $2,500 per arch if you work with a prosthodontist. Most of this cost can, fortunately, be absorbed by medical and dental insurance policies, or reduced with a discount dental plan. You can also look for vendors that offer affordable dentures to reduce your dentures' price.
How Can Discount Dental Plans Help?
Let's face it, while health and dental insurance is nice, not everyone can afford to carry these insurance products. If you are facing the prospects of getting dentures, then consider joining a discount dental plan. Many of these discount programs can be used to reduce the cost of dentures while also helping you afford the follow-up care needed to ensure a comfortable fit.
Author: Eisla Sebastian
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