When you first think about getting dentures, the price and the process can be overwhelming. The best way to sort through the fact and fiction is to talk with your dentist about your unique case. However, if you want to do some longterm financial planning now, here are the myths about denture cost that you should be aware of. 

You Don't Have to Have All of Your Teeth Removed Before Fitting 

Many patients who do not regularly schedule dental visits are afraid that they will have to pay to get a lot of work done before they can get their dentures fitted. Some think that they should wait for all of their teeth to fall out before they go in to get dentures, in order to save time and money. 

Actually, you may not to have any teeth removed before you get dentures if all of your teeth are in good condition. You may be a candidate for partial dentures, which can be cemented permanently to your remaining healthy teeth or removable, just like complete dentures. However, if your remaining teeth eventually become loose or decayed, you may have to replace your partial denture with a complete denture. If, based on your oral hygiene, your dentist expects your current healthy teeth to remain healthy for the next five years, he or she may suggest a partial denture, as they should be less expensive than a full set and help your gums and jaw remain healthy for longer. 

Implant Dentures Are Out of Your Price Range 

Implant dentures, which are supported by small titanium screws places in your jaw, are rapidly becoming the popular alternative to traditional dentures. This is because they feel more secure in your mouth, last longer, and maintain the jaw and gums. However, these are not a cheap solution as they can cost between $20,000-$45,000. 

If you want implants, though, there are ways to make them more affordable. You can ask your insurance provider to give you an allowance equal to the cost of traditional dentures, work with dentists in your insurance network, and think about financial options. You may also work with dental schools, where you can get implants for a discounted price. 

Dentures Are a One-time Cost 

You may think that once you get a complete set of dentures you are done with your dental costs for the rest of your life. This is not true, though. Dentures are fitted to the unique ridges of your gums. However, if you do not have implants, your gums and jaw bone will continually recede after you have your teeth removed. After 5-10 years, it is likely that your dentures will not fit securely on your gums and will have to be replaced. 

When you hear about people being unable to eat or speak well with their dentures in, it is usually because the dentures no longer fit their gums and slip when they move their jaw. You can expect to pay the full cost of dentures once every 5-10 years if you want a well-fitting, functional denture. 

You will also have to maintain your dentures daily with denture solution, a denture brush, and possible an ultrasonic denture cleaner. You will also still have to pay for regular dental checkups. For the first year after you get your dentures your dentist may want you to schedule appointments every few months to check the fit and make sure you are adjusting to the daily wear and maintenance of your dentures. After that, you will have a yearly appointment to check the condition of your gums and determine when you will need new dentures. 

Once you have considered all of the denture costs for maintenance and replacement, you can make a better decision regarding partial dentures, implant dentures, or complete traditional dentures.