Locator Denture Cost
Patients missing a significant number of teeth have more options available than a traditional denture. Advances in dental technology have enabled dentists and dental labs to fabricate comfortable, natural-looking implant-supported locator dentures. Implants are typically made from titanium but zirconia implants are available to patients with severe metal allergies. A dental implant is a titanium post that is screwed directly into the jaw bone and protrudes through the gum tissue onto which the locator denture is secured.
A locator denture is an excellent way to restore your smile if you are missing a significant number of teeth. They can be used in one area as a partial denture or on a full arch for one or both arches. Some patients may not be a candidate for a locator denture or may simply prefer a traditional denture but locator dentures typically have a longer lifespan and are much more stable and comfortable.
How much does a locator denture cost?
Implants run a range of between $1,000 and $3,000 per implant. For a locator denture, you will need a minimum of four to six implants. The number of implants you need to support your denture will be the biggest determining factor. The average cost of a locator denture including the implants can run between $6,500 and $22,500 per arch.
Additional Costs
Other factors that can affect the cost of a locator denture include:
- If the patient lacks sufficient gum tissue or bone structure to support a dental implant, they may need a bone or gum graft to strengthen the area. A bone graft typically runs between $600 and $2600 per site.
- Patients may also require treatment for periodontal disease before an implant has a chance of success. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, can cost up to $1500.
- The materials used to fabricate your denture can also play a role in the overall cost. A lower quality denture may cost around $300 per arch whereas a high-quality denture can run up to $10,000 per arch. Higher quality dentures will be more natural-looking and more comfortable for the patient and will likely last a much longer time than a lower quality option.
What financing options are available?
Financing will vary office to office. Some dental offices offer in-house financing or may work with a third-party financing company to help ease your out-of-pocket cost.
If you have dental insurance, it is important to understand your benefits before proceeding with treatment. Most insurance plans will only pay out between $1500 and $2000 per year so it can be beneficial for patients to spread out treatment over the course of two calendar years to maximize their benefits.