Most full dental insurance policies include some restorative coverage, usually meaning that up to 50% of the cost of dentures is covered. Regular deductibles and co-pays still apply, so the actual cost to the patient is always a substantial amount.
Limitations
Most insurance companies have a waiting period for new patients. This waiting period applies to non-emergency procedures such as dentures and typically ranges from six to 12 months but may be as long as two years for some companies. Most plans also have an annual limit that can be as low as $1,000, causing a lost filling or cavity earlier in the year to eat up a large portion of that year’s dental allowance.
Some employer dental insurance packages have an option for lower monthly costs but may offer little to no coverage for restorative procedures. Patients must foot the entire bill in these cases. If it is possible to wait, it may be wise to switch providers during open enrollment to an option that includes denture coverage since the savings can easily outweigh the higher monthly cost.
Discount Plans
Discount dental plans are not insurance; they represent a group that has negotiated discounts and fixed prices for specific dental procedures at a limited number of dental professionals in the area. Those lacking dental insurance altogether, and those with limited coverage insurance, may find savings of up to 40 to 50% compared to regular prices. Make sure the discount plan coverage meets your needs, and check that the participating dentists in the area do not have prohibitively long waiting lists for new patients.