The male retention caps on my removable overdenture are worn. I have four dental implants supporting my denture, and my dentist charges $30 for each retention cap—a small piece of plastic. Why is he charging so much? I cannot afford to pay my dentist $120 every time the caps need replacing. I looked online and saw a set of four caps for $45, but only dentists can order them. Is there another way I can purchase male retention caps for my dental implants? Thank you. – Luke from KS
Luke,
As you may know, male retention caps give your implant overdenture a secure fit while moving naturally over the implant as you speak and chew.
Although dentists have high office overhead, male retention caps are small items with minimal impact on daily dental office operations. Although we cannot say why your dentist chose a fee of $30 for each cap, we have some ideas for more affordable ways to get replacement caps.
Where Can You Order Implant Overdenture Male Retention Caps?
If your dentist’s fee for male retention caps is too high, consider these options:
- Ask another dental office – You can explain your situation to local dental offices. You will probably find an office willing to order them for you at cost. Dental professionals are usually sympathetic, and a dental assistant may be willing to order the retention caps for you. The dentist does not have to be involved because the staff places orders.
- Talk to your dentist—If you discussed your budget with your dentist or told him you had done online research on the cost of male retention caps, you might consider it. Your dentist might be willing to reduce the price or give details about which retention caps you need to fit your denture.
Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care possible.