Private Insurance vs CDCP: A Full Guide to Denture Coverage

For Canadians exploring denture options, understanding coverage can be the most overwhelming part. Whether you're newly in need of false teeth or looking to replace existing ones, one question always comes up: does dental insurance cover dentures?

The answer? Sometimes. But the details matter.

This guide from Saberton breaks down what private insurance and Canada’s new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) offer and how to decide what coverage makes sense for your situation.

Why Denture Coverage Matters

Dentures restore more than just a smile! They're essential for everyday comfort, function, and health. Even just a couple of missing teeth can affect your ability to chew properly, speak clearly, and even digest food efficiently. Over time, untreated tooth loss can also lead to jawbone shrinkage, facial collapse, and nutritional deficiencies.

For many, the price tag becomes a barrier to care. That’s where coverage, whether private or through the CDCP, can make a real difference. It turns a critical medical need into something affordable and accessible.

No Insurance? The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Could Help

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was designed for Canadians without private coverage. If your household income is below $90,000 and you don’t have dental insurance, you could qualify.

What’s Covered:

• Complete dentures
• Partial dentures
• Repairs, relines, and follow-up care
• Diagnostic exams and basic assessments

How Much Will it Cover:

That depends on your income:

• Under $70,000? CDCP may cover everything (up to100%).
• $70K to $79,999? You’ll likely pay about 40% out of pocket.
• $80K to $89,999? Expect to cover 60% of the cost yourself.

You’ll need to apply through the federal government, and once approved, you can get care through approved providers like Saberton, many of whom can bill directly. 

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The Saberton Difference: We’ve worked hard to have our Saberton fees as closely as possible to the CDCP fee guide to minimize any co-pay. And, almost all of our fees match the CDCP fee guide exactly, meaning $0 extra charged.

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‍What Private Insurance Actually Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

If you’ve got dental benefits through work or a personal plan, dentures are usually listed under “major services.” But here’s the catch: major services often come with more strings attached.

Let’s break it down:

• Coverage: Most plans will cover about half the cost. Some might stretch to 80%, but that’s not the norm.
• Annual caps: You’re probably looking at a limit of $1,000 to $2,500 a year. 
• Waiting periods: New plan? You might have to wait 6 to 12 months before denture coverage even kicks in.

Some plans only pay for the basics, like cleanings and fillings, so it’s worth checking the fine print.

What’s Usually Included:

• Full or partial dentures
• Adjustments, repairs, relines, and rebasing
• Initial exams and fittings

Limitations:

• Some plans exclude dentures altogether
• You may need approval before starting treatment
• If your provider charges more than the insurer allows, you’ll be left covering the difference (that’s called balance billing)

Curious about how Saberton helps? Head over to Saberton’s denture pricing and services page for more information.

Private Insurance vs. CDCP: Side-by-Side

Picking the Coverage That Actually Works for You

Not all denture coverage is built the same, and what’s “best” really depends on your situation. Here's how to think it through:

Got a private dental plan?‍

Start there. Pull up your benefits booklet or call your insurer. Some plans cover dentures (partially, at least), and you might already be set without knowing it.

No insurance, and household income under $90,000?‍

The CDCP could be your best bet. Canadians earning less than $70K? You might pay nothing at all!

In a hurry to get dentures?‍

Timing matters. Private plans often move faster. CDCP takes a bit of paperwork and a wait for approval, and not every provider is set up for it.

Still unsure? That’s normal. Saberton helps patients figure this out every day.

The easiest way to find the answers you need on your denture journey is to book a free consultation at one of our clinics across Ontario.

How to Apply or Use Your Coverage

If You May Qualify for CDCP:

• Apply directly through the Government of Canada website
• Wait for your approval letter
• Bring your eligibility info to your appointment at Saberton
• We’ll handle the direct billing whenever possible

If You Have Private Insurance:

• Contact your insurer for benefit details
• Ask if dentures are considered a major service
• Get a pre-treatment estimate (Saberton can assist)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will dental insurance actually help with dentures?‍

In a lot of cases, yes. Most private plans cover around 50% of the cost, but the fine print matters. Always check your policy or ask your provider to walk you through what’s included.

What about replacing missing teeth - does that count?‍

Yes. Whether it’s full dentures, partials, or other replacements, both private insurance and the CDCP may help foot the bill. It just depends on your situation.

So how much will insurance actually pay?‍

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Private plans typically cover half the cost, give or take. CDCP coverage ranges from 40% to 100% depending on your income.

Can OHIP cover dentures at all?‍

No. OHIP doesn’t include dentures unless it’s tied to a hospital stay. Even then, it’s rare.

What You Need to Know

Sorting out denture coverage can be confusing, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Saberton’s team will go over eligibility requirements, explain how CDCP works (if it applies to you), and help with the paperwork if needed. We'll also walk through next steps so you’re clear on what happens and when.

Book a free consultation, and let’s make the process feel a whole lot simpler!

Ready to Take the First Step?

Getting dentures is more than just a timeline. It’s about getting your smile back!

While the full process can take several weeks to a few months, each stage is designed to give you the best fit, comfort, and confidence possible.

To take the first step, call your local Saberton clinic to schedule your free consultation.

We’re here to help every step of the way!

Still Have Questions?

At Saberton, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all dentures. Our licensed denturists are available at multiple convenient clinic locations in Ontario to walk you through your options, explain the pros and cons, and help you find a solution that meets your unique needs.

Book Your Free Consultation

Book your free consultation today and let’s find a denture solution that works for you!