The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) aims to help eligible Canadians with paying a portion of their oral care services. This will particularly be helpful for treatments that require patients to receive new teeth replacements, including dentures. However, some denture treatments will require pre-authorization from the CDCP. Here’s some important things that you need to know about denture coverage through this new program.
All Phases of the CDCP are Now Open! Here’s What is Covered.
The CDCP rolled out in phases in which eligible groups of Canadians could apply. That commenced this year and now, all eligible Canadians can now receive help paying for their oral care services. The CDCP also included a list of services that would be covered, including:
- Dental exams, including emergency exams
- X-rays
- Cleaning, deep cleaning, scaling, polishing and fluoride treatment
- Permanent and temporary fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Pain and infection control
- Dental crown repair
- Tooth extraction
- Broken jaw treatment
- Tumor or cyst removal
- Minimal sedation
- Complete and temporary dentures
Some services, however, will require pre-authorization. This means that the CDCP will assess your situation and consider things like your health history and medical conditions which will not be available in November 2024. Some of these services include:
- Re-treatment of previously completed root canal treatment
- Dental crowns
- Moderate to deep sedation
- Partial dentures
Do You Have Missing Teeth?
A large benefit to the CDCP is the fact that it will help patients receive the care they truly need, especially those who may be struggling with their oral health and well-being due to missing teeth. Having missing teeth can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. Whether the teeth were lost due to decay, injury, or other dental issues, the gaps in the smile can make simple tasks like eating and speaking more difficult.
Fortunately, dentures can provide a solution for those with missing teeth. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that are custom-made to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of the mouth. They can be either full dentures, which replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or partial dentures, which replace only a few missing teeth and are attached to the existing natural teeth. And now, beginning in November 2024, patients can receive pre-authorization for partial dentures to improve the function of their smiles. Full and partial dentures can greatly improve the ability to chew food properly and speak clearly. They also help to support the facial muscles, preventing the sunken appearance that can occur with missing teeth.
What is a Partial Denture?
There are various types of partial dentures to discuss with your dentist, but their function and end goal is the same. They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth and are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth and match the natural shape and colour of your teeth. Partial dentures consist of a framework, which is typically made of metal or acrylic, that supports the artificial teeth. The framework is designed to fit snugly against your natural teeth and gums, helping to hold the partial denture in place. The denture itself is held in place using clasps or attachments that secure it to your neighbouring teeth.
One of the main benefits of partial dentures is that they are removable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. They can be taken out at night or for cleaning, making them a convenient option for many patients.
What are Full Dentures?
Full dentures are used to replace a full set of missing teeth. They work by securely resting on the gums through suction and are also removable, making them easy to clean and maintain. Full dentures provide several benefits including improved aesthetics, speech and chewing function. They can also prevent facial muscles, lips and cheeks from sagging.
There are Frequency Limits Within the CDCP
It’s important to note that the CDCP will not cover the cost of patients’ existing dentures obtained when they did not have access to the CDCP. There are also frequency limits as follows:
- Complete standard dentures: 1 in 8 years
- Complete provisional/transitional: 1 per lifetime
- Complete immediate: 1 in 8 years (pre-authorization required)
- Complete overdentures: 1 in 8 years (pre-authorization required)
The CDCP may consider more frequent replacement of dentures in specific circumstances through pre-authorization.
Complete or Partial Dentures Can be a Great Way to Improve Your Smile’s Function
If you’re struggling with your oral health due to missing teeth, dentures can be a great way to regain control of your oral health. The best dentures will vary per patient, so come in to see Dr. Cohen at Village Market Dental for a consultation and to plan next steps. If you are considering partial dentures, remember that this particular treatment will require pre-authorization from the CDCP themselves – they’ll take into account your particular health needs to determine if you’re eligible for coverage.
Dr. Shane Cohen, a General Dentist, has over two decades of deep-rooted experience in dental care, holding a BA in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario and a DMD from Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine. As the sole dentist at VM Dental, Dr. Cohen cultivates a practice environment reminiscent of a close-knit family, where each patient receives personalized and compassionate care. His professional memberships include the Royal College of Dental Surgeons, the Ontario Dental Association, and the Toronto Central Dental Society, emphasizing his commitment to continual education and staying current with dental advancements. Beyond dentistry, Dr. Cohen is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys pickleball, golf, cooking, and gardening—activities that enhance his dedication to a well-rounded lifestyle. Inspired by family and a lifelong aspiration to impact healthcare positively, he advises new dental professionals to prioritize patient needs and foster a supportive team atmosphere.
