I have full upper snap-on dentures. Mine have four posts. I am in need of new male locator caps. My dentist charges me $25.00 per cap. That’s one piece not one set. That is a lot of money and I just don’t have enough to keep doing that. My business shut down during COVID. I’ve been trying to find a new job and finally got one, but it is a significant cut in income for me. I see you can get them online at the price of $20 per set of four. However, you have to be a dentist to purchase them. Do you know any other place you can get them without being a licensed dentist? This isn’t the only place I have to cut back.
Perry
Dear Perry,
While dental offices do have overhead they have to cover and that is likely the reason for the additional cost, that is not enough of a profit for them to be hardnosed about. I would start by simply explaining your situation to your dentist and see if he will sell them to you at his cost. If he won’t, you still have options. Though, I will say in that case that you should also look for a new dentist; one who is more willing to work with you financially during this stressful time for you and your family.
The next thing you can try is just to call around to different dental offices. Most dental staff are really friendly and love to help people. You wouldn’t even have to talk to the dentist himself (or herself). A dental assistant will be fine. It is usually the staff who is doing the ordering for the dental practice anyway. Explain your situation and I feel fairly certain someone will be willing to help you out.
All that being said, there is a way for you to get this without going through a dentist. Instead of a dental supply company, look on eBay. There are overseas sellers on there that do not require any documentation that you are in the dental field. The downsides to this are they may not be the same quality as you get within the United States and you will need to know exactly what strength you need and how to place them. I see locator caps available for around $20 a set, just as you are seeing in the dental supply houses.
I’m glad you got the dental implants before things with COVID destroyed so many businesses, including yours. You will have a much higher quality of life with them. My hope for you is that not only will you find the materials you need at a price you can afford but that one day you will be able to re-open your business and get back where you once were. I’m sorry this happened to you.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.