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. – Benji

Benji,

Thank you for your inquiry.

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 that have 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 to 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.
• Alternatives to online dental suppliers – Search online for the male retention caps. A website like eBay offers dental implant locator caps without requiring documentation that you are a dental professional. But you must know what size retention caps you need and how to put them on your overdenture. Retention caps are available in different retention strengths—soft and firm.
• Talk to your dentist – If you have not talked with your dentist about your budget and your online research for the cost of male retention caps, you might consider it. Your dentist might be willing to reduce the price or give you details about which retention caps you will need to fit your denture.

We wish you a swift resolution.

Gilberto Tostado, DDS, of San Antonio, TX, sponsors this post. Dr. Tostado has post-graduate training in prosthodontics and dental aesthetics.