Does the CDCP Cover Dentures? (2026)

Complete dentures: what the CDCP covers

Standard complete dentures are among the most straightforward CDCP benefits. You do not need pre-authorization, and the plan covers one denture per arch every 96 months (8 years). If your dentist bills above the CDCP Dental Benefit Grid rate — which is common — you will owe a balance even at the 100% income tier.

Here is how the main complete-denture types break down:

• Standard complete dentures — covered without pre-authorization, once per arch per 96 months. This is the most common scenario.
• Immediate complete dentures (placed the same day as the extraction) — covered without pre-authorization, once per arch per lifetime.
• Overdentures (a complete denture that rests over retained roots or implants) — require pre-authorization before treatment begins.
• Long-term soft-liner complete dentures — require pre-authorization.

An important administrative detail: the CDCP reimburses through Sun Life on the CDCP Dental Benefit Grids, not on the provincial suggested-fee guide. Your dentist may bill above that grid, creating a balance you pay directly — this applies even when your household income is under $70,000 (the 100% tier).

Partial dentures: pre-authorization required

Partial dentures are covered, but the rules are stricter. Pre-authorization is required for the initial placement of any partial denture — submit the treatment plan to Sun Life and wait for approval before the denture is made.

Coverage by type:

• Acrylic partial dentures — pre-authorization required for initial placement; one per arch per 60 months (5 years).
• Cast partial dentures — pre-authorization required for initial placement; one per arch per 96 months (8 years).
• Precision-attachment partial dentures — excluded at all income tiers.
• Implant-supported partial dentures — excluded at all income tiers.

If you miss the pre-authorization step for a cast partial or acrylic partial, the CDCP will not reimburse the claim retroactively. Always confirm with your dentist that the prior-authorization request has been submitted and approved before the lab work begins.

Dentures on implants: not covered

Any denture that relies on implants for retention or support is an absolute exclusion under the CDCP. This covers:

• Implant-supported complete dentures (also called implant overdentures)
• Implant-retained partial dentures
• All-on-4 and All-on-6 style fixed-implant prostheses

The exclusion is total — no income tier qualifies, and pre-authorization cannot unlock coverage. Implants themselves are also excluded; see Does the CDCP cover implants? for a full breakdown of implant costs by province.

If implant-supported dentures are your clinical goal, the entire cost — implants, abutments and the prosthesis — is out of pocket.

What does a denture cost in Canada out of pocket? (2026)

The calculator below estimates your out-of-pocket cost based on province and income tier. If your dentist bills above the CDCP grid, your real cost will be higher than the estimate.

Provincial ranges from the 2025–2026 suggested-fee guides and clinic data:

British Columbia figures are modelled estimates because the BCDA guide is members-only; they are flagged is_estimate in our open dataset. Download the full provincial table: canada-dental-cost-index-by-province-2026.csv (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20744781).

Income tiers and your denture co-pay

The CDCP uses net family income to set your coinsurance rate:

• Under $70,000 — CDCP pays 100% of its established fee; you pay any balance above the grid.
• $70,000 – $79,999 — CDCP pays 60% of its established fee; you pay the remaining 40% plus any balance above the grid.
• $80,000 – $89,999 — CDCP pays 40% of its established fee; you pay 60% plus any balance.
• $90,000 and above — not eligible.

Balance billing is the most common source of surprise costs. The CDCP grid for a complete denture is often $200–$400 below what dentists in urban Ontario or British Columbia actually charge. Ask your provider for a written estimate and the CDCP fee before committing to treatment.

Frequently asked questions

This page provides pricing and coverage research only — it is not medical or dental advice. Consult a licensed dental professional for treatment decisions.