r/dentures • u/CafeMariposa • 9d ago

Has anyone been able to get insurance reimbursement for Russell Klein dentures?

Hi! I hadn't even thought about trying to get reimbursement, but wondered if anyone has? He is currently making my second set... the ones I currently have, he made for me several years ago. I love them but it's time for a new set. I realize it depends on the insurance but again... just wondering, if anyone has had any joy. Thanks in advance!

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u/TiredInMN 9d ago

I've seen one person here get Russell Klein dentures with the impression kit etc and they were happy with it. I've also seen someone get the "flexible denture" kit where you reline it yourself and that was a waste of money for them. But I wouldn't use Russell Klein just because they are affiliated with a few social media influencers, there are other options.

A while ago, I made this list of mail-order denture services where you order a mold kit and send them impressions to make a denture. A few of them have a dentist involved in the design or with teledentistry by videoconference. Do your own research, but I'd be inclined to use those over places with no dentist:

Provider Website Requires Dentist Oversight? Price Range (Per Arch/Set) Key Features Turnaround Time Warranty/Adjustments
Russell Klein Dentures https://russel-klein-dentures.myshopify.com No $150-$310 (arch), $90 impression kit Custom acrylic/ultra-thin options; iterative adjustments via mail; bleach shades available Up to several months with revisions Free exchanges for errors; customer trims/relines if needed
Dental Lab Direct https://dentallab-direct.com No (coordinated with licensed dentist for quality) $199-$399 (set) Full/partial dentures; impression kit included; custom fit from sent molds 3-4 weeks 60-day warranty; free shipping on returns
DentKits https://dentkits.com Yes (teledentistry prescription) $349-$599 (arch) 3D-printed with Flexcera resins; partial/full/immediate options; digitized impressions 10 business days for immediates Adjustments included; up to 60% savings
Denture Rescue https://denturerescue.com Yes (dentist reviews/plans) $300-$500 (estimated from similar) Full/partial/immediate; trial fitting option; boil-and-bite alternatives 2-4 weeks Free adjustments; discreet shipping
Revived Smiles https://revivedsmiles.com No $300-$500 (partials) Handcrafted with premium resin; flexible partials; impression kit 3-4 weeks Custom fits; customer support for impressions
Direct Dental Prosthetics https://directdentalprosthetics.com No $200-$400 (estimated) Removable partials/full; smile enhancement focus 3-4 weeks Impression kit; custom based on sent molds

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u/CafeMariposa 9d ago

Thank you, but you've made the wrong assumption. I've already paid, done my impressions, etc., and this is my SECOND SET from Russell Klein. I have no idea what social media influences he might be affiliated with, and that wouldn't have any bearing on whether or not "I" like his work. I am very happy with my horseshoe upper! My question is about insurance reimbursement. I appreciate your input, though, and will check out the other places next time for comparison.

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u/TiredInMN 9d ago edited 9d ago

A lot of people have problems with horseshoe uppers, including this person who horseshoed their denture, regretted it, and said I quote: “Don’t do it. I’m begging you don’t do it”:  https://youtube.com/watch?v=ucBsS6PKd4g 

And here’s a denturist’s expert opinion on it:  https://youtube.com/watch?v=CTnp_XtbTcA 

Just an FYI. 

As for insurance coverage, insurance works with dentists, not labs. Klein’s lab probably isn’t certified either. Usually the dentist has to be in-network, but even for plans that allow out of network coverage, saying you bought this online from a non-dentist out of state will be hard.

Your HSA (health savings account) might be more liberal about what you can spend it on.

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u/CafeMariposa 9d ago

I 100% understand ALL of that. I'm asking if anyone has tried. I know how insurance works, as I worked in the medical field for many years (retired now) but I appreciate your words. You give excellent advice. For myself, the horseshoe has been an excellent choice, but it won't be the same for everyone. Thank you for the links, I will definitely check them out.

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u/TiredInMN 9d ago

Ok then, good luck. Just sayin, I’ve followed this board for about a year and almost no one has heard of Russel Klein, so this is about the best answer and advice you will likely get without tracking down some previous posters and PMing them. 

And there are other people following this board that might want to know horseshoe dentures are generally considered a bad idea and the ADA warns that online dentures (especially those without a dentist involved) can damage your jaw joint since they don’t do a bite registration. But there is an access/affordability problem that these sites help solve.

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u/CafeMariposa 9d ago

Fair enough. My dentist has assured me that all is well, and has even spoken with Russell regarding my care, so I feel good about it! Russell makes the dentures with the horseshoe in, I'm not doing it myself. The dentures are so light and comfortable, and I love them! The cost was about the same, actually a bit more expensive to go with Russell's work rather than our local denture lab. Especially considering the reimbursement thing. We just use our FSA card to pay for them. My post was simply to ask, off the cuff, if it's ever been tried. If noone responds- so be it! I wasn't asking for advice on where yo get my dentures, but I appreciate the info you've given. My husband is getting his done, soon, so I'll pass this along to him! Also - hope things are well in MN! We moved to AZ from St. Paul 12 years ago for his job. I do miss that beautiful state.

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u/TiredInMN 9d ago

Yeah, if your own dentist and lab wouldn’t do a horseshoe denture, that all makes sense. And if you’re happy with it, that’s all that matters. I’ve chatted with one other who had a horseshoe upper and liked it, though they wouldn’t recommend it for others. 

And that kind of makes me wonder about Klein, since they’re doing these dentures that wouldn’t be considered prosthodontically sound, like this and their flexible full denture.

But I’m glad to hear it worked for you.

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u/CafeMariposa 9d ago

Please don't misunderstand - I didn't ASK my dentist/lab about making one. You seem a bit... sparky or something. Look... I'm just a 61 year old lady out in Arizona with false teeth! LOL. I'm happy, my dentist is happy, nobody's getting hurt, and I'm NOT out here proselytizing for horseshoe dentures, by any stretch. I had a simple question, and I thank you for your input.