How Much Does It Cost to Get Dentures?

Dentures offer one of the most affordable ways to replace all of your missing teeth. But how much do dentures cost? If you’re thinking about asking your dentist to pull all of your teeth and replace them with dentures, there are some dentures costs beyond just finances that you’ll want to consider. The cost of dentures depends on a number of factors.

What Are Dentures? 

Are You A Good Candidate For Dentures?

That being said, dentures have their time and place. The ideal candidate for dentures might be someone who fits one of the following scenarios:

• someone who already wears dentures
• aggressive gum disease, causing loss of all or most teeth
• rampant tooth decay because of illness, drug use, or cancer therapy
• severe orofacial trauma or abuse, requiring full mouth reconstruction

6 Main Types Of Dentures 

One of the key factors that impacts the cost of dentures is the type of denture that you’re getting. They’re not all created the same way, nor do they serve the same purpose. Here are the major types of dentures you’ll want to be familiar with before meeting with your dentist:

1) Full Dentures 

Full dentures—sometimes called “plates”—are a removable prosthesis that rests directly on top of your gums to replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. They’re removable and held into place either by suction or your lip/cheek/tongue muscles. As long as your denture fits properly, you shouldn’t need adhesive or paste.  

2) Partial Dentures (Removable) 

A partial denture only replaces the teeth that are missing. It snaps into place around any natural teeth you’re still able to retain. It’s called a partial because it only restores part of your arch of teeth. Partial dentures usually have a chrome/metal base. Smaller versions can also be crafted out of a more flexible acrylic material (i.e., “Valplast” partials.)

3) Partial Dentures (Fixed)

There really isn’t such a thing as a fixed partial denture, per se. Instead, it’s more of a multi-tooth dental bridge that’s anchored onto supporting dental implants or natural teeth. Basically, it replaces several teeth but isn’t removable.  

4) Implant Retained Dentures (Snap-In Dentures)

Also called implant stabilized dentures, these removable prosthetics are made to clip or snap onto supporting dental implants. As such, they provide improved stability when you’re eating or talking. Sometimes dental patients can have their current dentures retrofitted to snap onto dental implants at a later point in time. You might only need two implants or a few mini implants, making the transition easier than you thought.

5) Implant Supported Dentures/All-On-4/Hybrid Dentures

Permanent implant dentures are a hybrid type of device that is permanently anchored onto as few as four implants. It is non-removable and tends to have some of the higher dentures cost/fees of all denture designs. That being said, they’re also cost-effective because you don’t need a one-to-one ratio of implants for each tooth that’s being replaced.

6) Immediate Dentures

“Teeth in a day” or “same day dentures” tend to be immediate prosthetics that are placed after teeth are extracted. However, they often have to be adjusted, relined, or replaced after your mouth has fully healed. Most immediate dentures are a type of healing or interim appliance that you’ll have to change out with a permanent version a few months later.

Factors That Affect Cost Of Dentures 

“How much do dentures cost?” Well, the cost of dentures depends on more than you might think. Here are some of the variables to consider:

Type Of Prosthesis

Dentures cost will vary depending on the type of denture you’re getting, the materials or lab that’s used, where you live, and if you’re getting dental implants or bone grafting alongside your prosthesis. Along those lines, there are “tiers” of denture designs ranging from budget to premium, all of which impact the cost of dentures.

Possible Tooth Extractions Required

It’s one thing if you’re replacing teeth that are already missing. But if you need to extract existing teeth, it will be a separate procedure that also comes at an added financial cost. Plus there are other fees to consider, such as sedation or bone augmentation (grafting).

Dental Insurance (Or No Insurance)

If you have dental insurance, there’s a good chance that it will at least cover part of your dentures. But waiting periods, missing tooth clauses, deductibles, and other factors will need to be examined. Your dentist’s office will help you with an itemized breakdown for your given situation and coverage.

The best way to save on dentures is by being prepared. Dental saving plans can help reduce costs by up to 60% off dentures.

Where You Live

Cost of living directly impacts the price of all dental procedures, including the fee your dentist charges for dentures. Things like overhead expenses, labs, staff salaries, etc. all have to be considered.

If You’re Also Getting Dental Implants

How Much Do Dentures Cost 

Thankfully dentures cost is usually accessible for most people, even without insurance coverage.

How Much Do Dentures Cost Without Insurance?

Maybe one of the reasons you’re getting dentures in the first place is because you didn’t have dental insurance to cover preventative care. That’s ok. How much do dentures cost if you don’t have insurance? As little as $300 for budget designs.

Mid-range dentures tend to cost anywhere from $1,000-3,000.

For cosmetic/premier designs, the cost could fluctuate between $2,000-4,000 per denture. Obviously, you would need to double those numbers if you’re talking about a full upper and lower set to restore your entire smile (so anywhere from $600-8,000).

How Much Do Dentures Cost With Insurance?

If you do have dental insurance, it will probably help to significantly lower your out-of-pocket investment on the total dentures cost. Every plan and benefits package are different. The best way to maximize the coverage you’re entitled to is to have your dentist verify your coverage ahead of time and give you a quote before the appointment is scheduled. In-network dentists aren’t always that much “cheaper”, so it doesn’t hurt to get a few different quotes before you decide to move forward.

The typical dental insurance plan will usually cover about 50% on certain types of major treatments, of which dentures are typically included. Just keep in mind that a lot of dental insurance policies cap out at around $1,500 per year after deductibles. So, for example, if 50% of the denture price is more than that (maybe you picked out a high-tier $6,000 denture) you’ll be responsible for the difference.

What Is The Cheapest Way To Get Dentures? 

Hands down, the cheapest way to get dentures and reduce your out-of-pocket costs is to go to a dental school to have the work completed. Dental schools offer high-quality services and keep routine services priced as low as possible. The only trade-off is that you’ll be spending a little more personal time to complete the process.  

Dental Savings Plans

Dental discount plans are great for saving up to 60% on the cost of dentures. Dental plans are nationwide with over 100,000 dentists in the program, see if you can save with a dentist near you.

A dental discount plan combined with a dental credit card can help pay for the high ticket price of dentures. 

Alternative To Dentures 

The gold standard for tooth replacement is the modern dental implant. Now, although implant fees are much higher than how much dentures cost, they actually offer the best return on investment. You see, dental implants are meant to last a lifetime. When you compare updating a denture every several years, you could potentially save money by making the initial investment in dental implants.  

What To Expect From Dentures 

Generally speaking, dentures are going to be your fastest and initially cheapest way to replace all of your teeth at one time. But…and this is a big but…full removable dentures can take quite a bit of time to adjust to. Everything from eating to speaking is going to take a little extra effort before you feel comfortable, and confident about, doing it around others.

How To Clean Your Dentures 

Soak your denture in an effervescent cleansing solution at night. The next morning use a soft toothbrush or denture brush to clean it thoroughly. Be sure to clean your mouth, too. Never use hot water or abrasives to clean your denture, as it could cause permanent damage.

Be sure to bring your denture with you to your routine six-month checkups to have it professionally cleaned and your mouth evaluated.

How Much Do Dentures Cost?

You can get into cheap dentures for as little as a few hundred dollars. But dentures cost is also reflective of the type of denture you get and how well it’s made. They can range anywhere from $300 to $8,000, easily. To truly know how much do dentures cost in your area, you’ll need to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a dentist or prosthodontist (denture expert.)