False teeth cost between $300 and $15,000 per arch, depending on the type, materials, and where you have them made

The price you pay depends on whether you need a complete denture (all teeth on one jaw), a partial denture (replacing some teeth), and whether the denture is conventional (made after extraction) or when ready (fitted the day teeth are removed). A basic complete denture from a dental school or community clinic may cost $300 to $500 per arch. A conventional denture from a private dentist typically runs $1,000 to $3,000 per arch. Implant-supported dentures — teeth anchored to titanium posts in the jaw — cost $15,000 to $30,000 or more because they involve surgery and multiple appointments.

The final bill also depends on whether you need extractions, bone grafting, or adjustments after the denture is fitted. Many people underestimate these hidden costs. A tooth extraction can add $75 to $300 per tooth. If your jawbone has shrunk significantly, bone grafting may be necessary before implants, adding $1,000 to $3,000. Adjustments and relines in the first year are often charged separately at $100 to $300 each.

Key Takeaways

  • Complete conventional dentures from a private dentist typically cost $1,000 to $3,000 per arch, while basic dentures from dental schools or community clinics may cost $300 to $500.
  • Implant-supported dentures cost significantly more — $15,000 to $30,000 or more — because they require surgery and multiple visits over several months.
  • Tooth extractions, bone grafting, and post-fitting adjustments are often charged separately and can add hundreds to thousands of dollars to the total cost.
  • Partial dentures cost less than complete dentures but the price varies widely based on how many teeth need to be replaced and what materials are used.
  • Dental insurance typically covers 50 percent of denture costs, though coverage limits and waiting periods vary by plan.

What Type of Denture You Choose Affects Price Most

A complete conventional denture replaces all teeth on one jaw and is made after your natural teeth are removed and the gums have healed — usually four to eight weeks after extraction. This is the most common type and costs $1,000 to $3,000 per arch at a private dental office. The lower price reflects the fact that the dentist waits for your mouth to settle into its final shape before fitting the denture, which means fewer adjustments later.

An when ready denture is fitted on the same day your teeth are extracted. It costs more — typically $1,500 to $4,000 per arch — because the dentist must predict how your mouth will change and make the denture before you lose your teeth. You will need multiple adjustments as your gums shrink and reshape, and those adjustments are usually charged separately.

A partial denture replaces some teeth and clasps onto your remaining natural teeth. The cost depends on how many teeth are missing and what the denture is made from. A straightforward acrylic partial may cost $400 to $1,000. A cast metal partial, which is more durable and looks more natural, costs $1,500 to $3,000. The more teeth it replaces, the higher the price.

Materials and Construction Method Change the Cost

Most dentures are made from acrylic resin, which is affordable and straightforward to adjust. An acrylic complete denture costs $1,000 to $2,500 per arch. Some dentists offer premium acrylic with better stain resistance or a more lifelike appearance, which may add $200 to $500 to the price.

A cast metal denture base — where the roof of the mouth or the base is made from metal instead of acrylic — costs $2,000 to $4,000 per arch. Metal is thinner, stronger, and conducts heat better, which many people find more comfortable. It also looks more natural because less material is visible.

Some dentures are made in a dental laboratory in the United States; others are sent overseas to reduce labor costs. A denture made abroad may cost 30 to 50 percent less, but you have fewer opportunities to see the dentist during the fitting process and adjustments may take longer.

Where You Have Dentures Made Affects What You Pay

A private dental office is the most common choice and typically charges $1,000 to $3,000 per arch for a conventional complete denture. The dentist oversees the entire process, fits the denture themselves, and is available for adjustments. This higher cost reflects the convenience and direct access to the dentist.

A dental school offers dentures at a fraction of the private cost — often $300 to $800 per arch — because the work is done by students under faculty supervision. The process takes longer (sometimes several months) and you may have multiple students working on your denture, but the quality is generally good and the savings are substantial. Contact dental schools in your area to ask whether they accept patients and what their current wait list is.

A community health center or federally may have access to health center (FQHC) may offer dentures on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Costs range from $200 to $1,500 per arch depending on your income level and the center's funding. Call your local health department or search online for "community dental clinic near me" to find centers in your area.

Some discount dental plans (not insurance) offer dentures at reduced rates through participating dentists. These plans typically cost $80 to $200 per year and may reduce denture costs by 10 to 60 percent. However, you must use a dentist in the plan's network, and the discount varies widely by location and provider.

Extractions and Other Procedures Add to the Bill

If you still have natural teeth, they must be extracted before a complete denture is made. A straightforward extraction costs $75 to $300 per tooth depending on how firmly the tooth is rooted and whether it is visible or buried under gum. A surgical extraction — needed for impacted or broken teeth — costs $150 to $500 per tooth. If you have 10 to 32 teeth to remove, extraction costs alone can reach $750 to $9,600.

Some dentists bundle extractions into the denture price; others charge separately. Ask your dentist for a written estimate that lists extractions as a separate line item so you know what to expect.

If your jawbone has shrunk significantly — common in people who have worn dentures for many years or had teeth missing for a long time — a bone graft may be recommended before implant-supported dentures are placed. Bone grafting costs $1,000 to $3,000 and adds two to six months to the timeline because the graft must fuse to your jaw before implants can be placed.

Insurance and Payment Plans

Most dental insurance plans cover 50 percent of denture costs after you meet your deductible, though some cover only 30 to 40 percent. Many plans have an annual maximum benefit of $1,000 to $2,000, which may not cover the full cost of dentures. Check your plan documents or call your insurance company to find out what percentage is covered and whether there is a waiting period before denture coverage begins.

Medicare does not cover dentures. Medicaid covers dentures in some states but not others, and coverage amounts vary. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn what is covered in your area.

Many dental offices offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over 6 to 24 months with little or no interest. Some use third-party financing companies like CareCredit, which charges interest if the balance is not paid in full within a promotional period (usually 6 to 24 months). Ask your dentist what payment options are available before you commit.

What Happens After You Get Dentures

Budget for adjustments and relines after your denture is fitted. In the first six months, your gums shrink and reshape significantly, and your denture will need adjustments to stay comfortable and fit properly. Each adjustment typically costs $50 to $150. A reline — where the dentist adds material to the underside of the denture to restore the fit — costs $100 to $300 for a temporary reline and $300 to $600 for a permanent reline.

After the first year, most people need a reline every one to two years as the jawbone continues to shrink. Plan to spend $200 to $400 per year on maintenance and adjustments. Dentures also wear out over time and may need to be remade entirely after five to eight years of use, which costs the same as a new denture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for dentures all at once?

No. Most dental offices offer payment plans that spread the cost over 6 to 24 months. Some plans charge no interest; others use third-party financing that charges interest if you do not pay in full within a promotional period. Ask your dentist what options are available before you start treatment.

Will my insurance cover the full cost?

Unlikely. Most dental insurance covers 50 percent of denture costs, and many plans have an annual maximum of $1,000 to $2,000. Medicare does not cover dentures. Medicaid covers them in some states but not others. Call your insurance company or state Medicaid office to find out what your plan covers.

Why do dentures cost so much more at a private dentist than at a dental school?

Private dentists charge for their time, informed, and the convenience of shorter appointments and faster turnaround. Dental schools charge less because students do the work under supervision, appointments take longer, and the process may stretch over several months. The quality is generally comparable, but the experience is different.

Can I get cheaper dentures online?

Some online retailers sell dentures for $200 to $600, but these are made without a dentist's involvement and may not fit properly. A poorly fitting denture causes sore spots, difficulty eating, and speech problems. A dentist must measure your mouth and adjust the denture after it is made. Online dentures may seem cheaper upfront but often cost more in the long run because of adjustments and remakes.

What if I cannot afford dentures right now?

Contact a community health center or federally may have access to health center in your area — many offer dentures on a sliding fee scale based on income. Dental schools also accept patients and charge significantly less. Call your local health department or search online for "community dental clinic" or "dental school near me" to find low-cost options in your area.