Denture costs range from about $300 to $15,000 per arch, depending on the type, materials, and whether you're replacing one or both rows of teeth

The price you pay depends on three main things: whether you choose conventional dentures (made after your teeth are removed and gums have healed), when ready dentures (fitted the day your teeth come out), or implant-supported dentures (anchored to dental implants in your jaw). A basic conventional denture for one arch typically costs $300 to $500 at a dental school or community health center, $800 to $1,500 at a general dentist's office, and $1,500 to $3,000 at a prosthodontist's office — a specialist in dentures and complex tooth replacement.

when ready dentures cost more upfront because they require two sets of teeth: a temporary pair worn while your mouth heals, and a permanent pair made later. Expect to pay roughly 20 to 40 percent more than conventional dentures. Implant-supported dentures are the most expensive option, ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 or more for a full mouth, because the cost includes both the implants themselves (which can run $1,500 to $6,000 each) and the denture attached to them.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic conventional dentures for one arch cost between $300 and $3,000 depending on where you have them made, with dental schools and community clinics at the lower end.
  • when ready dentures cost 20 to 40 percent more than conventional dentures because you receive a temporary set while your mouth heals and a permanent set later.
  • Implant-supported dentures run $20,000 to $40,000 or more because they include the cost of surgical implants plus the denture itself.
  • Most dental insurance covers 50 percent of denture costs, though some plans cover less or have annual limits; Medicare does not cover dentures at all.
  • Adjustments, repairs, and relines after the first year are usually not included in the initial price and cost $100 to $500 each.

What's included in the base price

When a dentist or prosthodontist quotes you a denture price, that figure typically covers the examination, impressions of your mouth, the lab work to create the denture, and one or two fitting appointments. For conventional dentures, it includes the time between extraction and the final fitting — usually four to eight weeks — during which your gums shrink and change shape.

What's usually not included: adjustments after the first few weeks, repairs if the denture breaks, relines (thickening the underside to fit your changing gums), and replacement teeth if one cracks. Ask your dentist or prosthodontist to list what's covered in their quote and what costs extra. Some offices bundle the first adjustment or reline into the price; others charge separately.

Where you have them made affects the price

Dental schools offer the lowest prices — often $200 to $400 per arch — because students do the work under faculty supervision. The trade-off is time: appointments take longer and you may need more visits. Community health centers and federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) typically charge $300 to $800 based on your income, with some offering sliding-scale fees. General dentists usually charge $800 to $1,500 per arch. Prosthodontists, who specialize in dentures and have additional training, typically charge $1,500 to $3,000 per arch because of their informed and the time they spend on complex cases.

Location matters too. Dentures cost more in urban areas and less in rural areas. A denture that costs $1,200 in a major city might cost $700 in a smaller town. If you live near a dental school or community clinic, that option can cut your cost significantly without sacrificing quality.

Insurance coverage and what it actually pays

Dental insurance plans that cover dentures typically pay 50 percent of the cost after you meet your deductible. Some plans cover only 30 or 40 percent, and many have an annual maximum — often $1,000 to $2,000 — which means insurance stops paying once you hit that limit. A few plans don't cover dentures at all, so check your policy before you schedule.

Medicare does not cover dentures, partial dentures, or the tooth extractions needed before dentures are fitted. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include dental coverage, but you need to check your specific plan. Medicaid covers dentures in most states, though the amount varies by state and the program may require prior approval. Veterans may be covered through the VA dental program if they meet service-connected disability requirements.

Costs that come after the first denture

Your mouth continues to change after you receive dentures. Bone in your jaw shrinks over time, especially in the first year, which means your denture gradually stops fitting properly. A reline — adding material to the underside of the denture to make it fit snugly again — costs $100 to $300 and is usually needed every one to two years. A repair for a cracked or broken denture typically costs $100 to $500 depending on the damage. Replacing a single tooth in your denture costs $50 to $150.

Some dentists include one free adjustment or reline in the first year; others charge for every visit. Professional cleaning and maintenance checks cost $50 to $150 per visit. If you wear your dentures for 5 to 10 years, the total cost of adjustments, relines, and repairs can add another $500 to $2,000 to your initial investment.

Comparing when ready dentures to conventional dentures

An when ready denture is placed in your mouth the same day your remaining teeth are extracted. You get a temporary denture right away, which means you leave the office with teeth and don't have to wait weeks for your mouth to heal. However, because your gums are still changing rapidly, you'll need multiple adjustments in the first few months, and you'll return for a permanent denture once healing is complete.

The total cost of when ready dentures — temporary plus permanent — is usually 20 to 40 percent higher than conventional dentures. If conventional dentures cost $1,200, when ready dentures might cost $1,500 to $1,700. The advantage is that you avoid the gap between extraction and fitting. The disadvantage is the higher upfront cost and the need for more appointments during the healing period.

Implant-supported dentures: higher cost, different benefits

Implant-supported dentures are anchored to titanium posts surgically placed in your jaw bone. They don't move or slip like traditional dentures, and they preserve more bone because the implants stimulate the jaw the way natural tooth roots do. However, the cost is substantially higher: implants run $1,500 to $6,000 each, and most people need two to four implants to support a denture. Add the denture itself ($2,000 to $4,000), and a full-mouth implant-supported denture can easily exceed $20,000.

Insurance coverage for implant-supported dentures is limited. Most dental plans don't cover implants at all, though some cover a portion of the denture part. Medicare and Medicaid typically don't cover implants. If implant-supported dentures interest you, ask your dentist whether your insurance covers any portion and what financing options they offer.

Ways to reduce denture costs

Dental schools offer the most dramatic savings — often 40 to 60 percent less than a private dentist — and the work is supervised by experienced faculty. Community health centers and FQHCs charge based on income and may offer the lowest out-of-pocket cost if you may have access to. Some dental offices offer payment plans with no interest if you pay within a set time (usually 6 to 12 months), or they partner with financing companies that charge interest.

Comparing prices across providers is worth your time. Call three to five offices — dental schools, community clinics, general dentists, and prosthodontists — and ask for a written estimate that includes what's covered and what costs extra. The lowest price isn't always the best choice if it means fewer appointments or less experienced care, but you may find a middle option that fits your budget and your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full denture cost upfront?

No. Most dental offices require a deposit (often 25 to 50 percent) when you schedule, with the balance due when the denture is ready. Many offices offer payment plans that let you pay over several months. Ask about this before your first appointment.

Will my insurance cover the cost of tooth extractions before dentures?

Dental insurance usually covers extractions as a separate service, often at 80 percent after your deductible. However, Medicare does not cover extractions if they're done to prepare for dentures. Check your specific plan to know what you'll owe.

How much do adjustments and relines cost after the first year?

A reline typically costs $100 to $300, and a repair for a broken denture costs $100 to $500. Some dentists charge $50 to $150 for an adjustment visit. These costs are usually not covered by insurance and are paid out of pocket.

Can I get dentures for less at a dental school?

Yes. Dental schools charge $200 to $400 per arch, which is 50 to 75 percent less than a private dentist. The trade-off is that appointments take longer and you may need more visits because students work under supervision. The quality is generally good because faculty review all work.

Are implant-supported dentures worth the extra cost?

Implant-supported dentures don't slip, feel more stable, and preserve more bone over time. However, they cost $20,000 to $40,000 or more and require surgery. If stability and long-term bone preservation matter to you and you can afford it, they may be worth the investment. If cost is your main concern, conventional dentures work well for most people.