Denture costs range from $300 to $15,000 per arch, depending on the type, materials, and where you have them made
A basic set of conventional dentures (upper and lower) typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000 at a general dentist's office. A single arch — upper or lower only — usually runs $500 to $2,000. Implant-supported dentures, which anchor to titanium posts in your jaw, cost $20,000 to $40,000 or more because they involve surgery and multiple appointments. The wide range exists because price depends on whether you go to a general dentist, a prosthodontist (a specialist), a dental school, or a discount chain; whether the dentures are made in-house or sent to a lab; and what materials the dentist uses.
Most people pay out of pocket. Medicare does not cover dentures. Medicaid covers them in some states but not others, and coverage amounts vary widely. Private dental insurance rarely covers dentures, or covers only a small percentage. If you have coverage, check your plan documents or call your insurer to learn the exact amount they will pay toward dentures — do not assume.
Key Takeaways
- Conventional dentures cost $1,000 to $3,000 for a full set at a general dentist, but prices vary by location, dentist type, and materials used.
- Implant-supported dentures cost $20,000 to $40,000 because they require surgery and specialized materials, but they last longer and feel more stable.
- Medicare does not cover dentures; Medicaid covers them in some states only, and private dental insurance rarely pays for them.
- Dental schools offer dentures at 40 to 60 percent below market price, though treatment takes longer because students perform the work under supervision.
- Payment plans through the dentist's office, CareCredit, or dental discount plans can spread costs over months or years.
What you pay for conventional dentures
Conventional dentures are the most common type. They rest on your gums and are removed at night. A full set (upper and lower) at a general dentist typically costs $1,000 to $3,000. A single arch costs $500 to $2,000. Some dentists charge less — discount chains or dental schools may charge $300 to $800 per arch — while prosthodontists or high-end practices may charge $3,000 to $8,000 for a full set.
The price includes the dentist's exam, X-rays, tooth extractions if needed, impressions of your mouth, the lab work to fabricate the dentures, and at least two fitting appointments. It does not usually include adjustments after the first month, relines (which happen every year or two), or repairs. Ask your dentist whether adjustments in the first 90 days are included or cost extra.
If you need teeth extracted before dentures are made, that cost is separate. Extractions run $75 to $300 per tooth at a general dentist, or more if the tooth is impacted or broken below the gum line. Some dentists bundle extraction and denture costs into one fee; others bill separately. Ask before you commit.
Implant-supported dentures and their higher cost
Implant-supported dentures attach to titanium posts (implants) surgically placed in your jaw. They do not move while you eat or talk, feel more like natural teeth, and last 15 to 20 years or longer. The trade-off is cost and time. A full set of implant-supported dentures costs $20,000 to $40,000, sometimes more. A single arch costs $15,000 to $25,000.
The cost breaks down roughly as follows: each implant costs $1,500 to $3,000; you typically need four to six implants for a full arch. The denture itself costs $3,000 to $8,000. Bone grafting, if your jaw bone is too thin, adds $2,000 to $12,000. Extractions, if needed, add another $500 to $3,000. Anesthesia and facility fees add more. The entire process takes 6 to 12 months because the implants must integrate with bone before the denture is attached.
Implant-supported dentures are more likely to be partially covered by dental insurance than conventional dentures, because insurance sometimes treats them as a surgical procedure rather than a cosmetic one. Check your plan before you start.
Where you get dentures affects the price
A general dentist's office is the most common place. Prices are moderate and the dentist handles most of the process in-house or with a trusted lab. A prosthodontist is a specialist in dentures and complex restorations; they typically charge 20 to 40 percent more than a general dentist but may deliver a better fit and longer-lasting result, especially for difficult cases.
Dental schools offer dentures at 40 to 60 percent below market price. A dental student makes your dentures under the supervision of a licensed instructor. The work is thorough and the materials are the same, but appointments take longer and you may need more visits. If cost is your main concern and you have time, a dental school is worth exploring. Search for accredited dental schools in your state through the American Dental Association website.
Discount dental chains advertise low prices but often charge extra for adjustments, relines, or repairs that other dentists include. Read the fine print and ask what is and is not included in the quoted price. Online denture companies that ship dentures to your home are cheaper upfront but offer no in-person fitting or adjustment, which most people need.
Insurance coverage and what it actually pays
Medicare does not cover dentures under Part A or Part B. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include dental coverage, but it is usually limited to cleanings and exams, not dentures. Check your specific plan.
Medicaid covers dentures in about 30 states, but the amount varies. Some states cover the full cost; others cover only $500 to $1,500 per arch. Some require you to wait a certain amount of time after an extraction before dentures are made. Some require prior authorization. Contact your state Medicaid office or your Medicaid managed care plan to learn what dentures cost you.
Private dental insurance rarely covers dentures. Most plans exclude them entirely or cover only 10 to 50 percent of the cost, with a yearly maximum of $500 to $1,500. If you have private insurance, call your insurer and ask: Does the plan cover dentures? If yes, what percentage? Is there a waiting period? Is there an annual maximum? Do I need prior authorization?
Veterans may be covered through the VA. If you are a veteran, contact your local VA dental clinic to learn whether you are may be able to access and what the process is.
Payment plans and ways to spread the cost
Most dentists offer in-house payment plans, often interest-free for 6 to 12 months. Ask whether your dentist participates in CareCredit, a credit card designed for medical and dental expenses. CareCredit offers 0 percent interest for 6 to 24 months if you pay in full by the end of the term; if you do not, interest accrues retroactively.
Dental discount plans (not insurance) charge an annual membership fee of $80 to $200 and give you discounts of 10 to 60 percent at participating dentists. If you do not have insurance and plan to have dentures made, a discount plan may save you money. Search for plans in your area through the National Association of Dental Plans website.
Some dentists will negotiate the price if you pay in full upfront. It never hurts to ask. If you are uninsured and low-income, ask whether the dentist offers a sliding scale fee based on income.
What affects the final bill
Materials matter. Standard acrylic dentures cost less than high-impact acrylic or flexible thermoplastic dentures, which are more durable and comfortable. Premium dentures use better-quality teeth and base materials and cost more.
Complexity matters. If you have a small mouth, an unusual jaw shape, or a history of bone loss, the dentures take longer to design and fit, and the cost goes up. If you need bone grafting or implants, the cost rises significantly.
Location matters. Dentures cost more in urban areas and less in rural areas. They cost more on the coasts and less in the Midwest. A $2,000 denture in one city might cost $1,200 in another.
Aftercare costs money. Adjustments in the first few months are often free or included, but adjustments after that typically cost $50 to $200. A reline (replacing the material that sits against your gums) costs $150 to $500 and is needed every 1 to 3 years as your jaw bone shrinks. Repairs for a broken denture cost $100 to $400. Budget for these ongoing costs.
Questions to ask before you commit to a price
Before you agree to a denture price, ask the dentist these questions in writing and get the answers in writing:
- What is included in the quoted price? (Exam, X-rays, extractions, impressions, lab work, fittings, adjustments.)
- What is not included? (Extractions beyond a certain number, bone grafting, anesthesia, repairs, relines.)
- How many fitting appointments are included?
- Are adjustments in the first 30, 60, or 90 days free or included?
- What is the cost of adjustments after that period?
- What is the cost of a reline, and how often will I need one?
- What happens if the dentures break or do not fit?
- Do you offer a payment plan? If yes, what are the terms?
- Will you work with my insurance, if I have it?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get dentures for under $500?
Possibly, but rarely. Dental schools charge $300 to $800 per arch, so a full set might be $600 to $1,600. Some discount chains advertise low prices but add charges for adjustments and relines. Online denture companies ship dentures for $300 to $600, but they do not fit as well because there is no in-person adjustment.
Does Medicare cover dentures?
No. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover dentures. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental coverage, but it usually covers only cleanings and exams, not dentures. Check your specific plan documents or call your plan.
How long do dentures last before I need new ones?
Conventional dentures last 5 to 8 years with proper care. Implant-supported dentures last 15 to 20 years or longer. You will need relines every 1 to 3 years as your jaw bone shrinks, which costs $150 to $500 each time.
What if I cannot afford dentures right now?
Ask your dentist about payment plans, CareCredit, or dental discount plans. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn whether you are covered. Search for dental schools in your area — they charge 40 to 60 percent less. Some community health centers offer sliding scale fees based on income.
Are implant-supported dentures worth the extra cost?
That depends on your budget and priorities. Implant-supported dentures do not move, feel more natural, and last much longer, but they cost three to ten times more and require surgery. Conventional dentures are cheaper, non-surgical, and work well for most people if they fit properly and are cared for.