A complete set of removable dentures (upper and lower) typically costs between $450 and $6,500, depending on the materials and level of customization. That range widens significantly if you need extractions beforehand, opt for implant-supported dentures, or factor in the ongoing costs of maintenance and eventual replacement. Here’s what to expect at every price point.
Full Denture Costs by Tier
Denture pricing falls into three broad categories, and the differences come down to material quality, how closely the dentures are customized to your mouth, and how natural they look.
- Economy dentures: $450 to $900 for a full set (upper and lower). These use basic acrylic and a more generic fit. They’re functional but tend to look less natural and may feel less comfortable.
- Mid-range dentures: $1,500 to $3,650 for a full set. These offer better materials, more precise fitting, and teeth that more closely mimic natural color and shape.
- Premium dentures: $5,000 to $12,400 for a full set. These use high-end materials, involve multiple fitting appointments, and are designed to look as realistic as possible. The teeth are often individually layered with different shades, and the gum-colored base is crafted to match your natural tissue.
If you only need a single arch (upper or lower, not both), expect to pay roughly half these amounts. Most dental offices quote per-arch pricing, so confirm whether any estimate you receive covers one arch or both.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you want dentures that snap onto implants rather than relying on adhesive or suction, the cost jumps considerably. Implant-supported dentures average about $8,300 per arch, with a typical range of $7,600 to $13,300 per arch. For both arches, you’re looking at roughly $15,000 to $26,000.
That price usually includes the implants themselves (typically two to four per arch), the abutments that connect to them, and the denture that clips on top. Implant dentures are more stable than traditional removable dentures, which means less slipping while eating or talking. They also help preserve jawbone over time, since the implants stimulate the bone the way natural tooth roots do.
Not everyone is a candidate for implants. If you’ve experienced significant bone loss in your jaw, you may need bone grafting before implants can be placed. Bone grafts range from about $550 to $5,150 per graft, depending on the source material. Grafts using donor bone or synthetic material tend to fall between $550 and $1,575, while grafts that harvest bone from elsewhere in your own body can run $2,150 to $5,150. These costs are on top of the implant and denture fees.
Costs Before the Dentures Themselves
The sticker price for dentures rarely tells the whole story. If you still have remaining teeth that need to come out, extraction costs add up quickly. A simple extraction runs $75 to $250 per tooth, while a surgical extraction (for impacted teeth or those with complicated roots) costs $180 to $550 per tooth. If you need a full mouth of extractions, that alone could add $1,000 to $5,000 or more to your total.
Your dentist may also recommend smoothing or reshaping the jawbone after extractions so the denture sits properly. Additional imaging, impressions, and follow-up visits for adjustments are often included in the denture price but not always. Ask your provider for an all-in estimate that covers every step from extraction through final fitting.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Dentures aren’t a one-time purchase. Your gums and jawbone change shape over time, especially in the first year after tooth removal. That means your dentures will need periodic relining to maintain a good fit.
- Temporary reline: $100 to $300. Often done in the first few months while your gums are still healing.
- Soft reline: $150 to $400. Uses a flexible cushion material, good for sensitive gums.
- Hard reline: $450 to $750. Uses durable acrylic and lasts longer than a soft reline.
You should plan for at least one reline in the first year and an evaluation every two to four years after that. Cracks, chips, and broken teeth on the denture are also common over time, though repairs typically cost less than a full reline.
How Long Dentures Last
With proper care, a set of dentures lasts five to seven years before it needs full replacement. At that point, you’ll pay roughly the same as you did the first time. That means someone wearing mid-range dentures over 20 years could go through three or four sets, plus several relines. The long-term cost of economy dentures ($300 to $500 per arch) is obviously lower per cycle, but cheaper dentures may need replacing sooner or require more frequent adjustments. Premium dentures hold up better over time, though the upfront investment is substantial.
Implant-supported dentures follow a different timeline. The implants themselves can last decades with good oral hygiene, but the snap-on denture portion still wears out and typically needs replacement on a similar five-to-seven-year schedule.
Ways to Lower the Cost
Dental school clinics are one of the most reliable ways to save. Students perform the work under close supervision by licensed faculty, and prices can run up to 50% less than a private practice. General practice residency programs and specialty clinics at dental schools offer savings of up to 30%. The tradeoff is longer appointment times and a slower overall process, since students work more methodically.
Dental insurance helps if you have it, but most plans cap annual benefits at $1,000 to $2,000 and classify dentures as a major procedure, covering only 50% of the cost up to that cap. That still leaves significant out-of-pocket expense, especially for premium or implant-supported options.
Original Medicare does not cover dentures. It excludes routine dental services, including dentures, extractions, and implants. Some Medicare Advantage plans do include dental benefits with varying annual limits, so check your specific plan. Medicaid coverage for adult dental care varies by state. Some states cover dentures fully, others partially, and some not at all.
Many dental offices offer in-house financing or work with third-party payment plans that let you spread the cost over 12 to 60 months. Some of these plans offer interest-free periods if you pay within a set timeframe. If cost is the main barrier, ask about payment options before assuming you need to pay everything upfront.