More than 35 million Americans wore dentures in 2020. Dentures are as unique as each individual wearer, making the cost of dentures unique to each individual as well. For most Americans, the cost is worth it.

American adults believe that bad teeth can affect your life, both personally and professionally, in negative ways. Dentures are one of the restorative dentistry solutions for dealing with bad teeth and increasing confidence in your smile.

However, the cost associated with dentures may make it challenging for some people to make the leap. Let’s take a look at how much dentures cost and whether or not insurance might help negate some of the expense.

Price Range for Dentures

The cost of dentures is dependent on several factors such as the materials used and how much care will be needed to maintain the set of dentures. Most dentists offer multiple options for dentures, meaning there are multiple price points to consider based on your dentist’s recommendation. In addition to the costs of dentures, there may need to be other dental work completed, such as tooth extractions, before the patient is ready for a new set of dentures.

Dentists offer a range of options for dentures. Not all patients will require a full set of dentures. Custom dentures offer patients more options to fit their needs and can change the cost of dentures significantly. They may also offer full denture repair services if the patient already has dentures that only need repairs.

With all of these options available, the cost of dentures can vary greatly, and it is best to talk to your dentist about their recommendations for your individual denture needs.

For patients without dental insurance, the expected cost of dentures is between $300 and $4000 per denture, or $600 to $8,000 for a full mouth of dentures.

  • Low-Cost Dentures: $300-$600 per denture; $600-$1,000 for a complete set
  • Mid-Priced Dentures: $500-$1,500 per denture; $1,000-$1,500 for a complete set
  • Premium Dentures: $2,000-$4,000 per denture; $4,000-$8,000 for a complete set

Dentures- Rhoades Family Dental

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

There are many factors that can affect the price of dentures for patients. Let’s take a look at each one.

  • Preparatory Procedures

Before a patient is fitted for dentures, the dentist will need to make sure the patient’s mouth is prepared for the investment. Tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or bone grafting are a few of the common procedures that take place before dentures are fitted. Insurance will usually cover a portion of these costs.

  • Type of Denture

The kind of denture you are considering will also impact the cost. Each type of denture fulfills a different purpose, and one might be a better option for you. Let’s take a look at each kind of denture.

  • Partial dentures are a good option if a few teeth are missing. These dentures can fill in for the missing teeth, while preventing other teeth from shifting. These dentures will attach to the natural teeth that are remaining. Because a full set of dentures is not needed, this option is more affordable for most people.
  • Full dentures are necessary when all, or almost all, of a patient’s teeth are missing from either the upper or lower jaw. For this type of denture, an impression of the mouth is taken and used to create a base to hold the new teeth. Dentures are then secured in the patient’s mouth using suction or an adhesive.
  • Implant-retained dentures require placing dental implants into the upper and/or lower jaw. The dentures then snap into place with the dental implants, making the dentures secure. This gives patients the freedom to eat the foods they want without worry and is closest to their natural smile. Approximately 40% of patients use this type of denture.

  • Quality of Materials

The type and quality of the material used to make dentures have a significant impact on the cost. For most patients, determining the short-term and long-term cost of dentures is the most beneficial. Patients can save money now with cheaper materials, but the trade-off is replacing your dentures more often.

There are several material options available, each with pros and cons to consider.

  • Acrylic Resin, or plastic, is the most desired material available for dentures. It can be created to fit perfectly into the patient’s mouth and is easily adjustable, making it one of the most comfortable options for the wearer. This material is also cheaper, making it an appealing option for those on a budget. The downside? These dentures wear fast. Over time, they can change shape as you bite your food and chew. You may need to replace these in as little as five years. These are also bulkier than other options, and they are more prone to breakage.
  • Porcelain is a favorite of many dentists and denture wearers because of its strength and durability. This material gives the dentures a more natural appearance. The porcelain material goes through an intense heating process, making them strong and durable. Porcelain dentures are best for full sets. As partials, they can wear down the teeth around them.
  • Partial Metal Dentures have a metal base that is usually smaller than acrylic or plastic dentures, making this material more comfortable and adaptable for the patient. Composite teeth are matched to the color of the remaining teeth. These dentures are very discreet and give patients a natural look. They do cost more than other dentures, however. Creating these dentures is more labor-intensive, meaning they can cost between 20 and 75 percent more than acrylic dentures.

With all of these options available, the cost of dentures can vary greatly, and it is best to talk to your dentist about their recommendations for your individual denture needs.

Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures?

We are often asked, “how much do dentures cost with insurance,” which can be a hard question to answer. Every insurance provider is different. Check with your provider for the most accurate information about coverage for dentures. Most dental insurance policies cover a portion of denture costs. Dentures are seen as a major procedure for many insurers and 50% of the cost is covered, with the patient paying the remaining balance out of pocket.

Older patients often ask how much dentures cost with Medicare. If you have Medicare, dentures may not be covered at all. Medicare does not cover most dental expenses and the patient is required to pay 100% for non-covered services.