How Much Do Dentures Cost With and Without Insurance?

Dentures remain one of the most common dental solutions for adults who have lost some or all of their teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 17% of adults age 65 and older are completely edentulous, meaning they have lost all of their natural teeth. For these individuals, dentures are often essential for eating, speaking, and maintaining quality of life.

The cost of dentures can vary widely depending on the type, materials, and whether you have dental insurance. This article breaks down the costs of different types of dentures, explains how insurance coverage works, and outlines options for people without dental insurance. Plans and coverage vary by location, so it is important to compare options available in your area.

Types of Dentures and Their Cost Ranges

Not all dentures are the same. The type you need depends on how many teeth you are missing, the health of your remaining teeth and gums, and your budget. Here are the main types and what you can expect to pay.

• Full (complete) dentures: These replace all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both. A full set typically costs $1,000 to $5,000. Budget dentures start around $600 to $1,000 per arch, while mid-range options run $1,000 to $3,000 per arch. Premium dentures with custom materials and shading can exceed $4,000 per arch.
• Partial dentures: These replace some missing teeth while fitting around your remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures generally cost $700 to $2,500. Cast metal partials are more durable and typically cost more than acrylic or flexible partials.
• Immediate dentures: These are placed the same day your remaining teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures cost $1,500 to $3,500 and require more follow-up visits because your gums change shape as they heal.
• Implant-supported dentures: These are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, providing a more stable and natural-feeling fit. Implant-supported dentures are the most expensive option, typically costing $15,000 to $30,000 per arch. This includes the cost of the implants, the surgical procedure, and the denture itself.

In addition to the upfront cost, you should budget for ongoing maintenance. Denture relining, which adjusts the base to fit your changing gums, typically costs $300 to $500. Denture repairs for cracks or broken teeth usually cost $100 to $300.

How Dental Insurance Covers Dentures

Most dental insurance plans classify dentures as a major service. This matters because insurance plans typically use a tiered coverage structure that pays different percentages for different categories of care. If you are considering dental insurance, our guide on how much dental insurance costs provides a detailed breakdown of premiums and coverage levels.

Here is how dental insurance typically covers different service categories:

• Preventive services (cleanings, exams): 100% coverage, no waiting period
• Basic services (fillings, extractions): 80% coverage, 3 to 6 month waiting period
• Major services (dentures, crowns, bridges): 50% coverage, 6 to 12 month waiting period

With 50% coverage and a $1,500 annual maximum, a dental plan might cover $1,500 of a $3,000 full denture. You would pay the remaining $1,500 out of pocket. If the dentures exceed the annual maximum, you would be responsible for the overage. Some plans offer higher annual maximums of $2,000 to $3,000, which can help with more expensive dentures.

Most dental plans also impose waiting periods for major services. This means you may need to be enrolled for 6 to 12 months before the plan will cover dentures. If you know you need dentures soon, look for plans with shorter or no waiting periods, though these plans may have higher premiums.

Medicare and Denture Coverage

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover dentures. The law explicitly excludes dental services including dentures and dental plates. This is one of the most significant gaps in Medicare coverage for seniors. For more details on what dental services Medicare does and does not cover, see our guide on Medicare dental coverage.

However, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often include dental benefits that may cover dentures. According to CMS, approximately 98% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 offer some form of dental coverage. The specifics vary by plan, but here is what to look for:

• Annual dental allowance: Some plans offer a set dollar amount per year, such as $1,000 to $3,000, that can be used toward any covered dental service including dentures.
• Coverage by service type: Other plans structure their dental benefits similarly to standalone plans, covering dentures at 50% up to an annual maximum.
• Preventive only: Some plans cover only preventive dental services like cleanings and exams, not major services like dentures. Always check the Summary of Benefits before enrolling.

Medicaid may also cover dentures for eligible low-income individuals, though coverage varies by state. Some states offer comprehensive dental benefits through Medicaid, while others provide only emergency dental services.

Getting Dentures Without Insurance

If you do not have dental insurance, there are several options that can help make dentures more affordable. Paying the full retail price is not your only choice.

• Dental schools: Accredited dental schools provide denture services at reduced costs, often 30% to 50% less than private practices. The work is performed by dental students supervised by licensed faculty. There are approximately 70 accredited dental schools across the United States.
• Community health centers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide dental services on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Many offer denture services at reduced rates. You can find an FQHC near you through the Health Resources and Services Administration website.
• Payment plans and dental financing: Many dental offices offer in-house payment plans that allow you to spread the cost over several months. Third-party financing options may also be available, though you should carefully review interest rates and terms before committing.
• Dental discount plans: These are not insurance but membership programs that offer discounted rates at participating dentists. Discounts on dentures typically range from 15% to 40%. Annual membership fees are usually $80 to $200.
• Nonprofit organizations: Some nonprofit dental clinics and charitable organizations provide free or low-cost dentures to people in financial need. Availability varies by location and program.

Implant-Supported Dentures: Are They Worth the Cost?

Implant-supported dentures are a significant investment at $15,000 to $30,000 per arch, but they offer several advantages over conventional dentures. They are anchored to the jawbone through surgically placed titanium posts, which means they do not slip or shift. They also help preserve jawbone density, which can deteriorate after tooth loss. For information on how insurance handles implants specifically, see our article on whether Medicare covers dental implants.

The higher cost of implant-supported dentures may be offset by several factors over time:

• Longevity: Implants themselves can last 20 years or more with proper care, whereas conventional dentures need replacing every 5 to 10 years.
• Reduced maintenance: Implant-supported dentures generally require fewer adjustments and relinings than conventional dentures.
• Improved function: They provide greater biting force and stability, which allows you to eat a wider variety of foods.

However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. You need sufficient jawbone density to support the implants, and certain health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking may affect healing. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is necessary to determine if implant-supported dentures are a viable option for you.

How to Save Money on Dentures

Regardless of your insurance situation, there are strategies that can help reduce the cost of dentures. Here are some practical steps to consider.

• Get multiple quotes: Denture prices can vary significantly between dental offices in the same area. Getting two or three quotes can help you understand the range and find a fair price.
• Ask about all-inclusive pricing: Some quotes include only the dentures themselves, while others bundle in extractions, impressions, fittings, and follow-up adjustments. Make sure you understand what is and is not included.
• Consider timing with insurance: If you have dental insurance with a waiting period, plan ahead. Enroll in a dental plan and wait until the waiting period has passed before getting your dentures to maximize your insurance benefit.
• Use your annual maximum strategically: If you need both extractions and dentures, you may be able to spread the work across two plan years to take advantage of two annual maximums.
• Explore Medicare Advantage: If you are 65 or older and on Medicare, switching to a Medicare Advantage plan with comprehensive dental benefits during the Annual Enrollment Period could help cover denture costs.

Denture Cost Comparison: With vs. Without Insurance

To put the numbers in perspective, here is how costs compare with and without dental insurance for each type of denture. These estimates assume a plan with 50% major service coverage and a $1,500 annual maximum.

• Full dentures ($3,000): Without insurance you pay $3,000. With insurance, the plan covers $1,500 (50%) and you pay $1,500 out of pocket.
• Partial dentures ($1,800): Without insurance you pay $1,800. With insurance, the plan covers $900 (50%) and you pay $900.
• Immediate dentures ($2,500): Without insurance you pay $2,500. With insurance, the plan covers $1,250 (50%) and you pay $1,250.
• Implant-supported dentures ($20,000): Without insurance you pay $20,000. With insurance, the plan covers $1,500 (hitting the annual max) and you pay $18,500. Note that many dental insurance plans do not cover implants at all.

These numbers illustrate a key point: dental insurance helps, but for expensive procedures like dentures, you will likely still have significant out-of-pocket costs. The annual maximum is the biggest limiting factor.

What to Expect During the Denture Process

Understanding the denture process can help you plan for both the timeline and the costs involved. Here is what a typical process looks like for conventional full dentures.

• Initial consultation: Your dentist examines your mouth, takes X-rays, and discusses your options. This visit typically costs $100 to $300 and may be partially covered as a diagnostic service.
• Extractions (if needed): If you have remaining teeth that need to be removed, extractions are typically $150 to $350 per tooth for a simple extraction. Surgical extractions cost more.
• Healing period: After extractions, your gums need 8 to 12 weeks to heal before conventional dentures can be fitted. During this time, you may use immediate dentures if you had them made in advance.
• Impressions and fittings: Your dentist takes impressions of your gums and jaw, and you go through several try-in appointments to check the fit, bite, and appearance. This typically requires 3 to 5 visits.
• Final placement and adjustments: Once your dentures are ready, you receive them and begin wearing them. Most dentists include a few follow-up adjustment visits in the initial cost. Additional adjustments beyond what is included may cost $50 to $150 per visit.

The entire process from initial consultation to final dentures typically takes 3 to 6 months for conventional dentures. Planning ahead allows you to coordinate with insurance waiting periods and annual maximums.

The Bottom Line on Denture Costs

Dentures are a significant expense, but understanding your options can help you manage the cost. With dental insurance, you can expect to save roughly 50% on conventional dentures up to your plan's annual maximum. Without insurance, dental schools, community health centers, and payment plans can bring costs down significantly. If you are looking for a plan that specifically covers dentures well, our guide to the best dental insurance for dentures can help you compare options.

The most important step is to start planning early. If you know you will need dentures, research your insurance options, explore community resources, and get multiple quotes. With the right approach, you can find a solution that fits both your dental needs and your budget.