How much do full and partial dentures cost? –

This page provides fee estimates for the various types of complete and partial dentures that dentists typically offer.

Table of contents.

• 1) Fees for removable partial dentures.
  • Cast metal – Metal framework partials.
  • Acrylic – Plastic partials, sometimes having wire clasps.
  • Flexible (Valplast®, Duraflex®, tcs®) – Partials having non-metallic, flexible clasps and bases.
  • Replacement partials.
  • Immediate partials – Same-day placement of a partial denture following tooth extraction(s).
  • Partial denture tooth replacement.
  • Insurance/dental plan coverage for partial dentures.
• 2) Fees for complete dentures.
  • Full dentures.
  • Immediate dentures. – Same-day placement of a full denture following tooth extractions.
  • Replacement dentures.
  • Economy dentures. – Partially prefabricated dentures or appliances made using second-tier materials.
  • Denture tooth replacement.
  • Insurance/dental plan coverage for full dentures.
  • Denture relines.

FYI – Details about denture costs.

a) “Per unit” fees.

It’s important to note that in all cases the price ranges we show on this page are for a “single unit,” meaning one upper or lower complete or partial denture. We’ve posted our estimates this way because per-unit fees are how dentists and insurance companies typically bill out and process these expenses.

b) Associated dental work.

If any other dental procedures are required, such as tooth extraction or jawbone recontouring (see in-text links below), additional fees will apply.

c) Number of artificial teeth.

In most cases, the total number of teeth the denture actually replaces (most notably a variable with partial dentures) has a minimal impact on the appliance’s overall price.

1) Fees for removable partial dentures (partial plates).

Costs for partials primarily vary according to the type of material from which their “major connector” is made (the main bulk of the partial to which all of its individual components (teeth, artificial gums) are attached).

A) Cast-metal partial dentures –

• Removable partial denture, cast metal framework – Upper or lower.

      $975.00 – $2018.00

      Low fee = Small rural city or town.
      High fee = Large metropolitan area.
      How we calculate our cost estimates for procedures.

What is a cast partial?

Cast-metal partial dentures are so named because they have an underlying custom-fabricated metal framework (it makes up the partial’s major connector and tooth clasps). Denture teeth and pink plastic are then added to this framework to complete the appliance.

Cast partials are the standard to which all other types are usually compared. Due to the advantages they offer (strength, durability, excellent fit and retention, minimal thickness), they are typically considered to be the preferred type of partial for most applications.

Option – Precision Attachments.

In the case where a cast partial is in part anchored by a tooth that will have a new dental crown placed, the crown can be designed so it and the partial have matching (male/female) connectors that key into each other.

• The idea is that this type of attachment replaces the need for a conventional partial denture tooth clasp (the two little metal arms extending from a partial that grab around a tooth).
• A big advantage of a precision attachment is that it is more esthetically pleasing. (There are no clasp arms to see.) And this might be a significant advantage when the tooth shows prominently in the patient’s smile.
• In some cases, the use of a precision attachment may also enhance the partial’ retention (how well it is able to stay in place).

When this type of connector is chosen, both the partial and the new crown will have an added fee.

How much does your dentist pay for a cast partial denture?

Only a technician working in a dental laboratory has the equipment and skills necessary to fabricate a cast-metal partial. And that means, beyond all of the other expenses involved when your dentist makes one for you, they’ll also incur a lab fee.

Fee estimate for a cast-metal partial denture: (Your dentist’s cost.)

• Partial denture, cast-metal framework  -  $225.00 to $340.00

▲ Section references – LMTmag

B) Acrylic (hard plastic) partial dentures –

• Removable partial denture, acrylic (plastic) base – Upper or lower.

      $685.00 – $1310.00

What are acrylic partial dentures?

As their name implies, the base portion (the major connector) of an acrylic partial is made out of (gum tissue colored) plastic. The appliance’s teeth, and any needed wire tooth clasps, are then embedded in this plastic base.

• Acrylic partials are typically considered to be less desirable than cast ones (in terms of function, strength, durability, and their effect on the patient’s natural teeth).
• They do however offer the advantage that if more natural teeth are lost, corresponding artificial ones can usually be added to the existing appliance.

  (With cast partials, often an entirely new appliance must be made.)

• Common reasons to choose an acrylic partial include: It has a lower cost. The appliance is just needed for a short time frame.

C) Flexible partial dentures-

• Removable partial denture, flexible plastic base and clasps (Valplast®, Duraflex®, tcs®) – Upper or lower.

      $1155.00 – $1627.00

What are flexible partial dentures?

“Flexible” partials are appliances where both their base and tooth clasps are made out of a pliable (non-rigid, flexing) material, usually either thermoplastic nylon or ethylene propylene.

• The flexible nature of the appliance tends to make it less irritating to wear (as compared to hard acrylic partials).
• The appliance’s clasps are made from the same flexible material. Their translucent-pink color typically allows them to be less noticeable than shiny metal clasps.
• The fact that these appliances contain no metal or acrylic component makes them ideal for people who have sensitivities to these materials.
• (The option does exist where these same flexible materials can be used for the “pink” portions of standard cast partials (either around its artificial teeth or for clasps). One would expect that the pricing for this type of appliance would be slightly greater than what’s shown above for traditional cast partials.)

Brand names.

Some of the brands associated with this type of appliance are Valplast® (thermoplastic nylon), Duraflex® (ethylene propylene), and tcs® (thermoplastic nylon).

How much does your dentist pay for a flexible partial?

Fee estimate for flexible partial denture: (Your dentist’s cost.)

• Partial denture (Valplast®, Duraflex®, tcs®)  -  $180.00 to $280.00

▲ Section references – LMTmag

D) Replacement removable partial dentures –

What does the term “replacement partial denture” mean?

We’re using this term to refer to any type of partial that’s made simply to replace a previously existing one. The previous appliance might be broken, lost, missing, stolen, or simply worn out.

The term “replacement partial” isn’t a formal category.

There’s no special dental office or insurance classification for “replacement partial dentures.” We’ve only listed them as an individual category on this page for those readers who are unaware of this point.

The cost for a replacement will be the same as the regular fee the dentist charges for that type of partial.

Why is the fee the same?

When making the new prosthesis the dentist must repeat all of the same steps they performed when the original appliance was made. (They’ll also incur the same dental laboratory bill.) So since making the replacement offers no shortcuts, the fee is the same.

Insurance limitations.

Dental insurance plans won’t always pay benefits for replacement partials.

• It’s common for a dental plan to limit how often a replacement can be made. (5 years would be a common interval.)
• This exclusion often also extends to the replacement of lost, missing, or stolen partials.
• (It’s important for you not to be swayed by our statements above. The only way you can know for sure what applies in your case is to read your policy.)

See below for additional details about insurance coverage for partials.

E) Immediate partial dentures.

Any of the kinds of partials described above can be delivered to the patient as an “immediate” prosthesis.

In this context, the term “immediate” refers to the fact that the partial is inserted during the same appointment when one or more of the teeth that the partial replaces were extracted.

Advantages.

The obvious advantage of this protocol is that the patient is never without teeth. Immediately following their extractions, the new partial is delivered (fitted and sent home with the patient).

(In comparison, with conventional partial construction a period of a month or so is usually allowed for jawbone healing following extractions. A time period during which the patient will not have an appliance to wear. After this waiting period, partial construction is then begun, which will take an additional few weeks.)

If the new appliance involves missing front teeth, an immediate partial may be the only option that the patient will consider.

Disadvantages.

The awkwardness of using immediate technique is that the gums and jawbone will not have “cured” (healed over, a process that takes 30 days, and longer) prior to the placement of the partial.

That means that during this time frame the fit of the partial over these areas will be inexact.

• With tooth-borne partials (partials that get most of their support from the teeth they grasp), this may not be much of an inconvenience or concern.

  It’s possible that space may open up between the partial and gum tissue as the gums shrink during the healing process. In some cases, this gap may show prominently or trap food.

  If so, the dentist can fill in the gap by adding plastic to the partial. (An easy process referred to as relining.) If changes continue, they can repeat the reline process.

• With tissue-borne partials (partials that have portions that are supported solely by gum tissue), maintaining a proper fit of the appliance as the jawbone heals requires more effort.

  But just as above, what’s required is for the dentist to perform relines periodically (adding/changing the partial’s plastic that rests on the gums).

Costs for immediate partial dentures.

• It’s common that an additional fee is charged when immediate placement is chosen.
• Probably the most important question to ask is if the needed relines are included in the fee (they often are if needed within a certain time period), or if they will be charged separately at the time of service.
• The relines performed during the initial stages of the healing process will be “chairside” ones. Later on, after the healing process has substantially completed, a dentist may recommend that a more durable “laboratory” reline should be placed. (More information: chairside vs. laboratory relines.)

  You should ask what costs are associated with this procedure. Frequently it’s not included in the initial fee quoted.

Possible additional expenses.

a) Tooth-extractions.

If they haven’t been removed already, the cost of extracting the teeth being replaced by the partial must not be overlooked. If many are needed, this may add substantially to the cost of your treatment plan. (We provide fee estimates for tooth extractions here.)

b) Alveoloplasty.

In some cases, alveoloplasty may be required too. This is a surgical procedure that’s used to reshape the jawbone ridge so it’s idealized for wearing the new partial. (We discuss the alveoloplasty procedure here.)

The fee for this service will vary on a case-by-case basis, simply depending on the amount of correction required.

F) Partial denture tooth addition or replacement.

It’s frequently possible for a dentist to add or replace a partial denture tooth. As common examples, a tooth may have broken off the patient’s appliance. Or the person may have had a tooth extracted and therefore now needs an additional one added to bring their partial back to full function and/or satisfactory appearance.

• Add or replace tooth on an existing partial denture.

      $98.00 – $168.00

Note: If a tooth has come off and you have found it, having it to give to your dentist may or may not (probably not) influence the size of your bill.

But what’s important to know is this. Denture teeth will tend to pick up stains over time. So if your dentist considers your detached tooth worthy of reusing, doing so will ensure the perfect color match with your partial’s other teeth.

G) Does dental insurance cover partial dentures?

Dental plans frequently do provide benefits toward the cost of all types of removable partial dentures. If so, this procedure is usually listed under the category of Major Dental Services.

As a Major service, it’s common that the benefit paid is limited to 1/2 of the cost of the partial, after subtracting the policy’s deductible (if there is one). The amount actually paid will also be limited by the plan’s maximum yearly benefits. (This page provides a more thorough description of how benefits are typically calculated.)

Insurance limitations on partial denture coverage.

Dental plans frequently have restrictions that affect the benefits paid for partials. They can include:

• Benefits may only be provided once during a prescribed time frame (5 years is common).

  Example #1 – You had a lower partial made 3 years ago while you were a member of your current plan. Benefits toward a replacement appliance will not be available until 5 years have elapsed since the completion of your current lower partial.

  Example #2 – You wear a lower partial that you paid for on your own 3 years ago. Since then you have enrolled in a dental plan. It could be expected that having a new lower partial made now will be covered. (The limitation doesn’t apply because the company paid no benefits toward your current appliance.)

• An exception to the above limitation would be the case where you have lost additional teeth since your current partial was made.

  With this scenario, the loss of the teeth has now made your current appliance inadequate. If so, your insurance company will likely provide coverage for a new one, regardless of the amount of time that has elapsed since your current one was made.

2) Fees for complete (full) dentures.

“Per unit” fees.

It’s important to note that in all cases the price ranges we show on this page are for a “single unit,” meaning one upper or lower denture. That means that the price you can expect to pay for a complete set of dentures (upper and lower appliances together) will be exactly twice your dentist’s single-unit fee.

Possible additional expenses.

It’s also important to understand that the prices shown on this page are just for a patient’s denture work alone. If any other type of treatment is required (such as tooth extractions or jawbone recontouring) an additional fee will apply for those procedures and it is typically billed separately. (See in-text links below.)

Full denture costs.

Note: The fee that a dentist charges will depend on what technique is used when the denture is constructed and placed, “conventional” vs. “immediate.” We explain both of these terms below.

A) Conventional full dentures cost –

• Complete/full denture (conventional) – Upper or lower.

      $1350.00 – $3050.00

      Low fee = Small rural city or town.
      High fee = Large metropolitan area.
      How we calculate our cost estimates for procedures.

What does the term “conventional” mean?

We’re using the word “conventional” to refer to the situation where all of the patient’s teeth have already been removed by the time denture construction is actually begun. (The patient is “edentulous,” meaning has no teeth.)

• All replacement full dentures are conventional ones.
• Sometimes a patient’s initial set is conventional too, depending on how concerned they are about not having teeth during the weeks while their appliance is being made.
• As advantages of choosing the conventional technique for a patient’s first full denture: 1) Doing so typically involves allowing time for gum tissue and jawbone healing (“curing”) before denture construction is begun. 2) The construction process is more straightforward for the dentist.

B) Immediate dentures cost –

• Complete/full denture (immediate) – Upper or lower.

      $1565.00 – $3475.00

What is an “immediate” denture?

The term “immediate” refers to the situation where some of the patient’s teeth still remain at the time when denture construction is begun.

• It’s usually just the patient’s front teeth that are still in place. The back ones are typically removed some weeks prior so some degree of gum tissue and jawbone healing can take place.
• Even with just front teeth, the patient’s appearance remains fairly normal. And although different and challenging, the patient also retains some chewing ability during the weeks while their denture is being fabricated.

At that point when their new denture is ready, the dentist will extract their remaining teeth and ‘immediately’ place the new appliance. The patient is never without teeth (always having either their natural or new false teeth).

“Immediates” can be transitional or permanent appliances.

• Some dentists categorize immediate dentures as transitional appliances, intended to be replaced in 6 months to a year after a suitable amount of post-extraction healing has taken place. At that time a new cost, for the new (second) appliance, will be incurred by the patient.
• Other dentists intend for their immediates to provide more extended service (measured in years).

  In this case, as bone and soft tissue healing transforms the shape of the patient’s jaws and therefore affects the fit of their denture, relines will be needed (see fee estimate below).

With either approach, it’s important to ask your dentist what your additional costs will be.

C) Replacement dentures cost –

• Complete/full denture (replacement) – Upper or lower.

      $1350.00 – $3050.00

What does the term “replacement denture” mean?

We’re using this term to refer to the situation where a new prosthesis is being made to replace a previously existing one.

It might be that the previous denture has broken, been lost, or has simply worn out. (Related page: How long can you expect your denture to last?)

“Replacements” don’t really constitute their own unique category.

There’s no special dental office or insurance classification for “replacement dentures.” We only list them as a separate category on this page for those who might be unclear on this point.

When one is made, it’s simply billed out by your dentist, or covered by your insurance plan, as a regular “full” denture. That’s why the price range we show here is the same as the one shown for conventional dentures above. (Since all of the arch’s teeth have already been removed, a replacement denture is always a conventional one, never an immediate.)

Why is a replacement denture’s fee the same?

Any time a denture is made, the dentist performs essentially the same steps, utilizes the same number of appointments, and incurs the same laboratory expenses.

That means the dentist’s cost in providing this service is the same whether they are making an initial conventional denture or a replacement one, hence the fee for both is the same too.

Insurance limitations.

Dental insurance policies won’t always pay benefits for replacements.

• It’s fairly common for a dental plan to place a limitation on how often they will provide coverage for dentures. As an example, once every 5 years would be a common interval.
• This limitation may also extend to the replacement of lost, missing, or stolen dentures, not just worn-out ones.

Of course, your plan may not have this exclusion. You’ll simply have to check. (See below for more details about insurance coverage for complete dentures.)

D) Discount / Economy dentures cost.

In an attempt to make their services more affordable, some dentists offer lesser-quality dentures. The terms “affordable” and “economy” dentures are sometimes used to describe these kinds of products.

Economy dentures –

• Complete denture (economy) – Upper or lower.

      $592.00 – $1450.00

Since most people know very little about how dentures are made, we’d like to describe this process so to explain how economy dentures can differ from the ideal.

Techniques often used to make dentures more affordable.

• Using relatively lower-quality materials.
• Taking a ‘stock’ (pre-made) denture and then fitting it to the patient’s mouth. (A non-custom denture.)

If you’re considering a discount denture, you should ask your dentist questions so you know precisely what type of appliance you will get.

Ask about the materials that will be used.

The teeth.

Lower-quality denture teeth typically don’t have the same “life-like” (translucent) appearance of higher-quality ones. They may also be less resistant to wear and staining. Additionally, they may not be available in as many shades, sizes, and shapes.

The plastic.

Lower-quality denture base plastics (the pink part of the appliance) may not be as colorfast, as resistant to staining or fracture, or come in as many shades as higher-quality ones.

Is the denture pre-made?

Some “economy” appliances are stock (pre-made) denture shells that are then relined to “fit” the patient.

It’s important to understand that a denture’s function, stability, and comfort are all substantially affected by both its occlusion (the way its teeth bite against opposing ones) and the overall shape of its plastic base over the jawbone.

The technique where a stock item is fitted to the patient’s mouth affords the dentist very little control over these factors.

While cheaper and quick, this type of product typically makes a poor choice. (Ask the dentist if they would fit one of these dentures for their own mother. We doubt any would.)

Additional fees that may be involved.

a) Don’t overlook the cost of tooth extractions.

First-time denture patients that still have some remaining teeth will need to have them extracted. The link below provides cost estimates for tooth extractions. As a point of interest, in some situations, a dentist may be able to charge less than usual. (Related page: Fee estimates for tooth extractions.)

b) Alveoloplasty.

Alveoloplasty may be required for some cases. This is a surgical procedure where the patient’s jawbone ridge (the portion of the jaw the denture will fit over) is reshaped to more ideal contours. The fee charged will vary according to the extent of correction required. (Related page: The alveoloplasty (ridge recontouring) procedure. What it entails. Costs.)

How much does your dentist pay to have your denture made?

While your dentist may do some of the laboratory work needed to construct your new dentures, it’s usually a dental technician who does the bulk of the work.

Here’s an idea of what your dentist’s expenses are for this service.

Estimate of complete denture dental lab fees: (Your dentist’s cost.)

• Complete denture (upper or lower)  -  $180.00 to $330.00

▲ Section references – LMTmag

E) Denture tooth replacement.

It’s usually possible for a dentist to replace a tooth that’s become detached from its denture. And doing so is a simple repair that can bring the appliance back to full function and/or satisfactory appearance.

• Add or replace tooth on an existing denture.

      $98.00 – $168.00

Note: If a tooth has come off and you have found it, having it to give to your dentist may or may not (probably not) affect what you are charged.

But it’s important to know this. Denture teeth will characteristically pick up stains over time. So if your dentist thinks that reusing your retrieved tooth makes an OK idea, doing so will ensure a perfect color match with the other teeth on your denture.

F) Insurance coverage for complete dentures.

Dental plans frequently do provide benefits toward the cost of full dentures. If so, this procedure is usually listed under the category of Major Dental Services.

As a Major service, it’s common that benefits are limited to 1/2 the cost of the denture(s), after subtracting the policy’s deductible (if there is one). The amount paid is also limited by the plan’s yearly maximum benefits. (This page provides a more thorough description of how benefits are typically calculated.)

Insurance limitations on denture coverage.

Many plans have restrictions that affect how often benefits for full dentures will be paid. They can include:

• Benefits may only be provided for dentures (one upper, one lower) once during a prescribed time frame (5 years is common).

  Example #1 – You have a set of dentures that were made 3 years ago while you were insured under your current plan. Benefits toward a replacement set will not be available until that point when 5 years have elapsed since the completion of your current set.

  Example #2 – You currently wear a set of dentures that you personally paid for 3 years ago. You now have enrolled in a dental plan. The plan very well may provide coverage for a new set being made now. (The limitation doesn’t apply because the company paid no benefits toward your current set.)

• Benefits for denture relines or rebases (see below) are frequently limited to once every 3 years for an individual denture.

G) Denture reline costs.

It’s normal and natural that the shape of a person’s jawbones will change over time. But as this change takes place, the fit of their dentures typically worsens.

“Relining” refers to a process where the internal surface of a denture is renewed, so its fit is restored.

• Complete denture reline (chairside) – Upper or lower.

      $295.00 – $410.00

• Complete denture reline (laboratory) – Upper or lower.

      $370.00 – $525.00

Chairside vs. laboratory relines.

The terms “laboratory” and “chairside” refer to two different techniques that can be used for the relining process.

Laboratory –

When a laboratory reline is performed, the dentist places impression paste directly into the patient’s denture, and then inserts the denture into the patient’s mouth, thus capturing an imprint of the patient’s gum tissue.

The denture (with this impression still in it) is then sent to a dental laboratory where a new internal surface for the denture is created.

Chairside –

With a chairside reline, a runny plastic is placed directly into the patient’s denture. The denture is then seated in the patient’s mouth. As the plastic hardens, it captures the shape of the patient’s gum tissue.

Advantages / Disadvantages

Each technique has its own strengths and weaknesses. In general:

• Laboratory relines take more time to complete (sometimes the dentist keeps the patient’s denture until the next day) but the new plastic that’s placed is very durable.
• Chairside relines can be completed in just one office visit but the plastic that is placed is typically less durable.

How much does your dentist pay for a laboratory reline?

Lab denture relines cost more than chairside ones in part because the dentist incurs an expense with the dental laboratory that performs the work.

Fee estimate for laboratory reline: (Your dentist’s cost.)

• Reline services, complete denture, hard plastic.  -  $75.00 to $130.00

▲ Section references – LMTmag