How Much Do Dentures Cost?

How Much Do Dentures Cost?

By Kimberly Hughes
|
April 24, 2023
A smiling woman with dentures look into a handheld mirror
Photo Courtesy: Adobe Images

Dentures are an effective way to restore your smile and improve oral health, as well as help increase eating and speaking confidence.

Cost estimates of dentures depend on their material, type, level of customization and customization services provided - such as X-rays, tooth extractions or relining services.

Cost of dentures

Dentures provide a discreet and effective solution to replacing missing teeth, helping restore your smile while improving both eating and overall health.

Dentures vary in cost depending on a number of factors; including type, materials used and customization level. Each one can affect how much your new set costs.

Low-end dentures may cost as little as \$300 for a complete set; while more premium models could exceed that.

Cost can also depend on how many teeth need replacing; replacing all yours could cost between \$600-8,000 for upper and lower dentures alone.

Dentures may be expensive upfront, but their long-term cost-benefit analysis shows they could be well worth it. A full set of full dentures should last at least ten years before needing replacing.

Cost of tooth extraction

Tooth extractions may become necessary when patients experience multiple issues with their teeth, such as severe decay, gum disease, bone loss or dental injuries that cannot be effectively managed through other means.

Dentures are artificial teeth designed to replace missing ones in both upper and lower jaws. There are complete dentures, which cover all aspects of mouth function, as well as partial dentures designed to fill any gaps created by missing teeth.

Dentures vary in cost depending on their complexity and amount of work necessary for their creation. Full sets supported by implants - which offer the closest restorative treatment possible to natural teeth - can be costly and take several months longer to produce than less costly alternatives.

Patients without dental coverage may still benefit from discount dental plans by taking advantage of discounted dentures and procedures, or they can choose to pay out-of-pocket through third party financing or payment plans. Dental savings plans also exist to help cover these expenses.

Cost of preparation for dentures

Cost of dentures will depend on which teeth are missing and how your dentist prepares them, for instance if multiple extractions or bone grafts must be performed before getting full dentures.

Once you are ready to obtain dentures, it may require multiple trips to your dentist in order to take accurate impressions of your gums that can then be used to fabricate custom-fitted dentures.

Once your dentures have been made, they typically take six visits to be fitted and adjusted perfectly. As part of this process, some discomfort or soreness may occur as your muscles and tissues adjust to wearing them.

Your dentist must also reline your dentures, which involves making small adjustments to the base of the denture so it fits more comfortably. Hard relines should take place in office while soft relines may take place at home or laboratory.

Are dentures for everyone?

Dentures are an investment worth considering for anyone needing to replace missing teeth, providing confidence while eating, speaking and smiling.

Dentures can be expensive to purchase without dental insurance coverage, making their purchase even harder to manage.

One effective way to reduce denture costs is selecting a dentist who understands your financial goals and can offer various options that fit within your budget.

Materials used in making dentures can also affect their price; some materials can be more costly than others, so it is wise to evaluate all available options prior to selecting one that best meets your budget.

Interim partial dentures are the least costly solution and come in either resin base or metal varieties. Although an interim denture may serve its purpose temporarily, eventually being upgraded or even replaced by more long-term prostheses or dental implants should be made a permanent fixture in one's dentures collection.