Dentures remain one of the most common and affordable ways to replace missing teeth. The price range is wide, though. A basic full set can cost a few hundred dollars, while premium or implant-supported dentures can cost several thousand dollars per arch or more. What you pay depends on the type, the materials, whether you need teeth removed first and who makes them.
This guide breaks down typical 2026 costs by denture type, explains the extra costs people often miss, compares dentures with implants and explains what insurance and Medicare usually cover. It is general information, not dental advice. A dentist or prosthodontist who examines you can tell you which option fits your mouth and budget.
Denture costs by type
The figures below are typical 2026 price ranges reported by The Senior List, which compiles pricing from dental cost data. Prices vary by region and provider, and some quotes are per arch (upper or lower) while others are for a full set.
| Type | Typical cost range | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost full dentures | About $350 to $900 | Basic materials and fit; may need replacing sooner |
| Traditional full dentures | About $1,000 to $3,000 | Custom-fitted acrylic; the most common choice |
| Premium full dentures | About $5,000 to $12,400 | Higher-grade teeth and more natural appearance |
| Partial dentures (resin) | About $1,300 to $3,300 | Replace some teeth; clip to remaining teeth |
| Partial dentures (metal base) | About $1,700 to $4,200 | Thinner and more durable than resin |
| Immediate dentures | About $1,700 to $3,500+ | Placed the day teeth are removed; need relines as gums heal |
| Implant-supported dentures | About $3,000 to $7,300 for the denture, plus implants | Snap onto implants for better stability |
For implant-supported dentures, the implants are an added cost. The same source puts traditional implants at about $1,600 to $2,200 each and mini implants at about $500 to $1,500 each. Most implant-supported dentures use two to six implants per arch.
The costs people often miss
The denture itself is only part of the bill. If you still have teeth that need to be removed, extractions add to the cost: about $137 to $335 per simple extraction and $281 to $702 per surgical extraction, before insurance. Sedation or anesthesia can add several hundred dollars more. An initial exam with X-rays is another expense.
After you have dentures, there are ongoing costs. Gums and jawbone change shape over time, so dentures need relines, typically $200 to $900 every few years, and adjustments, often $100 to $300 per visit. Adhesives and cleaning supplies add a small monthly cost. Most dentures last about five to seven years before they need replacing.
Example: A patient quotes $1,800 for a traditional upper and lower set. After the exam, she learns she needs four simple extractions and a reline once her gums settle. Her first-year cost rises by well over a thousand dollars. Asking for a full treatment plan up front, including extractions, relines and follow-up visits, shows the real total before she commits.
Dentures vs dental implants
Traditional dentures cost much less upfront than implants and do not require surgery, which matters for people with health conditions that make surgery risky. The trade-off is stability. Lower dentures in particular can move when eating or speaking, and because dentures do not stimulate the jawbone, bone loss continues over time and can change the fit.
Implants and implant-supported dentures are more stable and help preserve bone, but they cost more and require enough healthy bone and several months of healing. A middle option is an implant-retained overdenture, which snaps onto two or more implants and is often far more secure than a traditional lower denture. Our main site’s guide to dental implant costs covers implant pricing in more detail.
Insurance and Medicare
Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of dentures, often as a major service with a percentage covered after a deductible and waiting period, subject to an annual maximum. Check your plan’s benefit summary or ask for a pre-treatment estimate.
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, including dentures, except in limited cases tied to covered medical treatment. Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits that may help with dentures, but coverage limits, networks and cost sharing vary widely by plan. Medigap policies do not cover dental care.
Other ways to reduce the cost include dental schools, where supervised students may charge lower fees, community health centers with sliding-scale fees, dental discount plans, and payment plans or health savings and flexible spending accounts for eligible expenses.
Step-by-step: getting dentures
- Book an exam. A dentist checks your remaining teeth, gums and bone and discusses options.
- Get a written treatment plan. Ask for itemized costs for extractions, the denture, sedation, relines and follow-up visits.
- Choose the type and materials. Decide between full, partial, immediate or implant-supported dentures.
- Have impressions taken. The dentist takes molds or digital scans to make your custom denture.
- Try-in and fitting. You test the fit, bite and appearance before the final denture is made.
- Plan follow-ups. Expect several adjustment visits in the first weeks and regular checkups after that.
Adjusting to new dentures
New dentures take time to get used to. Speaking and eating may feel awkward for the first few weeks, and sore spots are common until adjustments are made. Starting with soft foods cut into small pieces and practicing speaking aloud can help. Report persistent pain or rubbing to your dentist, since an ill-fitting denture can cause sores and infection.
Caring for dentures so they last
Good daily care keeps dentures comfortable and helps them last closer to the upper end of their expected life. Remove and rinse them after eating, brush them daily with a soft brush and a non-abrasive cleaner rather than regular toothpaste, which can scratch the surface, and soak them overnight in water or a denture solution so they do not dry out and lose shape. Handle them over a folded towel or a sink of water, since dropping them on a hard surface can crack or break them. Brush your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth too, and keep regular dental checkups even with a full set, because your dentist also checks for oral health problems and changes in fit.
Questions to ask your dentist
Before you commit, ask: Which type of denture do you recommend for me, and why? What exactly is included in the quoted price? How many adjustment visits are included? When will I need a reline, and what will it cost? Who makes the denture, and what materials are used? What is the plan if the fit is not right?
Common questions
How much does a full set of dentures cost
Traditional full dentures typically cost about $1,000 to $3,000, with basic sets available for less and premium sets costing considerably more. Extractions and follow-up care add to the total.
Does Medicare pay for dentures
Original Medicare generally does not. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits that may cover part of the cost, so check the plan’s coverage details and limits.
How long do dentures last
Most dentures last about five to seven years. They usually need relines every few years as your gums and jawbone change.
Are cheap dentures worth it
Low-cost dentures can work as a short-term or budget option, but they may fit less well and need replacing sooner. A good fit is important for comfort, eating and gum health.
Before you decide
Get a full exam and an itemized treatment plan that includes extractions, relines and follow-up visits. Compare traditional, partial and implant-supported options against your budget and health, and check what your dental insurance or Medicare Advantage plan will actually pay.
Editorial note: This article is general information and not dental or medical advice. Cost ranges come from 2026 data compiled by The Senior List and vary by location and provider. Consult a licensed dentist for diagnosis and pricing.