The Complete Guide to Denture Costs in 2025

Denture Costs: What You Can Expect to Pay

According to CareCredit’s Cost Study, the average cost for dentures in the U.S. ranges from about $450 for low-cost dentures to over $6,500 for premium dentures1. The costs will vary significantly based on your location, the type of dentures you need and the materials used.

Many people are shocked to discover that denture costs can vary by thousands of dollars between different providers in the same area. We always recommend getting prices from multiple health-care providers.

In addition to location, costs will also be determined by the type of dentures you need (full, partial or implant-supported), the materials used in construction, any additional procedures required and your insurance coverage.

Types of Dentures and Their Costs

Full (Complete) Dentures

Full dentures replace all missing teeth in either the upper jaw, lower jaw or both. They are the most common types of dentures, and they come in several quality levels.

The price differences can be due to a few factors. Lower-cost dentures are typically mass-produced and may require more frequent adjustments. Premium options, on the other hand, are custom-crafted with higher-quality materials for a more natural appearance and better fit.

People often initially choose the lowest-cost option but find it uncomfortable and difficult to keep in place while eating. That can eventually lead them to purchase more premium options.

Partial Dentures

When some natural teeth remain healthy, partial dentures can fill in the gaps. These are typically less expensive than full dentures.

If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, resin-based partials typically run about $1,700, although you may pay anywhere from about $1,300 to $3,300 depending on your location and dentist.

Flexible nylon partials cost a bit more (around $1,760 on average), but they’re still relatively affordable with a range of about $1,360 to $3,450.

If you want the most durable option, metal-based partials are your best bet. They’ll cost you more up front, however, at an average of over $2,200. Prices range from about $1,700 to $4,200.

Different materials come with different costs and longevities. Metal-based partial dentures are more expensive initially, but they tend to last longer and provide better stability. We often recommend metal partials for active seniors who want the most secure fit.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures average nearly $4,000 (ranging from about $3,000 to $7,300) for the denture portion alone — and that doesn’t include the cost of the dental implants. You’ll also need to budget for the implants, which vary in cost depending on the type. Traditional implants typically cost between $1,600 and $2,200 each, while mini implants are more affordable at $500 to $1,500 each.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures, which cost an average of about $2,200 (ranging from $1,700 to over $3,500), are placed immediately after tooth extraction. They’re convenient, but they typically require more adjustments as your gums heal. We’ve found that many older adults opt for immediate dentures to avoid being without teeth during the recovery process.

What Affects Denture Pricing?

Geographic Location

Denture costs vary significantly by location. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living typically charge more for dental services. Dentures in California or New York, for example, may cost substantially more than the same treatment in rural areas of the Midwest.

Materials Used

The materials you pick for your dentures make a big difference in how much they cost and how long they last.

Acrylic resin: This is the cheapest choice, usually lasting five to seven years. Even though it saves you money up front, you’ll probably need to replace them sooner than dentures made with other materials.

Porcelain: This costs more, but it’s tougher and looks much better. Porcelain dentures really look like your natural teeth and don’t stain as easily as acrylic ones.

Metal framework: You’ll find metal frameworks in partial dentures. They’re pricier, but they offer better stability and are less likely to break.

Additional Procedures

Many older adults need additional procedures before getting dentures, which adds to the overall cost:
Common additional costs (excluding insurance coverage)1:

• Single tooth extraction: $177 on average (ranging from $137 to $335)
• Surgical extractions: $363 (ranging from $281 to $702)
• Dental exam with cleaning and X-rays: $203 (ranging from $50 to $350)
• Anesthesia: $639 (ranging from $494 to $1,253)

By understanding all potential expenses up front, you can budget appropriately and avoid financial surprises.

Medicare and Denture Coverage

Original Medicare Coverage

Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental services, including dentures. Medicare covers dental procedures only when they’re “inextricably linked, substantially related and integral to” the clinical success of specific covered medical treatments.

Although Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental care, there are specific, limited situations in which it may. If you need a dental exam before an organ transplant, tooth extractions before cancer treatment, or if you experience dental complications from head and neck cancer treatment, for example, Medicare may help. It also covers dental services related to kidney dialysis.

According to recent data, nearly 47 percent of Medicare beneficiaries had no dental coverage2, highlighting the significant gap in dental care access for seniors.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer the best option for denture coverage. According to federal data, the vast majority of Medicare Advantage plans offer some dental benefits3, and that usually includes dentures.

Coverage varies widely by carrier and plan, however. Some may cover full or partial denture costs, while others limit benefits with annual maximums, waiting periods or higher cost-sharing.

Medicaid Coverage for Dentures

Medicaid coverage for dentures varies significantly by state. Some states provide comprehensive dental benefits for adults, while others offer only emergency services.

States including Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine and New Jersey offer extensive coverage for dental services, while others take a more minimal approach4.

We recently worked with a woman in Michigan who was thrilled to discover her state had expanded Medicaid dental coverage just in time for her denture needs. The timing saved her thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.

For older adults who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid may serve as secondary coverage to help with costs not covered by Medicare Advantage plans. Be sure to read our Medicaid Planning Guide to learn how to review your options properly.

Private Dental Insurance Options

Many older adults find that stand-alone dental insurance helps bridge the gap in Original Medicare coverage. Several insurers offer comprehensive dental plans specifically designed for seniors.

Major Dental Insurance Providers

Cigna dental plans: Cigna offers various plans with denture coverage, typically with annual maximums ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. Their dental insurance options include both HMO and PPO plans.

Cigna dental insurance often provides competitive rates for seniors, especially when bundled with other health benefits such as vision, which is also not covered by Medicare.

Aetna dental coverage: Aetna provides senior-focused dental plans with prosthodontic coverage. Their plans often include preventive care at 100 percent and major services such as dentures at 50 percent after deductibles.

Aetna dental insurance frequently offers additional perks such as telehealth consultations and wellness programs for seniors.

Humana dental plans: Known for competitive pricing and extensive provider networks, Humana offers several plans that cover dentures. Their dental insurance options often include additional benefits such as vision coverage.

Humana dental insurance often provides excellent value when you need both dental work and vision care, as many plans bundle those benefits.

Kaiser dental insurance: Available in select states, Kaiser offers integrated medical and dental care. Their dental plans often provide comprehensive coverage with lower out-of-pocket costs for members.

Kaiser dental plans work especially well for seniors who prefer coordinated care between their medical and dental providers.

Understanding Dental Insurance Limitations

When you’re looking into dental insurance, keep in mind that most plans have yearly maximum benefits (usually between $1,000 and $2,500), waiting periods for big procedures (typically between six and 12 months), exclusions for preexisting conditions, network limitations and age restrictions on some treatments.

All those things affect how much coverage you get and what you’ll end up paying out of your own pocket.

Alternative Payment Options

Dental Discount Plans

Dental discount plans offer an alternative to traditional insurance, providing reduced rates at participating providers. The plans typically cost $80 to $200 annually and can provide 10 percent to 60 percent discounts on dental procedures, including dentures.

Benefits of dental discount plans:

• • No waiting periods
  • No annual maximums
  • Immediate coverage
  • Often covers cosmetic procedures

Financing Options

Many dental practices offer financing plans or accept third-party financing such as CareCredit. These options allow you to spread denture costs over several months or years with little to no interest if payments are made on time.

Popular financing options include practice payment plans (direct financing through dental offices), personal loans from banks or credit unions for dental expenses, and health savings accounts (HSAs), which are tax-advantaged accounts for medical expenses.

Dental Schools and Community Programs

Dental schools are a fantastic option for affordable care. You’ll have students working on you, but they’re always under the watchful eye of licensed pros, so the quality is typically top-notch. You could easily save 50 percent to 70 percent compared to a private practice, but the trade-off is that things may take a bit longer.

Community resources that can help include dental schools and hygiene programs, community health centers, mobile dental clinics, senior center programs, and charitable organizations such as the Mission of Mercy.

Tips for Managing Denture Costs

Get Multiple Estimates

Denture costs can vary significantly among providers, even in the same area. Quality of care should be your top concern, but we recommend getting at least three estimates to understand the price range and services offered.

Consider Long-Term Value

When thinking about the cost of dentures, it’s not just about the initial price tag. You should also consider what you’ll get in the long run. Often, spending a bit more up front on higher-quality dentures can actually save you money over time because they tend to last longer and need fewer adjustments.

Plan for Maintenance Costs

Budget for ongoing costs associated with dentures:

• Denture adhesives: $5 to $15 monthly
• Cleaning supplies: $10 to $20 monthly
• Adjustments: $100 to $300 per visit
• Relines: $200 to $900 every few years
• Replacements: Every five to seven years on average

Understand Your Insurance Benefits

Thoroughly review your insurance coverage before starting treatment. Make sure you understand your annual maximums and how they apply, which procedures are covered at what percentage, network requirements and provider options, and preauthorization requirements for major procedures.

For comprehensive information about maximizing your dental benefits, visit our dental insurance guide.

Additional Resources

For older adults seeking the most thorough dental coverage options, explore Medigap dental coverage, which can supplement Medicare’s limited dental benefits.

For more information about comprehensive health coverage for seniors:

Eye care coordination: Many seniors need both dental work and eye care. Learn about Medicare eye exam coverage to coordinate your overall health benefits effectively.

For a complete overview of dental options, visit our comprehensive dental insurance guide, which covers everything from basic plans to specialized senior options.

Understanding your options and planning can be the difference between struggling with dental costs and confidently investing in your oral health and quality of life.