Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Beyond restoring your smile, they can also help you eat and speak more easily. Dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth and resemble natural teeth.

Types of dentures

Made from acrylic plastic — sometimes combined with porcelain or metal — dentures have come a long way in terms of comfort and appearance.

There are several types of dentures available, and the most appropriate option for you will depend on your situation and whether only a few teeth need to be replaced or an entire arch is missing. The most common types of dentures are: 

• Complete lower denture: An acrylic resin appliance that replaces all of the lower teeth.  
• Complete upper denture: An acrylic resin appliance that replaces all of the upper teeth.
• Partial lower denture: An appliance that replaces missing teeth and fills the gap between healthy lower teeth.  
• Partial upper denture: An appliance that replaces missing teeth and fills the gap between healthy upper teeth. 

How much do dentures cost?

Denture costs vary based on the type of dentures you need, the materials used, and your dental plan coverage. The average out-of-network cost for dentures:

• Full lower denture: $1,115 to $2,425
• Full upper denture: $1,220 to $2,540
• Partial lower denture: $1,425 to $2,490
• Partial upper denture: $1,435 to $2,785¹

Use our cost estimator tool to find a price range for dental services near you.

What does the price of dentures include?

Cost can vary depending on your oral health needs and dental benefits. In general, the price will include the impressions of your mouth, the creation of a custom denture, and any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit. In most cases, the price also includes any necessary follow-up visits for realignment.

Are there alternatives to dentures?

There are alternatives to dentures, depending on your dental needs and overall oral health.

• Dental implants are a popular option that involves placing a small titanium post(s) into the jawbone to support a crown(s), offering a permanent and natural-looking solution. 
• Dental bridges use neighboring teeth as support to fill the gap left by missing teeth. Each dental bridge typically replaces 1-2 teeth in an arch.

Your dentist or prosthodontist can help you decide which restoration option is the best fit for you.  

Are dentures covered by insurance?

Most dental benefit plans help cover the cost of dentures, but coverage can vary. To get a clearer picture of what you might pay, review the details of your plan and ask your dentist for a pre-treatment estimate. 

Does Delta Dental offer insurance that covers dentures?

Yes, if you have dental benefits, review your plan details or check with your benefits administrator to find out if denture coverage is included in your plan. If you need dental benefits, compare our plans for individuals and families to find the right fit for you.

How can I pay for the remaining costs not covered by dental insurance?

Dental benefits can make a big difference, but there are also other ways to help budget for the remaining cost of dentures, such as:

• Health Savings Account (HSA): An HSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, including dentures in many cases. Unused funds roll over each year, but you will need to confirm whether your health plan offers an HSA and if dentures are considered an eligible expense.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Funded by your employer, an HRA can reimburse you tax-free for qualified out-of-pocket medical costs. Depending on your plan, this may include dentures.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Like an HSA, an FSA lets you use pre-tax money to pay for eligible health expenses. FSAs typically have lower annual limits and may not allow unused funds to roll over, so it is important to plan your spending carefully.

Before moving forward with treatment, check with your HSA, HRA, or FSA administrator to see if denture costs are reimbursable. 

Talk to your dentist about dentures 

Dentures can be a valuable investment in your oral health, confidence, and quality of life. Understanding the types of dentures, what is included in the cost, and how to pay for them, can help you make informed decisions. Talk to your dentist and your benefits provider to explore your options and create a plan that works for you.