How much are dentures without insurance?
A complete denture for one arch typically costs about $2,350 without insurance, and a full upper and lower set about $4,700, with a realistic range of $3,000–$6,600 for the set. Prices are quoted per arch, so someone who needs only an upper denture pays roughly half the set price.
| Denture | Code | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete denture, upper | D5110 | $1,500 | $2,350 | $3,300 |
| Complete denture, lower | D5120 | $1,500 | $2,350 | $3,300 |
| Complete set, upper + lower | D5110 + D5120 | $3,000 | $4,700 | $6,600 |
| Partial denture, metal framework (per arch) | D5213 / D5214 | $1,550 | $2,500 | $3,500 |
Where the numbers come from. Dental fee surveys do not report denture prices, so the bands are tied to a federal schedule instead: the VA's 2026 schedule of reasonable dental charges puts the 80th-percentile U.S. charge at about $2,847 for a complete upper denture (D5110), $2,856 for a complete lower (D5120), $3,004 for an upper partial (D5213) and $3,006 for a lower partial (D5214), and our ranges scale those figures to typical fees the same way our sourced codes compare with them.[3] The University of Maryland dental school's student clinic charges about $1,060 for each complete denture and $1,145 for an upper partial.[4] Two further anchors frame them. Washington State's Department of Corrections pays dentists $1,321.32 for a complete upper and $1,330.12 for a complete lower under its 2026 fee schedule, a public payer's allowance rather than a retail price.[1] In federal survey data for 2024, people who paid the full bill themselves for a visit involving bridges or dentures paid a median of $800 per visit; one visit in four cost $1,846 or more and one in ten $4,100 or more.[2] Dentures usually take several visits, so the per-visit figures understate the total.
What a full denture treatment adds up to
The denture itself is usually the largest part of the bill, but most people also need an exam with X-rays and often extractions of the remaining teeth first. A worked example for someone with 6 remaining upper teeth who wants a full set:
| Step | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| New-patient exam, full X-rays and cleaning | $200 | $320 | $500 |
6 simple extractions (D7140) | $900 | $1,440 | $2,100 |
| Complete upper and lower dentures | $3,000 | $4,700 | $6,600 |
| Total | $4,100 | $6,460 | $9,200 |
Teeth that are broken at the gum line or impacted need surgical extractions, which cost more; see the tooth extraction cost page. Ask whether the denture fee includes adjustment visits in the first months and a reline later, because those are sometimes billed separately.
Dentures vs implants: cost compared
Conventional dentures are the lowest-cost way to replace a full arch of teeth; implant options cost several times more. The comparison below uses typical national fees.
| Option | Typical cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Complete denture, one arch | $2,350 | Removable; rests on the gums |
| Partial denture, one arch | $2,500 | Clasps onto your remaining teeth |
| Single implant with crown | $5,750 | One tooth only |
| Fixed full-arch implants, one arch | $22,900 | Four implants plus a fixed bridge |
For details see the dental implants cost calculator and All-on-4 implants cost. Which option fits your mouth is a clinical question for your dentist; this site compares prices only.
What affects the price of dentures
| Factor | Effect on price | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Full vs partial | Partials with a metal frame cost about as much as a full arch | Cast framework and clasps |
| One arch or both | Two arches roughly double the fee | Each arch is billed under its own code |
| Immediate dentures | Usually higher, plus a reline later | Made before the teeth are pulled and adjusted as the gums heal |
| Materials and lab | Premium teeth and bases cost more | Lab fees vary widely |
| Your area | About $4,200–$5,900 for a typical set across U.S. areas | The estimator applies your area's factor |
| Extractions and exams | Can add hundreds or more | Needed before most first dentures |
Ways to pay less for dentures
- Check a dental school. School clinics may offer care at reduced rates, and many limit what they charge to the cost of materials; licensed dentists supervise the students.[8][9] See sliding scale dentists and dental schools.
- Check Medicaid. States choose whether to cover adult dental care,[7] but in 2025, 38 states and DC had enhanced adult benefits, while Alabama had none and five states covered emergencies only.[6]
- Ask for a written estimate listing the codes for the exam, extractions and each denture, then compare offices. Uninsured patients have a right to a good faith estimate for scheduled care.[10]
- Use HSA or FSA money. The IRS lists dentures among dental expenses that count as medical care,[11] so pre-tax money lowers the real cost: see how much.
- Spread the bill with an interest-free office plan; the dental payment plan calculator shows what a card or loan would add.
Seniors often pay out of pocket.In 2024, 37% of seniors had no dental coverage, compared with 21% of working-age adults.[5] Before you pay a full retail fee, check whether a health center or school near you makes dentures, and compare at least two written quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How much are dentures without insurance?
About $1,500–$3,300 per arch for a complete denture and $3,000–$6,600 for an upper and lower set at national self-pay prices. These scale the VA's 2026 reasonable-charge schedule to typical fees, so get a written quote.
How much does a partial denture cost without insurance?
A partial denture with a metal framework typically costs $1,550–$3,500 per arch, about the same as a complete denture for that arch.
Are dentures cheaper than implants?
Yes, by a wide margin. A complete denture costs about $2,350 per arch at typical fees, while fixed full-arch implants are estimated at about $22,900 per arch.
Sources
- DOC Denture Services Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026
- MEPS HC-254B: 2024 Dental Visits public-use file
- Reasonable Charges v5.26, Table I: Outpatient Dental Professional Nationwide Charges (80th percentile of charges; FAIR Health dental data and other sources)
- Fee Schedule (Clinic Manual, Patient Administration), student clinic column
- National Trends in Dental Care Use, Dental Insurance Coverage, and Cost Barriers
- Dental Care in Medicaid Programs (with data tables)
- Dental Care
- Places to Look for Affordable Dental Care
- Finding Dental Care
- Good faith estimate guide (No Surprises Act, uninsured and self-pay patients)
- Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses