If you're missing teeth, chances are you've considered dentures. Maybe a dentist recommended them years ago. Maybe you've been wearing them for a while. Or maybe you're just now exploring your options and wondering what makes the most sense for your health, confidence, and future.
This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know about dentures—from what they are and how much they cost, to how they feel and how long they last. But more importantly, it will help you understand why many people eventually move on from dentures to something more permanent.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Are Dentures
Dentures are removable sets of fake teeth designed to replace missing teeth. They're often made from acrylic plastic (think of acrylic nail material) or other dental materials and come in different forms depending on how many teeth you're missing.
- Full dentures are for people who have lost all of their teeth on the top, bottom, or both.
- Top dentures rest against the roof of your mouth, relying on suction to stay in place. They cover the entire palate of the mouth.
- Bottom dentures sit on your lower gums and are known for being harder to keep stable.
- Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. It usually looks like some fake teeth attached to a metal frame and clips around remaining teeth for support.
- Back tooth partials can fill in a small section of missing teeth, usually for cosmetic purposes.
No matter the type, the purpose is the same—fill the gaps. But as you’ll see in this guide, not all solutions are created equal. Dentures may look like teeth, but they don’t always feel—or function—like them.
How Much Do Dentures Cost
If you're considering dentures, cost is probably one of your biggest concerns—and rightfully so. But like most things in life, what seems cheaper up front isn’t always the most affordable choice in the long run. The price of dentures can vary widely depending on the type, materials used, and whether you're replacing a few teeth or a full set.
Let’s break it down:
How Much Are Dentures?
The cost of traditional full dentures typically ranges between $1,000 to $3,000 per arch—and that’s just for the basics. Higher-end versions can climb to $5,000 or more per upper or lower set when you factor in quality materials, lab fees, and adjustments. And remember, these aren’t permanent teeth—they’ll need repairs, relines, and eventually replacements.
And don’t forget: they don’t stop bone loss.
How Much Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures, designed to replace a few missing teeth, usually fall between $500 to $2,000 depending on the materials and design. They clip to your existing teeth, but that means your remaining natural teeth bear the burden—often leading to more damage down the road.
How Much Do Snap-In Dentures Cost?
Snap-in dentures (or overdentures) sit somewhere in the middle ground between traditional dentures and implants. They “snap” onto implants placed in your jaw to provide better stability—but the teeth themselves are still removable.
These can cost $6,000 to $10,000 per arch, depending on how many implants are used. While they offer improved function over traditional dentures, they still require removal for cleaning and typically need to be replaced every 5–10 years. Plus, the plastic teeth and gums are still vulnerable to wear, stain, and breakage.
How Much Are Permanent Solutions Like Dental Implants?
Now we’re stepping into long-term solutions.
Unlike dentures, dental implants (like All-on-4® / Nuvia’s permanent teeth in 24 hours) are fixed in place and don’t come out. They’re designed to look, feel, and function like real teeth. They can also help stop the cycle of bone loss that traditional dentures accelerate.
This type of permanent solution to missing teeth can cost a little more upfront because it does require an oral surgery. However, with proper care dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The teeth attached also aren’t made from acrylic plastic so they don’t experience the same wear and staining that dentures might.
Dental implants are a one and done solution that you pay for once which means you could end up saving money in the long run as you avoid repairs, relines, and replacements.
When you compare the recurring costs, replacements, and discomfort of removable dentures with the stability and confidence of a permanent solution, the real question becomes:
What is it worth to finally stop worrying about your teeth?
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
In many cases, yes, dental insurance will cover at least part of the cost of dentures. Many plans consider dentures to be a necessary restorative service—not a cosmetic one—which means they often qualify for partial coverage.
That said, coverage usually isn't as generous as people hope. Most dental insurance plans have annual maximums between $1,000 and $2,000, and those limits can be quickly eaten up by exams, extractions, x-rays, and other preliminary procedures. It’s not unusual for patients to still owe a large portion out of pocket.
Even if insurance helps cover dentures, remember: it won't cover the ongoing costs that come with them. Relines, repairs, replacements—and the slow toll dentures can take on your bone health—can add up over time.
Many people who initially chose dentures because insurance helped cover them later wish they had invested in a permanent solution. It’s worth looking at the full picture before making your decision.
To see how much permanent dental implants cost, see the free dental implant cost guide.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures today are typically made from two main materials:
Acrylic Resin: This durable plastic forms the pink "gums" and often the teeth themselves in traditional dentures. It’s lightweight and easy to adjust—but it’s also prone to wear, staining, and cracking over time.
Metal Frameworks: Partial dentures often have thin metal frameworks that attach the denture to your remaining teeth. While strong, these frameworks can sometimes irritate gums or feel bulky in the mouth.
Higher-end dentures may use porcelain teeth instead of acrylic for a more natural appearance, but they are heavier, costlier, and can chip more easily if dropped.
It’s important to remember: while dentures can mimic the look of natural teeth from a distance, they’re not meant to be a full substitute for the strength, function, and feeling of real teeth. They're a replacement option—but not a true restoration like dental implants.
How Long Does it Take to Get Dentures
The timeline to get dentures can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on your situation.
If you need teeth extracted first, your gums will need time to heal—usually 6 to 12 weeks—before your final dentures can be made. In the meantime, some providers may give you “immediate” dentures, which are temporary and often need frequent adjustments.
Then there’s the process of impressions, fittings, adjustments, and relines. It’s not uncommon for patients to return to the dentist multiple times before their dentures feel somewhat comfortable.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Dentures aren’t designed to last forever. On average, traditional dentures need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years, sometimes sooner. They’re made from acrylic, which can stain, wear down, or even crack with daily use. And since your mouth naturally changes over time—especially if teeth have been removed—what fits today may feel loose or painful down the road.
Bone Loss From Dentures
One of the biggest downsides of dentures isn’t what they’re made of—it’s what they do to your jaw over time.
Dentures don’t replace the roots of your teeth, and that’s a big deal. Your jawbone needs pressure from chewing to stay strong, and that pressure normally travels through your tooth roots.
Without roots, your body stops sending nutrients to the bone, and it starts to shrink. That’s why people with dentures often notice their face shape changing over time — their jawbone is literally disappearing.
This bone loss can lead to a sunken facial appearance, difficulty chewing, and dentures that constantly shift or fall out—requiring frequent relines, adjustments, or full replacements.
Over time, if too much bone is lost, there may not be enough structure left to hold dentures in place at all.
While dentures may seem like a quick fix, they often come with a hidden cost: long-term damage to your jaw and constant upkeep.
This can be especially damaging if a denture wearer later wants a permanent solution to missing teeth. In order to get permanent teeth, patients need to have enough bone for dental implants.
What Do Dentures Feel Like?
Let’s be real—getting used to dentures isn’t easy. Many people describe the first few weeks (or months) as awkward and uncomfortable. For some, dentures trigger a strong gag reflex, especially upper dentures that cover the roof of the mouth.
Then there’s the issue of taste. Because upper dentures block part of your palate, food may taste dull or different. And if your dentures don’t fit quite right, you might deal with sore spots, rubbing, or even small ulcers where the acrylic presses against your gums.
And let’s not forget chewing. Compared to natural teeth or dental implants, traditional dentures have far less bite force. That means foods like steak, corn on the cob, or even a crunchy apple can be a challenge—or off-limits entirely.
Dentures might look like teeth, but they likely won’t feel or function like real ones. And for many, that tradeoff becomes harder to live with over time.
How to Clean Dentures
Keeping dentures clean is important—not just for your breath, but for your health. Dentures can trap food and bacteria, which may lead to sore spots, bad odors, and even infections if not properly cleaned.
Each night, you’ll need to remove your dentures and brush them with a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid regular toothpaste—it’s too abrasive and can scratch the material. Instead, use a denture-safe cleanser or mild soap.
Don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue too. This keeps your mouth fresh and removes any residue the dentures left behind.
Removing Your Dentures at Night
Sleeping with dentures may seem convenient, but it’s not a great habit. Your gums need time to rest and recover from the constant pressure of wearing artificial teeth.
That’s why most dentists recommend removing your dentures every night and soaking them in a cleaning solution. This helps prevent dry mouth, gives your jaw a break, and keeps your dentures from drying out and warping.
But let’s be honest—the process can be a hassle. It’s not exactly the same as brushing your natural teeth. And for many, removing their teeth each night is a reminder that dentures are just temporary.
A Permanent Solution
If you’re tired of managing your teeth and are ready for a real, lasting solution, there’s a better way.
Full mouth dental implants offer a permanent, fixed solution that looks, feels, and functions like real teeth. No adhesives. No nightly soaks. No worrying about bone loss or slipping while you talk or eat. Just a confident smile you can wake up with—and keep.
And with Nuvia’s unique approach, you don’t have to wait 10+ months for your final teeth. With Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours, your new smile is ready the day after surgery.
Life is too short for temporary fixes. See if you may be a candidate for permanent teeth in 24 hours with the 60-second quiz.
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