13 Types of Dentures and Average Costs Explained

If you've lost any of your teeth, dentures are a common solution that can vastly improve your quality of life. But you might be surprised by just how many different types of dentures there are to choose from.

Dentures come in full or partial sets that are either fixed permanently in your jaw or removable. They can help with many issues, like reducing facial sagging, enhancing your smile, improving your ability to chew and making your speech clearer.¹ They can even reduce your chances of developing future issues like gum disease.²

Below, you'll find a list of 13 major types of dentures. Since dentists may use some of these terms slightly differently or interchangeably, be sure to ask them to define precisely how each suggested option works.

1. Full Dentures

Full dentures are removable dentures that replace all your teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They have an acrylic, flesh-colored base that fits over your gums.³

Cost of full dentures

Traditional full dentures cost $1,968 on average but can range from $1,520 to $3,648, depending on the quality of the dentures and your geographic location.⁴

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable dentures that replace only a few missing teeth rather than all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. These are typically attached to an acrylic framework and help stop your natural teeth from shifting. They have clasps that attach to your natural teeth and may be more affordable than bridges or implants.³

Cost of partial dentures

How much partial dentures cost depends on the material they're made from. For example, partial resin dentures cost about $1,738 on average, ranging from $1,333 to $3,283. Partial metal dentures cost more at $2,229 on average, ranging from $1,728 to $4,203.⁴

3. Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures are the most basic type of removable denture. They stay in place through a suction created when they're put in your mouth. They don't use frames or implants.⁵

Cost of traditional dentures

While traditional dentures can range in cost from $1,520 to $3,648, the average cost is $1,968.⁴

4. Immediate Dentures (Temporary or Interim)

An immediate denture is a removable denture you can start wearing the same day your teeth are removed.⁶ Some dentists may call it a temporary denture or interim denture.⁷

Your dentist will take measurements and make a model of your jaw in a preliminary visit, so the denture is ready during your removal appointment.⁶ Because it's temporary, you may need to have it adjusted or replaced once your jaw heals.⁶ This can sometimes take as long as 12 months.⁷

Cost of immediate dentures

In the U.S., immediate dentures cost an average of $2,178, ranging from $1,707 to $3,540, depending on your location and the quality of the dentures.⁴

5. Transitional Dentures

Transitional dentures may also be called temporary dentures. Some dentists, however, may use this term to specify partial dentures that are worn immediately.⁸

6. Implant-Supported Dentures

For these fixed (non-removable) dentures, titanium posts are inserted into your jaw, and dentures are affixed to them. You can only use these if you have sufficient bone density. An implant-supported denture is more secure and stable and less likely to slip while you talk or chew.⁹

Cost of implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures cost about $3,976 on average, ranging from $3,055 to $7,294, depending on your location and the quality of the dentures.⁴

7. Overdentures

Overdentures are similar to implant-supported dentures except that you can remove them at home, while implant-supported dentures are permanent.⁵ They are designed to sit over an implant or, sometimes, your natural teeth.⁵ It's safe to sleep with overdentures, but your dentist may prefer you keep removable dentures in a denture bath at night.¹⁰

Cost of overdentures

Overdentures cost $3,136 on average but can range from $2,436 to $6,014, depending on the type of denture material and your geographic location.⁴

8. Flipper Dentures

A flipper denture is a custom-made partial denture that fits on your top or lower jaw.¹¹ It's similar to a removable retainer and usually only fills in for one or two missing teeth.¹²

A flipper denture is easy to put in and take out, but it's lightweight and can break easily. A flipper denture is usually considered a temporary solution until you can get a more permanent implant.¹¹

Cost of flipper dentures

Flipper dentures cost about $605 on average, ranging from $471 to $1,164, depending on your location and the quality of the dentures.⁴

9. Hybrid Dentures

Hybrid dentures are a cross between implants and traditional dentures. They are held in place by implants, making them more stable.¹³

Different dentists may have different interpretations of these dentures. Some consider them another term for permanent implant-supported dentures that can't be removed.¹³ Others view them more like overdentures that can be removed.¹⁴

10. Snap-On Dentures

This type of denture is used if you lost all your teeth but have sufficient bone for a dental implant. It has special attachments to snap onto your implants, ensuring it's removable but also stable.³

Cost of snap-on dentures

Snap-on dentures cost $2,480 on average but can range from $1,901 to $4,729, depending on the type of denture material and your geographic location.⁴

11. Custom Dentures

Some dentists may distinguish between custom dentures and lower-priced dentures. In this case, custom refers to dentures specially fabricated to match your teeth.¹⁵ They might involve taking exact measurements and molds of your mouth for customization.

Cost of custom dentures

Premium custom dentures are expensive, costing on average $6,514 and ranging from $5,000 to $12,438, depending on your location and the quality of the dentures.⁴

12. Economy Dentures

Some dentists may use the term economy denture to refer to an affordable denture that's more generic and not fabricated to precisely match your mouth's dimensions. These tend to look more artificial and require adhesives to stay secure.¹⁵

Cost of economy dentures

Low-cost dentures average about $452 in the U.S., typically ranging from $348 to $883.⁴

13. Flexible Dentures

Flexible dentures are newer and growing more popular. Unlike most dentures that are rigid, flexible dentures have a clear, thermoplastic base that doesn't use any attachments or clips. They're lightweight, thin and durable, with a realistic appearance, but can be more prone to bacteria growth.¹⁶

Flexible dentures fit so snugly and have such a good grip that it can be easy to eat a variety of foods with them.¹⁷ While all dentures can feel a bit painful and uncomfortable as you get used to them, flexible dentures are among the most comfortable.¹⁸

Cost of flexible dentures

Partial flexible dentures cost on average $1,761, ranging from $1,360 to $3,451, depending on your location and the quality of the dentures.⁴

Another Choice You'll Need to Make: Denture Materials

In addition to the types of dentures, there are many different materials to choose from. Here are how some of the options compare:¹⁹

Denture Cost Overview

The cost of your dentures can vary widely depending on where you live and the type of dentures you get. Here's a quick overview of how these costs* might work:⁴

Of course, geography also plays an important role in cost. For example, partial resin dentures cost an average of $2,150 in Washington, D.C., but an average of $1,485 in Mississippi.⁴

Your Dentist Can Help You Choose

As you can see, there are a wide variety of denture choices — ranging from partial to full and from permanent to removable — all with a variety of different materials. The cost can vary widely based on the type of denture you choose. Your dentist can help you narrow down your choices to which types are best for you.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dentures

Whether you're investing in dentures or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or orthodontist near you that accepts CareCredit to help get you on track to your perfect smile. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dentures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.