Dentures
Dentures — Procedure, Risks & What to Expect
Quick answer
Dentures on the NHS cost £332.10 in England (Band 3 — covers acrylic or cobalt-chrome). Privately, an acrylic partial denture costs £400–£900, a full acrylic denture £600–£1,200, and a cobalt-chrome (metal-framed) partial £800–£1,500. Implant-retained overdentures cost £4,000–£9,000 per arch and are far more stable than conventional dentures, especially in the lower jaw.
Key facts
- NHS England (Band 3): £332.10
- Private acrylic partial: £400–£900
- Private full acrylic: £600–£1,200
- Cobalt-chrome partial: £800–£1,500
- Implant-retained overdenture (per arch): £4,000–£9,000
- Replacement cycle: every 5–8 years
- Reline (re-fit): £150–£400 — extends lifespan 2–3 years
Dentures replace missing teeth and are removable for cleaning. Acrylic dentures are the cheapest option. Cobalt-chrome (metal-framed) dentures are stronger and slimmer. Flexible dentures (Valplast) are popular for partial replacement.
What are dentures?
Dentures remain the most common solution for multiple missing teeth in the UK, especially for older patients and those who cannot afford implants. UK patients search for denture prices when teeth are due for extraction or when an old denture no longer fits. The price spans from £332.10 NHS to over £12,000 for implant-retained overdentures.
Who needs this treatment?
- Patients missing several teeth in one jaw
- Anyone needing a complete (full mouth) replacement
- Patients who cannot have implants for medical or financial reasons
- People needing an immediate denture to wear on the day of extraction
What does the procedure involve?
A standard denture takes 4–6 visits over 4–8 weeks: initial impressions, secondary impressions for accurate fit, bite registration, try-in (waxed-up teeth on the dentist’s prescription), and fitting. Adjustments after fitting are normal in the first 2–4 weeks. Immediate dentures are made before extractions so you have teeth on the same day; the fit is adjusted as the gums heal.
Recovery time
It takes 2–6 weeks to adapt to new dentures — speech and eating gradually normalise. Sore spots appear in the first week and are quickly relieved by minor adjustments. Soft foods for the first 1–2 weeks. Take the denture out at night and soak it in cleaning solution.
How long does it last?
Conventional dentures should be replaced every 5–8 years. Your jawbone resorbs after extractions, so the denture loosens over time. Relines (re-fitting the inside surface) can extend life by 2–3 years and cost £150–£400.
NHS Coverage
Falls under Band 3. NHS dentures are functional acrylic or metal — cosmetic premium options are private only.
In England the NHS charge is £332.10 (effective from 1 April 2026). Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each set their own rates.
NHS charges for all four nations compared →Going Private
Implant-retained dentures use 2–4 implants to clip the denture in place — far more stable than conventional dentures.
Privately, dentures cost £400–£1,500 (conventional acrylic or cobalt-chrome dentures) across the UK, with central London typically 30–50% above that range.
Full price breakdown, option by option →What Affects the Cost
- Material (acrylic, cobalt-chrome, flexible)
- Number of teeth replaced
- Whether implants are used to retain the denture
- Lab quality and aesthetic finishing
When is this treatment available on the NHS?
Covered by the NHS Band 3 charge (£332.10) — acrylic or cobalt-chrome dentures are typical. Implant-retained overdentures are not available on the NHS except in very specific circumstances (severe medical need, hospital cases).
How to save money on this treatment
- Use the NHS — £332.10 covers a complete acrylic denture
- Choose acrylic over cobalt-chrome unless your dentist recommends the metal frame
- Combine with extractions in one Band 2/3 course of treatment
- Maintain your denture well — relines extend life significantly
- Avoid private “premium” dentures if cost is critical — fit and function matter more than material
Does dental insurance cover this?
UK dental insurance typically covers dentures at 50–70% reimbursement up to annual limits. Implant-retained overdentures have lower coverage as they fall under implant limits.
Risks and side effects
- Bone loss in the jaw continues steadily under dentures (3–5 mm in the first year, less thereafter)
- Sore spots and ulcers in the first weeks
- Difficulty eating sticky or hard foods
- Speech changes during adaptation
- Risk of gum infection if not cleaned daily
- Allergic reaction to denture material (rare)
Red flags to watch for
- Quotes for premium “cosmetic” dentures over £2,000 without clinical justification
- No discussion of implant-retained options for patients with full lower dentures (the lower jaw shrinks fastest)
- Pressure to replace dentures every 2–3 years rather than reline them
Alternatives to consider
- Dental Bridge — Fixed alternative for small gaps — does not need to be removed for cleaning.
- Dental Implant (Single Tooth) — Permanent replacement; can also be used to retain a denture (overdenture).
- All-on-4 / All-on-6 Implants — Fixed full-arch alternative using 4 implants per jaw — most expensive option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dentures last?
Conventional dentures should be replaced every 5–8 years. Your mouth changes shape as bone resorbs.
Will I be able to eat normally?
After 4–8 weeks of practice, most patients can eat most foods. Very hard or sticky foods (toffee, raw apple) remain challenging.
What is a reline?
A reline re-fits the inside surface of the denture to match your changed gum shape. It costs £150–£400 and can extend the denture’s useful life by 2–3 years.
Do I need to sleep without my dentures?
Yes — give your gums time to recover from the pressure. Soak the denture overnight in a cleaning solution.
What is an immediate denture?
An immediate denture is made before extractions so you leave with teeth on the same day. Multiple relines are needed in the first 6 months as gums heal.
Are implant-retained dentures worth the cost?
For lower dentures yes — the lower jaw shrinks fastest and conventional lower dentures often become loose. Two implants and a clip retention is the most cost-effective upgrade.