How Much Do Dentures Cost In The UK? NHS Vs Private Prices

Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth that you can take in and out. They restore your smile, support your cheeks and lips, and help you eat and speak more comfortably. Depending on how many teeth you’ve lost, you may need a full denture (all teeth in an arch) or a partial denture that clips to remaining teeth. Modern dentures can be made from acrylic, flexible nylon or a chrome‑cobalt frame, and some are stabilised by dental implants for extra confidence.

This guide sets out UK costs for NHS and private dentures, what you get for the price, and trade-offs between materials and fit. You’ll see price ranges by type, implant-supported options, factors that affect cost, extra fees to budget for, lifespan and upkeep, and ways to spread the cost or use exemptions—plus what to expect in a Luton consultation.

Dentures at a glance: types and materials

Before we get into how much dentures cost in the UK, here’s a quick snapshot of the main types and materials. Your choice affects comfort, bite strength, bulk, and longevity, so it’s central to both price and day‑to‑day experience, whether you need a full or partial solution.

• Full acrylic dentures: Conventional suction‑held; typical lifespan 5–10 years.

• Partial acrylic dentures: Clip to remaining teeth; easy to add teeth later.

• Flexible (nylon) dentures: Thin, metal‑free clasps; typically last 5–7 years.

• Chrome‑cobalt dentures: Rigid metal frame; durable, often up to 10 years.

• Implant‑retained overdentures: Removable denture on implants; overdenture replaced every 15–20 years.

NHS denture costs explained (band 3 and what’s included)

If you’re wondering how much dentures cost on the NHS, the answer is straightforward: dentures are a Band 3 treatment. In England, Band 3 is a fixed fee of £326.70 for the whole denture course of treatment, whether you need a full or partial denture that’s clinically necessary. The single fee covers the key steps needed to make and fit your appliance.

• What’s covered: assessment, any necessary X‑rays, impressions, bite records, try‑ins, the laboratory‑made denture, fitting, and essential post‑fit adjustments.

• What it’s for: clinically necessary dentures (full or partial) provided to restore function and oral health.

• What isn’t covered: dental implants usually aren’t available on the NHS, so implant‑supported dentures are typically private.

• Other NHS fees (for context): Band 1 £27.40 and Band 2 £75.30 apply to simpler care when dentures aren’t required.

Private denture prices in the UK: average ranges by type

Private costs vary with material, tooth count, and the level of customisation. If you’re asking how much dentures cost privately in the UK, expect acrylic to be the most budget‑friendly, flexible (nylon) to trade rigidity for comfort, and chrome‑cobalt to command more for durability and a slimmer fit.

Type (private)	Typical price (UK)
Single‑tooth acrylic partial	from £850
Partial acrylic denture	£850–£1,800+
Partial flexible (nylon) denture	from £600
Partial chrome‑cobalt denture	from £1,500
Complete acrylic denture	£950–£2,800+
Complete flexible denture	from £1,000
Complete chrome‑cobalt denture	from £1,100

Actual fees depend on case complexity, clasps, bite adjustments and aesthetics. Many clinics offer 0% finance over 12 months to spread costs. Implant‑retained options sit in a higher price bracket—we’ll cover those next.

Implant-supported dentures and full-arch options: what they cost

Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to stabilise your prosthesis and dramatically improve chewing confidence. Options range from removable overdentures that “snap” onto 2–3 implants to fixed full-arch solutions (often called All‑on‑4) that stay in place. These treatments are almost always private (implants usually aren’t available on the NHS) and sit above conventional denture fees because they involve surgery, precision lab work and multiple appointments. Costs are provided after a full assessment and digital planning.

• What you’re paying for: number of implants, abutments/attachments, the denture or bridge type (removable overdenture vs fixed hybrid bridge), surgical time, temporary teeth, and bespoke aesthetics.

• Longevity context: dental implants can last a lifetime; an implant overdenture typically needs replacing every 15–20 years; many fixed hybrid bridges last 15–20+ years with good care.

• Practical note: clinics commonly offer staged payments and 0% finance to spread the investment.

Cost comparison: NHS vs private (what you get for the price)

If you want the lowest out‑of‑pocket price, NHS dentures win: a single Band 3 fee of £326.70 in England covers assessment, impressions, the denture and essential adjustments. Private prices are higher but buy you choice and customisation: for context, complete acrylic dentures are commonly £950–£2,800+, partial acrylic from around £850, flexible from £600+, and chrome‑cobalt from £1,100–£1,500+.

• NHS value: one fixed fee; functional result; essential aftercare included; materials and aesthetics led by clinical need.

• Private value: wider material choices (acrylic, flexible, chrome‑cobalt); more control over tooth shade/shape and gum characterisation; typically more bespoke fit steps.

• Speed and access: appointment availability and turnaround often more flexible privately; NHS wait times vary.

• Upgrade paths: implant‑retained options are usually private only.

What affects the price of dentures

Asking how much dentures cost is really asking what your case demands. Private fees move with the material you choose, how many teeth are being replaced, and how bespoke you want the fit and look to be. Clinical complexity and the number of lab stages also add time and cost; if implants are involved, you’re in a different price bracket.

• Material choice: acrylic (budget), flexible nylon, or chrome‑cobalt metal frame.

• Type and size: full vs partial; number of teeth to replace.

• Design complexity: metal clasps, precision attachments, slimline frameworks.

• Aesthetics/customisation: tooth shade/shape, gum tinting and characterisation.

• Bite and anatomy: ridge shape, undercuts, and stability challenges.

• Lab and appointments: premium laboratories, multiple try‑ins, re‑records.

• Technology and expertise: digital scans and advanced planning.

• Future adaptability: designing acrylic partials to add teeth later.

• Turnaround speed: express timelines often cost more.

Extra costs to budget for (extractions, temporary dentures and relines)

Beyond the base fee, set aside a buffer for steps that aren’t always included or that crop up as your mouth changes. These can apply on both NHS and private pathways (private is usually itemised; NHS is banded). Typical add‑ons include minor repairs, extra appointments and lab tweaks.

• Extractions and healing visits: If teeth need removing pre‑denture; private fees apply, and on the NHS may be included within your course.

• Immediate/temporary denture: A provisional appliance during healing or while the final is made.

• Relines or remakes: Fit updates as gums change; many dentures need adjusting or remaking every 5–10 years.

• Adding teeth to a partial: From £150 when acrylic; often not possible with metal frameworks.

Ongoing maintenance, lifespan and total cost of ownership

Dentures aren’t a one‑off purchase. Expect routine check‑ups, occasional relines as your gums change, and periodic remakes. As a guide, complete acrylic dentures often last 5–10 years, flexible (nylon) around 5–7 years, chrome‑cobalt up to 10 years, and implant‑retained overdentures typically 15–20 years before replacement. Day‑to‑day, budget for cleansers/adhesives and the odd repair or tooth addition (from £150 on acrylic partials). Over a decade, your total cost of ownership is the initial fee plus any relines and a likely remake. On the NHS, each new denture course is a fresh Band 3 fee (£326.70 in England); privately, replacement follows the ranges shown above.

• Typical refresh points: reline when looseness appears; remake at end of lifespan.

• Care pays off: good hygiene and regular reviews extend comfort and durability.

Finance, NHS exemptions and ways to manage the cost

Worried about how much dentures cost? On the NHS, dentures are a fixed Band 3 fee (£326.70 in England), and some people qualify for help with health costs or full charge exemptions. Privately, many clinics offer regulated finance—0% over 12 months is common, with longer 24–60‑month terms on interest‑bearing plans—plus itemised quotes so you can budget confidently.

• Use 0% finance: Spread private costs over 12 months; longer terms often available with interest.

• Check NHS help/exemptions: If eligible, your Band 3 charge may be reduced or waived.

• Choose adaptable designs: Acrylic partials can have teeth added later to defer future spend.

• Ask about packages: See what’s included (adjustments, relines, repairs) to avoid surprises.

• Consider dental insurance: Some policies or cash plans contribute to denture fees—check limits and waiting periods.

How to choose the right option for you

Choosing dentures is a balance of budget, stability, aesthetics and how your mouth is likely to change. Start with clinical need (full vs partial), then weigh comfort and longevity against how much dentures cost and how quickly you want them. If future tooth loss is likely, plan for adaptability as well as today’s fit.

• Budget vs value: NHS Band 3 (£326.70 in England) is lowest cost; private adds material choice and custom aesthetics.

• Future changes:Acrylic partials can have teeth added later; metal frameworks often can’t.

• Comfort vs durability:Flexible (nylon) prioritises comfort (typically 5–7 years); chrome‑cobalt is slim and durable (often up to 10 years); acrylic full sets usually 5–10 years.

• Stability needs: For maximum hold, consider implant‑supported options; implants can last decades and overdentures are typically replaced every 15–20 years (usually private).

• Aesthetics and bite: Private care offers more control over tooth shade, shape and gum characterisation.

• Access and timings: Private pathways can be faster; NHS wait times vary.

What to expect at a denture consultation in Luton

At a Luton consultation, you’ll discuss your goals, medical history and budget. Your dentist will examine your gums and remaining teeth, take X‑rays if needed, and capture precise 3D iTero scans and photos. You’ll review options—acrylic, flexible, chrome‑cobalt or implant‑retained—with clear pros/cons, timelines, and whether an immediate denture is advisable after extractions. Expect an itemised quote and 0% finance, plus a simple roadmap for impressions, try‑ins and fitting. We welcome nervous patients, and our clinic is wheelchair accessible with disabled parking.

Key takeaways

Denture costs come down to what you need, the material, and how bespoke you want the fit and look to be. NHS dentures are the lowest upfront cost, while private care offers more choice, faster turnaround and more control over aesthetics and stability. Implants add the most confidence but sit in a different price bracket and are usually private.

• NHS value: Band 3 fixed fee (£326.70 in England) covers assessment to fitting and essential adjustments.

• Private ranges (guide): complete acrylic £950–£2,800+, partial acrylic from ~£850, flexible from ~£600, chrome‑cobalt from ~£1,100.

• Longevity: acrylic 5–10 years; flexible 5–7 years; chrome‑cobalt up to 10 years; implant overdentures 15–20 years.

• Extras to plan for: extractions, immediate dentures, relines, and adding a tooth to acrylic partials (from ~£150).

• Budget help: 0% finance is common privately; NHS exemptions/help may reduce or cover charges.

Ready to compare options and costs in person? Book your denture consultation in Luton via Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics.