Last updated: January 2026. This guide covers dentures costs in the UK, including current NHS Band 3 charges, private pricing by denture type, regional variations across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and who qualifies for free treatment.
If you're considering dentures, understanding the costs involved is essential for making an informed decision. Whether you choose NHS or private treatment, prices vary significantly based on the type of dentures, materials used, and where you live in the UK.
This comprehensive guide provides verified pricing information from official sources to help you understand what to expect and find the best option for your needs and budget.
Quick Summary: UK Dentures Cost at a Glance
Before we dive into the details, here's a quick overview of what you can expect to pay for dentures in the UK.
| Denture Type | NHS Cost (2026) | Private Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Partial dentures (acrylic) | £326.70 | £450–£800 |
| Full dentures (acrylic) | £326.70 | £500–£1,500 |
| Chrome partial dentures | Not typically available | £800–£1,800 |
| Flexible dentures (Valplast) | Not typically available | £550–£1,500 |
| Immediate dentures | £326.70 (if clinically needed) | £950–£1,500 |
| Implant-retained dentures | Exceptional cases only | £14,000–£18,000 per arch |
Important: NHS charges cover your entire course of treatment, not just the dentures. This includes examinations, X-rays, extractions, and all fitting appointments.
NHS Dentures Cost (2026 Prices)
Dentures fall under NHS Band 3 treatment, which covers the most complex dental procedures. The cost varies depending on which UK nation you live in.
Current NHS Band 3 Charges
| Nation | Band 3 Cost | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| England | £326.70 | Fixed charge from 1 April 2025 |
| Wales | £326.70 | Fixed charge from 1 April 2025 |
| Scotland | Maximum £384 | 80% patient contribution, capped |
| Northern Ireland | Maximum £384 | 80% patient contribution, capped |
"Band 3 course of treatment: £326.70 - This covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures such as crowns, dentures and bridges." — NHS Business Services Authority
What NHS Band 3 Includes
Your NHS Band 3 charge covers everything you need for your dentures:
- Initial examination and diagnosis
- X-rays if required
- Any necessary extractions
- Dental impressions (moulds)
- Laboratory work to create your dentures
- All fitting appointments
- Adjustments to ensure proper fit
- Aftercare advice
How Scotland and Northern Ireland Differ
Unlike England and Wales with fixed band charges, Scotland and Northern Ireland use a percentage-based system.
"NHS patients pay 80% of treatment costs, capped at a maximum of £384 per course of treatment." — NHS Inform Scotland
Key points for Scotland:
- All NHS dental examinations are free
- Patients under 26 receive free NHS treatment
- Pregnant women and new mothers receive free treatment
- Those with HC2 certificates receive free treatment
NHS Denture Materials
The NHS provides clinically appropriate denture materials, which typically means acrylic dentures. These are functional, durable, and suitable for most patients.
"NHS dentures are made from acrylic, which is cost-effective and clinically appropriate for most patients."
Chrome (metal) dentures may be available on the NHS in certain clinical circumstances, but this is at your dentist's discretion based on clinical need rather than patient preference.
Who Qualifies for Free NHS Dentures?
Several groups qualify for completely free NHS dental treatment, including dentures.
Automatic Eligibility
You qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you are:
- Under 18 years old
- Under 19 and in full-time education
- Pregnant (with valid Maternity Exemption Certificate)
- Have had a baby in the last 12 months (with MatEx certificate or baby's birth certificate)
"You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you're under 18, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education." — NHS
Benefits-Based Eligibility
You also qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner receive:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Universal Credit Recipients
If you receive Universal Credit, you qualify for free NHS dental treatment if:
"Your take-home pay was £435 or less in your last Universal Credit assessment period, OR your Universal Credit payment includes an element for a child, or you have been assessed as having limited capability for work, AND your take-home pay was £935 or less." — NHS Business Services Authority
NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2/HC3 Certificates)
If you're on a low income but don't receive qualifying benefits, you may get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
| Certificate | What It Provides |
|---|---|
| HC2 | Full help with NHS dental costs — completely free treatment |
| HC3 | Partial help — you pay a reduced contribution |
How to apply:
- Complete the HC1 form (available from dentists, GPs, or online)
- Post to NHS Business Services Authority
- Receive your certificate within 4 weeks
NHS Low Income Scheme helpline: 0300 330 1343
Private Dentures Cost UK (2026)
Private dentures cost more than NHS options but offer greater choice in materials, aesthetics, and service. Here's what you can expect to pay.
Partial Dentures Cost
Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth whilst your remaining natural teeth stay in place.
| Partial Denture Type | Cost Per Arch | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | £450–£800 | Budget option, shorter-term use |
| Flexible (Valplast) | £550–£1,500 | Comfort, aesthetics, metal-free |
| Chrome (cobalt) | £800–£1,800 | Durability, long-term use, better fit |
Full Dentures Cost
Full (complete) dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both.
| Full Denture Type | Cost Per Arch | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | £500–£1,500 | Most common, good functionality |
| Flexible | £1,000–£1,500 | More comfortable, better aesthetics |
| Chrome | £1,500–£3,000 | Premium option, longer lasting |
| Complete set (upper + lower) | £1,000–£3,000+ | Depends on material choice |
Immediate Dentures Cost
Immediate dentures are fitted on the same day as tooth extractions, allowing you to leave the surgery with teeth rather than gaps.
Private cost: £950–£1,500 per arch
Important considerations:
- Require more adjustments as gums heal
- May need relining or replacement after 6–12 months
- Higher cost reflects extra appointments and laboratory work
"Immediate dentures are fitted on the day teeth are removed. Because the dentist estimates the shape of your gums before healing, more adjustment visits are usually needed."
Implant-Retained Dentures Cost
Implant-retained dentures offer the most secure and natural-feeling option, using dental implants to anchor the dentures in place.
| Option | Cost Per Arch | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (acrylic) | £14,000–£15,000 | 4–6 implants + denture |
| Premium (zirconia) | £16,000–£18,000 | 4–6 implants + premium denture |
| Both arches | £28,000–£36,000 | Complete upper and lower |
NHS availability: Implant-retained dentures are only available on the NHS in exceptional circumstances (such as following cancer treatment or severe trauma).
Why Do Private Denture Prices Vary?
Private denture costs depend on several factors:
- Material quality — Premium materials cost more but last longer
- Number of teeth being replaced
- Customisation — Natural appearance and precise fit require more work
- Location — London practices typically charge 20–30% more than regional practices
- Dentist experience — Specialists may charge higher fees
Denture Types Compared: Which Should You Choose?
Understanding the different denture types helps you make the right choice for your needs and budget.
Acrylic Dentures
NHS available: Yes (standard option)
Private cost: £450–£1,500 per arch
Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care
Acrylic dentures are the most common and affordable option. They're made from hard plastic and can be easily adjusted or repaired.
Advantages:
- Most affordable option
- Easy to adjust and repair
- Suitable for most patients
- Available on NHS
Disadvantages:
- Bulkier than other options
- May feel less natural
- Shorter lifespan than metal dentures
- Can break if dropped
Chrome (Cobalt Chrome) Dentures
NHS available: Limited (clinical need basis)
Private cost: £800–£3,000 per arch
Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care
Chrome dentures have a metal framework covered with acrylic for the gums and teeth. They're thinner, stronger, and more comfortable than all-acrylic options.
"Cast metal dentures are stronger and more durable than acrylic. Studies show 75% are still worn at 5 years and 50% at 10 years."
Advantages:
- Stronger and more durable
- Thinner and more comfortable
- Better fit and stability
- Conduct heat (more natural feel)
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost
- Not usually available on NHS
- Requires precise fitting
- Metal clasps may be visible
Flexible Dentures (Valplast)
NHS available: No
Private cost: £550–£1,500 per arch
Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care
Flexible dentures are made from soft, flexible plastic that moulds to your gums. They're comfortable and natural-looking.
Advantages:
- Very comfortable to wear
- No metal clasps visible
- Good aesthetics
- Lightweight
Disadvantages:
- Cannot be repaired if broken
- May need replacement sooner
- Not suitable for all cases
- Higher cost than acrylic
Immediate Dentures
NHS available: Yes (if clinically appropriate)
Private cost: £950–£1,500 per arch
Lifespan: Temporary — typically 6–12 months before replacement
Immediate dentures are placed immediately after teeth are extracted, so you never have to be without teeth.
"Immediate dentures fill gaps straight after extractions. Because jawbone changes significantly in the first 6 months, they often require relining or replacement." — NHS Tayside
Advantages:
- Never without teeth
- Protects extraction sites
- Helps you adapt to wearing dentures
Disadvantages:
- More adjustment appointments needed
- May need replacing after healing
- Fit changes as gums shrink
- Higher overall cost
NHS vs Private Dentures: Key Differences
| Factor | NHS Dentures | Private Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £326.70 fixed (England) | £450–£18,000 depending on type |
| Materials | Acrylic (standard) | Full range including chrome, flexible |
| Waiting time | Can be several weeks | Usually faster appointments |
| Aesthetics | Functional focus | Natural appearance priority |
| Appointment flexibility | Limited | More convenient scheduling |
| Material choice | Clinician decides | Patient can choose |
| Follow-up care | Included in band charge | May incur additional fees |
When to Choose NHS Dentures
NHS dentures are a good choice if:
- Budget is your primary concern
- You qualify for free treatment
- You need functional dentures quickly
- You're comfortable with acrylic material
- Aesthetics aren't your top priority
When to Choose Private Dentures
Private dentures may be worth the investment if:
- You want longer-lasting chrome dentures
- Aesthetics and natural appearance are important
- You prefer flexible, more comfortable materials
- You want faster service and more appointments
- You have specific preferences about appearance
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the initial denture cost, plan for ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement.
Denture Relines
Over time, your gums change shape and dentures may need relining to maintain a good fit.
| Service | NHS Cost | Private Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reline | £75.30 (Band 2) | £100–£300 |
| Soft reline | Included if needed | £80–£150 |
Frequency: Every 2–3 years typically
Denture Repairs
Accidents happen — dentures can crack, break, or lose teeth.
| Repair Type | NHS Cost | Private Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Simple repair | £75.30 (Band 2) | £80–£150 |
| Major repair | £75.30 (Band 2) | £200–£350 |
| Lost/damaged replacement | £98.00 (30% of Band 3) | Full cost |
Maintenance Products
Budget for daily care products:
- Denture cleanser: £30–£60 per year
- Denture adhesive: £50–£100 per year (if needed)
- Storage case: £5–£15
Replacement
Dentures don't last forever and will eventually need replacing.
| Denture Type | Typical Replacement Frequency |
|---|---|
| Acrylic | Every 5–7 years |
| Chrome | Every 10–15 years |
| Flexible | Every 5–10 years |
| Immediate | After 6–12 months (transitional) |
How to Pay for Dentures
If you're choosing private dentures, several payment options can help spread the cost.
0% Finance Options
Many dental practices offer interest-free finance:
- 12-month plans — Spread cost with no interest
- Extended plans (24–60 months) — Lower monthly payments, may include interest
Example: £1,500 chrome dentures could cost £125/month over 12 months with 0% APR.
Dental Payment Plans
Some practices offer in-house payment plans:
- Monthly payment schemes
- Pay deposits and balance over time
- No credit checks with some providers
Dental Insurance
If you have dental insurance, check what's covered:
- Many policies cover dentures partially
- Pre-existing conditions may be excluded
- Annual limits apply
- Waiting periods for major work
Dentures vs Alternatives: Cost Comparison
Dentures aren't your only option for replacing missing teeth. Here's how they compare to alternatives.
Dentures vs Dental Implants
| Factor | Dentures | Dental Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £326–£3,000 | £1,800–£4,500 per tooth |
| Full arch cost | £500–£3,000 | £13,000–£18,000 |
| Lifespan | 5–15 years | 25+ years |
| Maintenance | Daily cleaning, relines | Similar to natural teeth |
| Bone preservation | Bone loss continues | Prevents bone loss |
| Feel | Can feel bulky | Natural feeling |
Best long-term value: Dental implants cost more initially but may be more cost-effective over a lifetime due to their longevity.
Dentures vs Dental Bridges
| Factor | Dentures | Dental Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £326–£3,000 | £750–£3,200 |
| Replaces | Multiple teeth/full arch | 1–4 adjacent teeth |
| Removable | Yes | No (fixed) |
| Lifespan | 5–15 years | 10–15 years |
| Adjacent teeth | Not affected | Require preparation |
Best for: Bridges work well for replacing a few adjacent teeth; dentures are better for multiple gaps or full arch replacement.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Denture lifespan depends on the type, material, and how well you care for them.
Expected Lifespan by Type
| Denture Type | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Acrylic partial | 5–7 years |
| Acrylic full | 5–7 years |
| Chrome partial | 10–15 years |
| Flexible | 5–10 years |
| Implant-retained | Implants: lifetime; denture: 10–15 years |
"The American Dental Association recommends having dentures examined for replacement every 5–7 years."
Signs Your Dentures Need Replacing
- Loose fit — slipping or moving when talking/eating
- Discomfort — sore spots, irritation, or pain
- Visible wear — worn teeth, discolouration
- Cracking — visible damage to the base
- Difficulty eating — food getting under dentures
Caring for Your Dentures
Good care extends denture life:
- Clean daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner (not regular toothpaste)
- Soak overnight in denture solution or water
- Handle carefully — clean over a folded towel or basin of water
- Avoid hot water — can warp the plastic
- Remove for sleeping — gives gums a rest
- Attend check-ups — annual examination recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a full set of dentures cost on the NHS?
In England and Wales, NHS dentures cost £326.70 under Band 3 (as of April 2025). This covers both upper and lower dentures within the same course of treatment. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, patients pay 80% of costs up to a maximum of £384.
Can you get free dentures on the NHS?
Yes, if you qualify. Free NHS dental treatment is available for under-18s, those under 19 in full-time education, pregnant women, new mothers (12 months), and people receiving certain benefits. Those on low incomes can apply for HC2 certificates through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
How much do private dentures cost in the UK?
Private dentures range from £450 to £3,000+ per arch depending on the type. Acrylic partials cost £450–£800, full acrylic dentures £500–£1,500, chrome dentures £800–£3,000, and implant-retained dentures £14,000–£18,000 per arch.
Are private dentures worth the extra cost?
It depends on your priorities. Private dentures offer more material choices (chrome, flexible), better aesthetics, faster service, and potentially longer lifespan. NHS dentures are functional and suitable for many people. Consider your budget, how important appearance is to you, and whether you want the durability of chrome.
What is the cheapest way to get dentures in the UK?
NHS Band 3 treatment at £326.70 is the most affordable option if you don't qualify for free treatment. If you're on a low income, apply for an HC2 certificate through the NHS Low Income Scheme — this provides completely free NHS dental care including dentures.
How long do NHS dentures last?
NHS acrylic dentures typically last 5–7 years with proper care. They may need relining every 2–3 years to maintain fit. Lifespan depends on oral hygiene, how well you care for the dentures, and natural changes to your gums and jawbone over time.
Are chrome dentures better than acrylic?
Chrome dentures are generally more durable, comfortable, and longer-lasting than acrylic. They're thinner, stronger, and conduct heat for a more natural feel. However, they cost more (£800–£3,000 vs £450–£1,500) and aren't routinely available on the NHS. For long-term use, many dentists recommend chrome if budget allows.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, with an adjustment period. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides to distribute pressure evenly. Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods initially. Most people adapt within a few weeks and can eat most foods comfortably. Well-fitted dentures provide better chewing ability.
How often do dentures need replacing?
Acrylic dentures typically need replacing every 5–7 years, chrome dentures every 10–15 years. Your gums and jawbone change over time, affecting fit. Even if dentures seem fine, have them checked annually. Signs you need replacement include loose fit, discomfort, visible wear, or difficulty eating.
Do dentures look natural?
Modern dentures can look very natural, especially private options where you can choose tooth colour, shape, and arrangement. NHS dentures are functional but may look less natural than premium private options. The quality of the dental laboratory and technician also affects appearance.
Finding the Right Dentist for Your Dentures
Whether you choose NHS or private treatment, finding an experienced dentist is important for a good outcome.
What to look for:
- Experience with denture fittings
- Clear explanation of options and costs
- Good reviews from denture patients
- Transparent pricing (especially for private)
- Convenient location and appointments
If you're struggling to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients, contact NHS England on 0300 311 2233 or use the NHS Find a Dentist service.
Ready to explore your options? Use our search to find dentists offering denture services near you, compare NHS and private options, and book a consultation to discuss your needs.
