How Much Do NHS Dentures Cost? Full, Partial and Replacements
Full or partial NHS dentures cost £332.10 in England. Repairs are free, but replacing lost or broken dentures has its own charge. Here is the full picture.
Updated · 5 min read
NHS dentures in England cost £332.10 as a Band 3 treatment, whether you need a full set or a partial denture. Repairs to existing NHS dentures are free. If you lose or break dentures and need a replacement, the charge is £99.60 per appliance, and this applies even to people who usually get free dental treatment.
Types of dentures you can get on the NHS
The NHS website describes two main types:
- Complete dentures replace all your upper or lower teeth.
- Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth and may clip onto your remaining teeth.
NHS dentures are made from plastic or metal. An NHS dentist will assess your teeth and decide whether dentures are the best option for you.
What the Band 3 charge includes
Dentures are listed in Band 3 of the NHS dental charges. Band 3 also includes everything in Bands 1 and 2, so £332.10 can cover:
- your examination and X-rays
- removing teeth before dentures are fitted
- making and fitting the dentures
- other treatment in the same course, such as fillings
Other denture costs
| What you need | Charge in England |
|---|---|
| New full or partial dentures | £332.10 (Band 3) |
| Small adjustments, such as smoothing rough edges or tightening clasps | £27.90 (Band 1) |
| Adding a tooth or clasp, relining or rebasing | £76.60 (Band 2) |
| Repairing dentures | Free |
| Replacing lost or broken dentures | £99.60 per appliance |
| Replacing worn dentures or because your mouth has changed | £332.10 (Band 3) |
Replacing lost or broken dentures
The NHS Business Services Authority says the £99.60 replacement charge applies even if you usually qualify for free or reduced-cost dental treatment. You may be able to claim a refund if paying caused you undue financial hardship, or if you took reasonable care of the appliance. You claim using form FP17R11 and your original receipt.
If your dentures need replacing because of normal wear and tear, or because your mouth has changed, the usual Band 3 charge applies unless you are exempt.
Who gets free NHS dentures
You do not pay NHS dental charges if you are under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education), pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or you or your partner get certain benefits. The NHS website has the full list.
Being treated by a hospital dentist is usually free, but you may still have to pay for dentures and bridges.
People on a low income can apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme for help.
How long dentures take
Your dentist measures your mouth and takes a mould or scan. The NHS website says it usually takes a few weeks for dentures to be made, and you will have another appointment to have them fitted.
Immediate dentures
If you need dentures quickly, for example straight after teeth are removed, you may be given immediate dentures. These can usually be made within a few days. Because your gums change shape as they heal, immediate dentures often need adjusting or replacing up to a year later. A new set is charged as normal.
Private and mixed options
You can pay privately for dentures, and you may have a wider choice of materials. The NHS website also says you may be able to pay extra to have different types of dentures fitted by an NHS dentist. Your dentist must explain which parts are NHS and which are private, and your treatment plan should show the costs before you agree.
Alternatives to dentures include bridges, which are also Band 3, and dental implants, which are rarely available on the NHS.
Getting used to new dentures
It can take a few weeks to get used to dentures. Practising taking them in and out and eating softer foods at first can help. Keep brushing your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and clean your dentures daily as your dentist advises.
If your dentures rub or feel loose, go back to your dentist. Small adjustments are Band 1, and if they are needed within 2 months of finishing your course, you do not pay again.
For an overview of all three charge bands, see our guide to NHS dental treatment costs.
Looking after your dentures
Good care helps dentures last and keeps your mouth healthy. The NHS website advises:
- brushing your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and evening
- taking your dentures out and brushing them with soft soap or washing-up liquid every morning and evening
- cleaning dentures over a sink of water or a towel, because they can break if dropped
- rinsing them in cold water after meals
- taking them out at night and keeping them in water, a denture-cleaning solution or a polythene bag with damp cotton wool
Do not clean dentures with toothpaste, as it can damage them, and do not wear them overnight unless your dentist recommends it.
If dentures are not cleaned properly or adjusted when needed, they can cause a sore mouth, infections and difficulty eating and speaking.
Denture cost questions
Do I pay twice if I need upper and lower dentures?
No. Both can be made in the same Band 3 course of treatment for one charge.
Are denture repairs really free?
Yes. Repairs to NHS dentures are free. If they cannot be repaired, you pay for new ones.
Sources
Checked on 14 October 2026:
- NHS website: Dentures (false teeth)
- NHS website: How much NHS dental treatment costs
- NHS website: Who can get free NHS dental treatment or help with dental costs
- NHS Business Services Authority: Replacement dental appliances
This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.