Dentures are the most affordable way to replace multiple missing teeth — but “affordable” means different things to different people. You need real numbers before you commit.
This guide covers what dentures cost in Nashville in 2026, what drives your price up or down, how insurance and financing work, and how dentures stack up against implants and bridges. We also break down dental plate cost so you know what you’re paying for.
How Much Do Dentures Cost in Nashville?
The short answer: $800 to $3,000 per arch for traditional dentures, depending on whether you need partials or full dentures and what materials you choose.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Denture Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Partial dentures (acrylic) | $800 - $1,200 |
| Partial dentures (metal framework) | $1,000 - $1,500 |
| Flexible partial dentures | $900 - $1,300 |
| Full dentures (standard) | $1,500 - $2,000 per arch |
| Full dentures (premium) | $2,000 - $3,000 per arch |
| Immediate dentures | $1,800 - $3,000 per arch |
For patients considering implant-supported options:
| Procedure | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Implant-supported denture (lower arch) | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Implant-supported denture (upper arch) | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| All-on-4 (full arch) | $15,000 - $25,000 |
These are Nashville-area averages. Your actual cost depends on factors we’ll cover below.
What Is a Dental Plate and How Much Does It Cost?
“Dental plate” is another name for a denture—specifically, the acrylic or metal base that holds the replacement teeth. You’ll hear patients and dentists use both terms interchangeably.
Dental plate cost in Nashville breaks down the same as denture pricing above. A partial dental plate (replacing several teeth) runs $800 to $1,500. A full dental plate (replacing all upper or lower teeth) costs $1,500 to $3,000 per arch.
The cost depends on:
- Material: Acrylic plates cost less than metal-framework plates. Metal is thinner, stronger, and more comfortable for many patients.
- Number of teeth replaced: More teeth means more fabrication work.
- Customization: Shade matching, natural tooth positioning, and gum contouring add cost — but the difference in appearance is obvious.
If you’re searching “dental plate cost” and wondering if it’s different from dentures—it’s not. Same product, same pricing.
What Affects the Cost of Dentures?
Two patients with similar tooth loss can get very different bills. Here’s what moves the needle:
Partial vs. Full Dentures
Partial dentures cost less because they replace fewer teeth and clip onto your remaining natural teeth for support. Full dentures replace an entire arch and require more material, more lab time, and more fitting appointments.
Material Quality
You get what you pay for:
- Economy acrylic: $800 - $1,200 per arch. Functional, but thicker base and standard teeth give them an obvious look.
- Mid-range: $1,200 - $2,000 per arch. Better tooth quality, more realistic gum coloring, thinner base.
- Premium: $2,000 - $3,000+ per arch. Porcelain or composite teeth, detailed gum characterization, precision fit. These are the dentures that look most natural.
Extractions
If you need teeth extracted before dentures, that’s an additional cost:
- Simple extraction: $150 - $300 per tooth
- Surgical extraction: $300 - $600 per tooth
- Full-mouth extractions: $1,500 - $3,000+
Some practices include extractions in a denture package. Ask during your consultation.
Immediate vs. Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures are made after your gums have healed from extractions (6-8 weeks). They fit better from the start because your mouth has settled.
Immediate dentures go in the same day teeth come out. You leave with teeth, but they cost $300-$500 more because they need relines as your gums heal and shrink over the following months.
Number of Fitting Appointments
Good dentures require multiple fittings — 4-7 appointments over 4-6 weeks. Practices that rush this process produce dentures that don’t fit well, which means expensive adjustments later.
At Nations Dental Studio, we schedule enough appointments to get the fit right the first time: consultation, impressions, try-in, delivery, and three follow-ups.
Geographic Location
Nashville denture costs fall mid-range nationally. Downtown and Gulch practices charge more due to overhead. Suburban offices in Brentwood or Franklin run about the same. Rural Tennessee costs less — but traveling for cheaper dentures means traveling for every adjustment and reline, too.
Does Insurance Cover Dentures in Nashville?
Most Tennessee dental insurance plans cover dentures as a prosthetic benefit. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Typical coverage: 40-50% of the cost, subject to annual maximums
Common limitations:
- Annual maximum of $1,000 - $2,500 (may cover a large portion of your dentures)
- Waiting periods of 6-12 months for major procedures
- One set of dentures per 5-8 years (frequency limitations)
- May require pre-authorization
What’s usually covered:
- Complete dentures (upper, lower, or both)
- Partial dentures
- Relines (often covered every 2 years)
- Repairs
What’s often NOT covered:
- Implant-supported dentures (some plans cover the denture but not the implants)
- Cosmetic upgrades
- Replacement dentures before the frequency limit
How to Maximize Your Insurance Benefits
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Get pre-authorization. Submit your treatment plan before starting. You’ll know exactly what’s covered.
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Use your full annual maximum. If your plan year ends soon, start now so costs fall within the current benefit year.
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Check medical insurance too. If dentures are needed due to accident or trauma, medical insurance may cover a portion.
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Use your HSA/FSA. Dentures qualify for pre-tax health savings dollars. At a 25% tax bracket, a $2,000 denture costs you $1,500 in real dollars.
At Nations Dental Studio, we verify your benefits before treatment starts. No surprises.
Example: What You’d Actually Pay
A realistic Nashville scenario:
- Full upper and lower dentures: $3,000 - $5,000
- Insurance covers 50% up to $1,500 annual max: -$1,500
- Your out-of-pocket: $1,500 - $3,500
With a payment plan, that’s $125 - $290/month over 12 months.
Financing Options for Dentures
Even with insurance, you’ll have out-of-pocket costs. Here’s how Nashville patients handle them:
In-House Payment Plans
Many dental offices offer interest-free plans. Typical terms: 6-24 months, 0% interest for qualified patients. Down payments range from $200 to $500.
Healthcare Credit (CareCredit, Sunbit, Proceed Finance)
Medical credit cards offer promotional financing — often 0% APR for 6-24 months if paid in full. Read the fine print: deferred interest plans charge back-interest if you miss the payoff deadline.
Nations Dental Studio partners with Sunbit. Most patients get approved in minutes and can see payment options before they commit to anything.
HSA/FSA Accounts
Dentures qualify as a medical expense. Pay with pre-tax dollars and save 20-30%, depending on your tax bracket.
FSA tip: These funds expire annually. If your plan year is ending soon, use FSA dollars for the down payment or full cost.
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)
TennCare covers dentures for eligible adults, though coverage varies by plan and may have limitations on materials or frequency. Contact your TennCare plan directly to verify denture benefits.
Dentures vs. Alternatives: Cost Comparison
Dentures cost less upfront than any other multi-tooth replacement. But upfront cost is only part of the picture:
| Option | Upfront Cost (Full Arch) | Lifespan | 20-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full dentures | $1,500 - $3,000 | 5-8 years | $4,500 - $12,000 |
| Implant-supported dentures | $8,000 - $15,000 | 15-20 years | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| All-on-4 implants | $15,000 - $25,000 | 20+ years | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Option | Upfront Cost (Per Tooth) | Lifespan | 20-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial denture (3-5 teeth) | $800 - $1,500 | 5-7 years | $2,400 - $6,000 |
| Dental bridge (3-4 teeth) | $2,000 - $4,000 | 7-10 years | $4,000 - $12,000 |
| Individual implants (per tooth) | $3,000 - $5,000 | 25+ years | $3,000 - $5,000 |
When Dentures Make the Most Sense
- Budget is tight. Dentures replace multiple teeth for a fraction of what implants cost.
- You need teeth now. Immediate dentures give you teeth the same day. Implants require 3-6 months of healing.
- Bone loss is advanced. Dentures work regardless of bone density. Dental implants require adequate bone or grafting.
- Surgery isn’t an option. Health conditions, medications, or personal preference may rule out surgical approaches.
- You’re saving for implants. Dentures work as a stepping stone while you plan for implant-supported options down the road.
When to Consider Alternatives
- You want something permanent. Implants last 25+ years and feel like natural teeth.
- You’re replacing 1-2 teeth. A dental bridge or single implant is more practical than a partial denture in most cases.
- Bone preservation matters. Dentures don’t stimulate jawbone. Over years, bone loss reshapes your face. Implants prevent this.
What to Expect: The Denture Process
Knowing the steps helps you budget both time and money. At Nations Dental Studio, here’s how it works:
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Consultation — We examine your mouth, discuss your goals, and create a treatment plan with clear pricing. If extractions are needed, we plan those first.
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Impressions — Molds of your mouth capture the exact contours your dentures need to match.
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Try-in — A wax-up lets you see and feel an approximation of your finished dentures. We check fit, bite, shade, and appearance. You give feedback before final fabrication.
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Delivery — Your finished dentures are fitted, adjusted, and polished. You get care instructions and tips for eating with them.
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Follow-ups — Appointments at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Adjustments are normal and expected. After 3 months, you transition to periodic relines every 1-2 years.
The full process takes 4-6 weeks. We don’t rush it. A denture that fits right from the start saves you money on adjustments later.
How to Save Money on Dentures Without Cutting Corners
1. Don’t Skip Quality for Price
The cheapest dentures often cost more long-term. Poor fit means more adjustments, more relines, and earlier replacement. Mid-range or better materials get you a denture that lasts 5-8 years with proper care.
2. Maximize Insurance
Patients leave insurance money on the table all the time. Verify your benefits, get pre-authorization, and time your treatment to use your annual maximum.
3. Use Pre-Tax Dollars
HSA and FSA accounts reduce your effective cost by 20-30%. That $2,500 denture costs $1,750 in real after-tax dollars.
4. Ask About Package Pricing
Some practices bundle extractions, dentures, and follow-up care into a single price. This is often cheaper than paying for each service separately.
5. Maintain Your Dentures
Daily cleaning, proper storage, and regular check-ups prevent costly repairs and stretch the life of your dentures. A $15 denture brush and cleaning solution saves hundreds in repair bills.
FAQs
How much do full dentures cost in Nashville?
$1,500 to $3,000 per arch, depending on materials and customization. Upper and lower together run $3,000 to $5,000. Insurance often covers 40-50% up to your annual maximum.
Are dental plates the same as dentures?
Yes. “Dental plate” is just another name for a denture — the acrylic or metal base that holds replacement teeth. Same product, same pricing.
How much does a partial denture cost?
$800 to $1,500 in Nashville, depending on material (acrylic, metal framework, or flexible). They replace several teeth while keeping your remaining natural ones in place.
Does TennCare cover dentures?
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) covers dentures for eligible adults, though specifics vary by plan. Coverage typically includes basic dentures with limitations on materials. Contact your TennCare plan to verify.
How long do dentures last?
5-8 years with proper care before they need replacement. Relines every 1-2 years keep the fit tight as your mouth changes. Better materials and regular maintenance push that number higher.
Can I get dentures the same day as extractions?
Yes — these are called immediate dentures. They cost $300-$500 more than conventional dentures and need relines as your gums heal. The trade-off: you walk out with teeth that day instead of waiting 6-8 weeks.
How do I make my dentures look natural?
It comes down to material quality, customization, and fit. Premium teeth, shade matching, and natural tooth positioning make a visible difference — side by side, it’s not even close. Read our full guide: Most Natural Looking Dentures: 2026 Guide.
Are implant-supported dentures worth the extra cost?
They cost $8,000-$15,000+ per arch — far more than traditional dentures. But they don’t slip, chewing power is better, and they preserve jawbone. If the budget is there, it’s a real upgrade. If not, traditional dentures still do the job well at a fraction of the price. Learn more about dental implant options.
Get Your Personalized Denture Quote
Every mouth is different. The only way to know your actual cost is a proper evaluation.
At Nations Dental Studio, we offer free denture consultations. We examine your mouth, walk through your options (partial, full, or implant-supported), verify your insurance, and give you clear pricing. No surprises, no pressure.
We build every denture custom to your mouth — your contours, your bite, your face shape. Multiple fitting appointments make sure the result looks natural and feels comfortable. Relines and adjustments happen here, not at a lab across the state.
Want to know what dentures would cost for you? Schedule your free consultation or contact us with questions.