How much does a full set of dentures cost in the UK?

February 26, 2022

Here are a couple of facts for you to ponder over

• 74% of British adults are missing at least one of their natural teeth.
• 6% of British adults don’t have any natural teeth left.

In such cases, your dentist can suggest opting for a full set of dentures. However, you might be wondering how much does a full set of dentures cost privately or at the NHS in the UK. Here’s a complete guide to offer you the answer.

In the next five minutes, this guide will cover aspects including how much full set dentures cost in the UK and other related FAQs. Here’s what this guide will discuss:

• What do full set dentures cost in the UK?
• When should you go for full set dentures?
• How to take care of full set dentures?
• How to clean full set dentures?
• What kind of dental hygiene must you maintain?
• How to eat with full set dentures?
• Are full set dentures comfortable?
• Do you need dental adhesives?
• When must you visit your dentist?
• Does your dental insurance cover full set dentures?

Full set dentures cost in the UK

In a private clinic

Private clinics offer 3 pricing plans depending on the quality of full set dentures:

• £500 to £700 is the lowest charge. These cleaning dentures have average quality and don’t offer aesthetically pleasing looks.
• £900 to £1250 for mid-range full set dentures.
• £1500 to £2500 for premium-range full set dentures.

With the NHS

Full set dentures fall under the Band 3 course of dental treatment. Under this band, NHS charges a set fee of £282.80 for the treatment. The treatment includes:

• Examination
• Diagnosis
• Protective care
• Root canal treatment
• Dentures
• Other lab work

Times when you should choose full set dentures

If you’ve lost all your teeth due to accidents, injury, periodontitis, tooth infection or other medical conditions, you must go for full set dentures.

Your dentist will offer the modern false teeth as soon as your original teeth are removed. However, your dentist can choose to wait several months to allow your gums to heal and alter their shape.

Taking care of full set dentures

Your dentist can ask you to wear your dentures all the time — even while sleeping — for the first 5 days. Afterwards, remove the dentures at night to allow your gum to rest.

Place the dentures in a glass of water. The process keeps the dentures moist and helps retain shape. Furthermore, you can use a polythene bag with damp cotton or an overnight denture-cleaning solution prescribed by your dentist.

Cleaning full set dentures

Wondering how to clean full set dentures? Here’s how:

• Brush the dentures with toothpaste or a non-abrasive cleaner before soaking to remove food particles.
• Soak the dentures in a disinfecting denture cleaner prescribed by your dentist.
• Brush once more before wearing the dentures. However, never scrub the dentures.
• Clean the dentures in a sink filled with water, folded in a soft towel, or over a bowl. The process protects the dentures from breakage.

Dental hygiene to maintain

You must brush your gums, tongue, and remaining teeth (if any) twice a day — once in the morning, once in the night. Brushing protects you from tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and other dental issues.

Furthermore, use fluoride-based toothpaste for best results.

Eating with full set dentures

Avoid chewing gum, sticky food, hard food, and foods with sharp edges for the first 5 days. Go for soft foods cut into small pieces. Always chew slowly with both sides of your mouth. Never use toothpicks.

Afterwards, gradually return to your normal diet.

The comfort level of full set dentures

How long does it take to get used to dentures? The timeframe varies for everyone. However, you can feel uncomfortable for up to 7 days.

Furthermore, gums and jaws change shape with time, especially after the removal of teeth. Thus, full set dentures can feel uncomfortable again after a few years. If that happens, consult your dentist.

Your dentist can choose to make adjustments to the existing dentures or suggest new ones.

Requirement of dental adhesives

You won’t need dental adhesives if your dentures fit properly (And ideally, they should). However, your dentist can suggest dental adhesive if your jawbone has shrunk significantly. The adhesive helps retain the dentures in their place.

Apply the adhesive as mentioned in the package. Brush the dentures with soap and water to remove adhesive from the dentures. Furthermore, you can use a clean damp flannel or a damp kitchen roll as well.

Times to visit your dentist

A general rule of thumb, consult your dentist each month or as your dentist suggests.

Furthermore, visit your dentist if your dentures stop fitting properly. The scenario can arise after 3 to 5 years (Or sooner in some cases) as jawbones and gums shrink with time. Ill-fitting dentures result in infections, mouth sores, difficulty in speaking or eating, among others.

Furthermore, consult your dentist if

• Your dentures slip regularly.
• Your full set dentures click whenever you talk.
• Your dentures feel uncomfortable.
• Your dentures have worn out.
• You have signs of tooth decay or gum disease. The signs include bad breath and bleeding gums.

Dental insurance covering full set dentures

Most dental insurance policies cover full set dentures costs. The amount ranges from full cost for NHS treatments and up to 80% of the full cost in the case of private clinics. However, most insurance policies have an annual spending cap.

Full set dentures cost in the UK — choose the best

35,000 dental practitioners offer their services in over 12,000 dental clinics in the UK. Thus, you must know the full set dentures cost in the UK to choose the right cosmetic dentist for you. We hope the guide will help you to get the best value for your money and not get duped in the process.