Everyone loves a good deal, and getting affordable dental work is no exception.

It’s natural to search for the cheapest dentures when faced with potentially high costs. After all, dentures can be expensive. And without insurance, the cost of dentures can be astronomical.

A little while ago, we put together a dentures cost comparison guide, where we share what you can expect to spend at a dentist vs a denture lab.

In short, dentures can cost thousands of dollars for a full set from a dentist. But are those super low-cost dentures you found online or at a budget clinic too good to be true?

Let’s get into it.

The Real Cost of the “Cheapest Dentures”

It’s important to understand why some dentures are very cheap and how denture pricing works.

Traditional dentures from a dentist can cost anywhere from around $1,000 up to $5,000 (or more) per plate, depending on materials and customization. In contrast, you might see advertisements for dentures or mail-order kits for only a few hundred dollars. National averages span from about $450 for a low-cost denture to over $6,500 for premium dentures.

So how can some providers offer dentures for, say, $300? Often, the cheapest dentures are made with lower-cost materials or less labor-intensive processes.

Some ultra-budget denture options are what dentists call “one-size-fits-all.” Basically, pre-made denture trays that aren’t truly custom-fitted to your mouth. This is why when you’re looking for a reliable dental lab provider, you must make sure that they offer either a partial denture or a full denture that can be custom fit to your mouth.

How Much Do the Cheapest Dentures Save?

Cutting down on dentists’ chair-time means a drop in costs, and those savings can be passed on to you.

Direct-to-consumer dental lab services like Dental Lab Direct skip the middleman dentist’s markup and can save you 50-75% of the cost versus going the traditional route, for the exact same high-quality denture.

Dental Lab Direct’s own pricing shows full Easy Dentures starting at $199.99 for a basic at-home kit with up to 20 refits, all taking less than 5 minutes to do yourself.

How to Avoid a Bad Fit While Saving Money on Dentures

The good news is that you can find the cheapest dentures that still fit well and look great; you just have to be an informed consumer. Here’s how to get the most value without ending up with a useless set of dentures.

Make Sure There Are Customization Options

When comparing denture options, find out how the denture will be made to fit your mouth.

Is an impression of your mouth taken (either by a dentist or via an at-home kit)? Will a trained technician custom-set the teeth to match your bite?

Customization doesn’t necessarily mean super expensive. Even reasonably priced dentures from a reputable lab will use your impressions to create a unique fit.

With that said, it’s safe to say it’s best to avoid any service that skips the step of individualized impressions or tries to sell you a generic appliance.

Dental Lab Direct offers an at-home impression kit so that you can create a custom fit, rather than sending a one-size-fits-all product like what some of the other cheap online labs do.

Take a Look at the Materials

High-quality acrylic or porcelain teeth and a durable acrylic base (or flexible resin for partials) make for a longer-lasting denture. Some bargain dentures might use lower-grade acrylic that can visibly shrink (even a 0.1% shrinkage during processing can affect fit).

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Before buying the cheapest dentures you can find, read reviews from other customers. Look for feedback on comfort, fit, durability, and customer service. Real customer stories can highlight things you might not think of, like how the company handles any issues or how long the dentures actually lasted.

Take Advantage Of Any Warranties Or Trial Periods

Some providers have a money-back guarantee window or will remold the denture if it doesn’t fit. Don’t be afraid to use these perks to get the best denture you can!

Cheapest Dentures Without Compromising Quality

Affordable doesn’t have to mean “bad.” Modern dentistry has advanced to the point where we can offer some of the cheapest dentures around and have it still be high-quality. Many patients are pleasantly surprised when they get a budget-friendly denture that fits well and looks natural.

A denture that allows you to chew and smile confidently is an investment in your quality of life. It’s worth a few hundred extra dollars to get one that you’ll actually wear and that won’t cause pain. With the tips above, you can find dentures that are both affordable and functional, giving you the right balance between cost and comfort.

The best denture is one that fits your mouth and your budget, and you can absolutely have both with Dental Lab Direct.