Last fact-checked: 24 January 2024

Look your best on a budget by getting beautiful new teeth abroad. Combine a dental treatment with a relaxing holiday and enjoy eating your favorite food again. Book your next appointment with Dental Departures and save up to 70% of the same treatment cost back home.

Dentures are the most cost-effective tooth replacement solution compared to dental implants or bridges. Whether full or partial dentures, they offer multiple benefits and are less invasive. Dentures improve speech and enable proper chewing, which is particularly important if you have lost most of your teeth - and especially, your beautiful new smile will help boost your self-confidence.

Find out how top-quality dentures can improve your life and let Dental Departures help you connect with one of our background-checked dental professionals from top destinations like Hungary, Thailand, Turkey, Bali, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Prices can be 60%-75% cheaper for patients getting a denture treatment abroad. 

See below the average denture prices and comparisons for a full acrylic denture (upper or lower):

Why Go Abroad for Denture Treatment?

Almost all dental treatments are a reasonably good option to have abroad, but some offer great savings that can make a real difference; in particular, the more expensive the treatment, the bigger the amount of savings. Full dentures are almost (but not always) worn exclusively by retirees and this group must often look for ways to stay within their budget, especially by making their social security, pensions and savings go further.

Hundreds of thousands of savvy North American dental tourists regularly make the quick trip to Mexico for dental care every year. Along the US-Mexican border, you can find tons of stellar dental clinics offering affordable, top-quality treatment to patients from the US and Canada. 

In fact, dental travel has become so popular that some locations have transformed into tourist attractions in their own right. Also known as Molar City, Los Algodones is one such place, attracting thousands of visitors each day from across the border, arriving specifically for cheaper dental treatments.

Other popular destinations include Costa Rica, Hungary, Turkey and even as far away as Thailand, Bali and the Philippines.

As a dental tourist, going for a denture treatment is a brilliant option. You can save 50-75% on both full and partial dentures, and even when upgrading to a higher-quality material - getting dentures abroad will still cost less than the cheapest dentures at home.

How Much Can I Save Traveling for Dentures?

Prices vary considerably throughout the world, however, dental tourism destinations are always considerably lower:

-In the United States, dentures cost, on average, $1,800

-At a Mexico dentist, they cost $500

-In the United Kingdom, dentures cost £1,300

-At a Thailand dentist, they cost £550

-In Australia, dentures cost AUD $1,500

-At a Bali dentist, they cost AUD $730

Not only will you save a ton of cash on the cost of your dentures in an exotic holiday destination, but if you book with Dental Departures you are assured of our best price guarantee and you can also take advantage of our exclusive online discounts.

Why Is Dental Care Cheaper Abroad?

Several factors specifically help bring down the cost of dental care and pass on major savings to patients. Top dental destinations such as Turkey, Hungary, Thailand and Mexico generally have a lower cost of living compared to the US, UK and Australia. 

Factors include but are not limited to:

• Property and leasing costs for operating a dental clinic, including utility costs, are considerably much less.
• Staff payroll and dentists’ salaries are lower relatives to the country’s lower living wage.
• Insurance, legal and malpractice costs are much less, and sometimes not required.
• Dental care prices are aligned to meet the country’s economic needs as most of the locals cannot afford to pay international prices.
• Some governments help promote medical tourism by offering subsidies and tax incentives for clinics servicing international patients as they consider medical tourism an integral part of the economy. 

Quality of Dental Care Abroad: Is it Safe?

Our network of private dental clinics has world-class standards and clinics are well-equipped to proficiently treat international patients. Top countries for dental tourism invest heavily in their dental technology to attract and retain international patients like you.

Our dental clinic and hospital partners also have affiliations, particularly with regard to hygiene and safety standards, and may specify they are signed up to the International Organization for Standardization and Joint Commission International Organization.

Preparing to go abroad for a dental procedure can be an overwhelming task, particularly if you are unfamiliar with a new country or you haven’t done enough research to find the right clinic. With so many places to choose from and a staggering number of online reviews and contradictory information, how do you know who to trust? We know this can be daunting, which is why we have already done the hard work for you. 

Dental Departures makes it quick and easy to find specialist dentists around the world who have the right expertise and experience to give you a beautiful new smile. We’ve partnered with thousands of fully verified dental clinics across the world that are ready to treat patients just like you.

Dental Departure’s Clinic Verification Checklist

At Dental Departures, we know how important it is to find reliable dentists who you can trust. Our checks are thorough–and we do onsite visits, verify dentist qualifications and professional memberships and associations, as well as collecting real patient reviews which we publish on our website. Alongside updated prices, maps and other useful information we offer our patients a free resource packed full of information to help you come to an informed decision about choosing a dentist abroad.

Specifically, we ask all clinics the following questions:

-How experienced are your dentists?

-Have the dentists received specialized training to perform more complex procedures, like a full-arch dental implant reconstruction?

-Are they licensed and registered with the respective country’s dental governing body?

-Are they members of well-established international professional organizations?

-Is the clinic accredited locally or internationally?

-Does the facility look clean and well-maintained–would we want to personally undergo treatment there ourselves?

-Does the clinic adhere to any official international protocols, like those set out by the International Organization for Standardization?

This extensive verification process ensures you will only get to see the best dentists abroad. So make sure you are heading to a quality-checked clinic by booking with Dental Departures. Get in touch with our Customer Care Team, or see below for convenient ways to book your appointment today. 

Dental Technology and Equipment Abroad

Globalization and cross-border training ensure that the same clinical standards are adhered to in all our recommended countries–from applying recognized techniques, using popular brand-name, universally available dental materials and following established health and safety protocols.

You’ll find on our list that our global partner clinics are well-equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology and advanced patient services that allow faster processing time and improved accuracy. Advanced technology in dental care is less invasive and overall enhances patient journey and satisfaction. 

Advanced digitization used by our partner clinic includes computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM), which utilizes digital technology to guide the design process for quick and precise fabrication of your denture, and that’s usually done at the clinic’s in-house laboratory - sometimes as quickly as a few hours!

To make an impression of your mouth, teeth, and gums, the dentist will use an intraoral 3D scanner to take a digital impression which is easy and more effective compared to the traditional method. The images are then uploaded to the CAD software for design and customization. Once you are satisfied with the prosthesis design, a digital milling machine will shape the dental material accordingly. 

Your dentist will carefully examine for any areas that put excess pressure on your gums and may make necessary adjustments multiple times to ensure that they fit properly and comfortably. 

When patients are considering dentures they often think of full dentures, mostly for the elderly–the ones that replace a whole arch spanning across the upper or lower jaw. However, many people today young and old are wearing dentures - more than you realize - as there are a great number of people who wear a denture in place of one or two missing teeth.

Dentures are removable oral appliances used to replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissues. Dentures can be partial or full, depending on the number of missing teeth and the specific needs of the patient.

Generally, dentures consist of a gum-colored base made of acrylic or similar material That supports a set of artificial teeth. The base is custom-made according to the patient’s dental impression to fit snugly against the gums and jawbone.

There are several types of dentures available, each designed to meet the patient’s needs and preferences. The main types of dentures:

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are for patients who have some natural teeth remaining in the mouth to be used as anchor teeth. A denture with metal or plastic clasps will be attached to the existing teeth so that the denture stays securely in place. The artificial teeth fill the gaps left by missing teeth, restoring aesthetics and oral functionality.

Conventioanl (Full) Dentures

Also called complete dentures, on the other hand, are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth (upper or lower arch). A full denture has a gum-colored base that rests atop your natural gums and relies on your palate or the lower jawbone ridge for support. They are typically held in place by suction against the gums and underlying jawbone. Adhesive creams can be used to help keep the denture in place.

Immediate Dentures

Dentures are placed immediately after your teeth have been extracted and will be used during the healing phase. Impressions of the mouth are taken before the teeth are removed, allowing the denture to be fabricated in advance. Immediate dentures offer the advantage of not having to be toothless during the healing period, however, the denture may require slight adjustments after the gums and bone heal and shrink.

Flexible dentures

Flexible dentures are partial removable dentures that are lightweight and flexible compared to traditional acrylic dentures. They are a great alternative for those with metal sensitivity as they are made from a thermoplastic like nylon or thermoplastic resin known for durability and resistance to fracture. The materials are biocompatible which doesn’t cause allergic reactions. They’re considered more natural-looking and are comfortable to wear due to the softer and thinner material. 

Implant-retained dentures 

Also called snap-in dentures, they combine the benefits of dentures and dental implants. Implant-retained dentures are removable; but Instead of relying on gums, jawbone ridge and adhesive for support, the dentures attach- or “snap in”- to dental implants embedded in the jaw. This reduces the chance of slippage, thus implant-retained dentures offer increased stability over traditional dentures. They can be removed for regular cleaning and maintenance.

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures are attached permanently to the dental implants in the jawbone, as a result, they are not removable but your dentist can remove them for cleaning and maintenance when necessary.

Implant-supported dentures look and feel like natural teeth as they provide superior stability and eliminate the need for adhesives or clasps. They are available for full arches and partial arches, offering a more secure and comfortable option.

Read here for more information on the full-arch All-on-4 option.

The Benefits of Dentures

If you are having problems with missing teeth, dentures may be an effective tooth-replacement solution to your problem. Dentures offer multiple benefits:

Restored Chewing Ability

Significant tooth loss is associated with the consumption of a diet lower in fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber and protein. Dentures restore the ability to chew a wide variety of foods, improving the overall nutritional intake and digestion which is particularly important if you have lost most of your teeth. It’s also important for you to enjoy eating your favorite food! 

Improved Appearance and Self-Confidence

Missing teeth can have a negative impact on self-esteem and confidence, leading to embarrassment and social withdrawal. Dentures help restore your natural smile, which can improve self-confidence and overall quality of life. Dentures are designed to look like your natural teeth, enhancing the appearance of the face and smile. They help maintain the natural structure of the face and provide support to the lips and cheekbones that may appear sunken or drooping when teeth are missing.

 Dentures are also a good option to fill in unsightly edentulous spaces and help improve a gummy smile. If you have small teeth or a gummy smile from tooth loss or damaged teeth, dentures can take the place of those teeth in an aesthetically pleasing way.

-Improve Speech

Missing teeth can adversely affect speech by causing slurring, lisping or difficulty in pronouncing certain words. Dentures fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, creating a more stable platform for tongue and oral structure, thus improving speech clarity and pronunciation.

-Prevent Further Dental Problems

Perhaps the most important reason to consider is that dentures help contribute to maintaining good oral health. Gaps in your dentition may not only be painful or uncomfortable on the exposed gum (particularly if you are eating certain types of food, like potato chips) but surrounding teeth next to the gaps gradually start to move into the open space - this movement can eventually cause the entire row of teeth to shift, and this could cause you problems with your bite as well as contributing to periodontal disease. Dentures fill these gaps to prevent further dental complications and help maintain the alignment and health of the remaining teeth.

-Low Maintenance 

Because most dentures are removable, they’re easy to clean and maintain. They can be cleaned using soft-bristled toothbrushes and special denture cleaning solutions to eliminate plaque and bacteria that lead to gum disease. Regular check-ups with your dentist are still necessary to ensure the dentures fit comfortably and to address any dental health concerns.

-Cost-Effective 

Dentures offer a cost-effective solution for patients who cannot opt for more expensive treatment as they are generally less expensive when compared to other tooth replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges. 

-Less-invasive Treatment

Unlike dental implants that need to be surgically inserted and bridges that require shaving of the surrounding teeth, only impressions of the mouth are needed to make a custom-fit denture. In the case of teeth extraction, a temporary denture will be given to the patient to allow healing of the gums before receiving a permanent denture.

Are Dentures Right for Me? 

Most people may lose some or eventually all of their teeth due to old age, bone loss, diseases or injury. If a patient has one to a few teeth missing, partial dentures make a sensible option; ideally, dentures are best suited for a patient who has lost most or all teeth but still has sufficient healthy gum tissue along with adequate jawbone density. 

A patient also needs to have good oral hygiene habits as dentures generally require daily brushing and soaking to keep them clean.

What Is the Procedure for Getting Dentures?

While getting dentures can sometimes be achieved in a day (using the latest CAD/CAM technologies), the process usually involves two or three appointments within a few days of one another. 

At the first appointment, the dentist will:

1: Provide a thorough examination and x-rays of your jaw and gums and

2: Make an impression of your mouth so that dentures can be manufactured.

At your next appointment, you will

3: Return to the dentist for fitting and any necessary adjustments

The process of getting dentures may vary slightly, depending on whether you are having extractions, or just getting new a new set of dentures. 

To get a full or complete denture, the patient may need to have extractions on the remaining teeth. After the removal, an immediate denture will usually be fitted so the patient won’t be without teeth. The temporary-immediate denture allows the gums and bone to heal and alter in shape for around three to four months before a permanent denture can be fitted.

Materials for dentures

Traditional dentures are typically made from a combination of materials depending on the patient’s needs, a dentist may recommend particular materials for dentures. Some of the factors that are usually considered are comfort, appearance, durability and maintenance.

The teeth:

The teeth of part of the dentures are commonly made from acrylic resin followed by porcelain. Acrylic resin is the most widely-used material for denture teeth for many reasons: acrylic is known to adhere more securely to the base of a denture; it is easy to adjust and modify to achieve the right occlusion, and acrylic is also usually light in weight and comfortable for the patient.

Porcelain teeth have bigger advantages as they look similar to real tooth enamel and can be color-matched to the remaining natural teeth. Porcelain teeth are stronger, more durable and stain-resistant as their surfaces don’t absorb liquids. Due to their strength and aesthetics, dentures with porcelain teeth typically cost more than acrylic resin dentures.

The frame:

The frame of a denture is called a plate, which is mainly used for aesthetics and support. Like the teeth part, the plate is often made from acrylic resin, which is a good material for making artificial gums as it can be tinted to resemble the patient’s natural gum color. Acrylic resin is also compatible with oral tissues, as with proper fitting, it will not irritate the gums.

In some cases, metal is added to the framework to reinforce strength and durability. Metal is more suitable for partial plates as they can be hidden completely behind the teeth. They carry less chance of breakage thanks to materials such as cobalt-chromium alloy or titanium. In addition, the metal framework also helps provide a secure fit and prevents the denture from moving during use.

It’s important for you to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your denture because it will help you determine its lifespan. Talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of different materials to see which is right for you. Denture’s lifespan also depends on a patient’s oral hygiene regimen, as they need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

How to Clean Your Dentures

Keeping your dentures clean is a major part of maintaining their hygiene and longevity. Regularly removing plaque and food deposits from your dentures will help prevent the build-up of plaque that could lead to problems like gum disease, bad breath, bacterial or fungal infection and tooth decay. You should clean your dentures at least once a day.

Here's a basic guide on how to effectively clean and care for dentures:

Remove and rinse: Take out your dentures and rinse them under warm running water to remove any loose food or adhesive particles. Prior to rinsing, fill the sink with a little bit of water or place a cloth over the basin so the denture will not break should you accidentally drop it. Never use hot water on your dentures.

Brushing your denture: Use a soft-bristle denture brush specifically designed for cleaning dentures or a regular soft toothbrush, and avoid hard bristle brushes that will increase wear on the denture. Brush gently and thoroughly with a mild soap or a denture cleaner on both the inside and outside surfaces to get rid of all the stains and food and adhesive deposits. Avoid brushing with toothpaste as they usually contain fluoride which is too abrasive for dentures - likewise, avoid using baking soda and whitening toothpaste for the same reason. 

Soaking your denture: For soaking, you can use a special anti-microbial denture solution or just plain water in a secure container overnight. Always rinse your dentures thoroughly prior to placing them back into your mouth as cleansers contain harmful chemicals and can cause gum irritation, vomiting or burns. 

Clean your mouth regularly: You should still brush your remaining natural teeth twice daily (even after wearing dentures) to prevent further oral problems, along with regular flossing and brushing of the tongue.  

Your denture should always be kept moist after removal – for example, in water or in an overnight denture cleaning solution. Moisture will keep the denture material from drying out and cracking or changing shape.

Schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist to have the denture examined and professionally cleaned as tatar and calculus can build up over time, and they cannot be removed by regular brushing. Your dentist can also help ensure a proper denture fit to prevent slippage and discomfort.

Getting Dentures Abroad: FAQs

Q. How long do dentures last?

A. The lifespan of dentures can vary depending on a few factors, including the quality of the materials used, regular cleaning, and regular dental check-ups. On average, dentures can last between 5 to 10 years before requiring replacement or adjustments.

Q. Where can I find the cheapest dentures?

A. You’ll find the lowest prices in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand and Bali, while European dentists in Hungary and Croatia may charge slightly more.

Q. Do dentists abroad speak English?

A. Yes, we make sure that dentists who practice at our network of clinics speak English.

Q. What happens if my new denture breaks?

A. Clinics commonly offer guarantee and warranty periods on their work, so if something goes wrong, they’ll fix it for free (subject to terms and conditions).

History of Denture

Did you know that false teeth or dentures have been around for a very long time? Dating back to around 2500 BC, in today’s Mexico, some have been discovered to be made from wolf’s teeth. Up until the 1,800s - elephant and walrus ivory was the most commonly used material for making dentures.

As a matter of fact, the first U.S. President George Washington’s dentures were also made of ivory. His doctor made a partial denture by attaching ivory to a wire and anchored it to Washington’s remaining natural teeth. Despite some rumors, Washington’s false teeth were not made of wood!

-Dental Departures collects and publishes honest patient reviews, allowing prospective patients to use their own judgment.

-Our vigorous clinic verification process makes traveling abroad for dental care safer and less stressful for patients.

-We have 24-hour live chat support available on desktop or mobile

-Our Customer Care Team offers support throughout your entire treatment process, from the time you book to the time you get home.

-It’s completely free to book via our site, via email or over the phone - no credit card required!

-Free, no-obligation treatment quotes are swiftly provided

-See and compare transparent price estimates on each of our clinic listing pages (some clinics don’t publish them on their website).

-Free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before your appointment

-No added costs for using our service–our unique Best Price Guarantee ensures you won’t be paying more than you should.

-Exclusive promotions and packages are available only through Dental Departure’s Website.

If you’d like to find out more about dentures or any other dental treatments, get in touch with our Customer Care Team, or see below for convenient ways to book your appointment today. 

Know before you go: read our verified patient reviews, view clinic photos and take virtual tours of our partner clinics. Then contact our Customer Care Team or book with us online for great care at the best available prices!

Sources:

Flexible dentures base materials. Website accessed 3 Jul 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3276859/

International Organization for Standardization.  https://www.iso.org/home.html

Joint Commission International Organization. Website accessed: 4 Jul 2023. https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/

In-house dental laboratory. Website accessed 3 Jul 2023. https://www.dentalproductsreport.com/view/bringing-dental-lab-house

How do I clean dentures? Website accessed 3 Jul 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375#:

Significant tooth loss is associated with the consumption of a diet lower in fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber and protein. Website accessed 3 Jul 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9319444/