If you’ve been wondering how much full dentures cost in Australia, then you’ve come to the right place. According to the National Dental Fee Survey of 2017, a conventional upper or lower acrylic denture can cost up to $2000 whereas you can expect to pay up to $3870 for a combination of both arches.
But that really is only half the story…when looking at the question ‘how much do dentures cost?’ you also need to take into account other mitigating factors including denture type and technique.
Traditional Dentures
When it comes to traditional dentures (prosthetic teeth that sit on the gum line) the cost of dentures is usually calculated using the following parameters. These include:
- The cost of the initial consultation
- Whether or not any teeth need to be extracted
- The cost of the materials involved in making upper and lower dentures
- Subsequent visits for adjustments
Other costs related to dentures are likely to include a soaking solution and possibly denture adhesive.
Despite the fact that conventional dentures are both lightweight and incredibly lifelike, they can and do have a tendency to move in the mouth over time. This may cause embarrassing situations when eating and speaking.
However, there is a solution…dentures that are supported by dental implants – otherwise known as implant-retained dentures.
During the procedure, 4 or more dental implants are strategically placed in the mouth. Once in position, an arch of fully customised dentures is fixed onto them. Because the fixture is now completely stable, any denture slippage is stopped once and for all.
So let’s talk about the full dentures cost in Australia for implant-retained dentures… Well, due to the procedure, patients can expect to pay somewhere between $15,000 and $18,000 for a full arch of implant-retained dentures. Okay, so that’s a huge price swing from conventional dentures. However, you should also take into account that this is a permanent and life changing solution. On the contrary, patients with conventional dentures can expect to change them every 5-10 years if cared for well.
So when it comes to considering how much do dentures cost, it really is a case of you get what you pay for.
Why get dentures in the first place?
Dentures are a relatively quick and easy option for those people missing all their natural teeth due to injury, decay, or gum disease. They help a person eat and speak and can also restore their confidence.
Getting conventional dentures can take between 6 to 12 weeks depending on the type of denture and the technique that the dentist or lab technician uses to make them.
If you need your dentures sooner, then we can always provide you with a set of immediate dentures which can be fitted the same day and worn until your permanent dentures are ready.
Alternatively when you opt for implant-retained dentures the whole process is wrapped up in as little as 2 visits.
Are dentures covered by health insurance?
This really depends on your dental condition and the type of dentures you require. While some health insurers will cover the cost of dentures, others class them as a cosmetic procedure. It’s always best to check out the fine print with your health provider before going ahead with any type of dental procedure.
Is there any way I can pay less for my dentures?
In reality, the best way to pay less for your dentures is to shop around. Denture prices do tend to differ from one dentist to another and from one clinic to another. As an example, here at No Gaps Dental, because we currently have 15 dental clinics across the Sydney metro area, we’re able to absorb costs across the board to offer more affordable dental treatments than many of our competitors. This includes conventional and implant-retained dentures.
For a more accurate answer to your question of how much do dentures cost, why not schedule an initial consultation with No Gaps Dental and we can discuss your best options and the true costs involved.
So, now we’ve touched on what full dentures cost in Australia, let’s take a look at what’s involved in getting dentures.
The full dentures procedure
During an initial consultation, the general health and condition of your gums will be assessed. Should you need to have any teeth extracted then this will be carried out before impressions can be taken.
Your mouth is used as a model for your dentures and an impression will be taken of both your upper and lower jaws which is then sent to a dental laboratory.
Our dentist then records the relationship of both arches that best represents your original bite and helps you select the shape and colour of your teeth and gums. Everyone’s gums vary in colour and for the most natural look, our dentist will help you choose a shade that best matches your natural gums.
Should you opt for implant-retained dentures, then surgery is needed to anchor them into the jawbone. Once the bone has settled, your permanent dentures are fixed into position.
Subsequent visits will involve the dentist adjusting the bite and testing your speech, as well as checking the appearance and functionality of the denture teeth and gums.
If you’re in need of conventional full dentures or implant-retained dentures, then we can help. Our dentures are made from high quality materials and look incredibly natural. Why not call into one of our clinics and discuss all your options including the full dentures cost today.