Dentures are dental devices designed to fill any missing teeth, which can make daily habits like talking, eating, and swallowing a lot easier. The different types of dentures available to a patient will vary, as will the costs involved.
If you believe you’re a candidate for dentures or your dentist has recommended that you get dentures, it’s important to know the different types of dentures, the different factors that can affect the overall cost, and how much you can expect your new dentures to cost.
Different types of dentures
Full dentures
Full dentures, or complete dentures as they are commonly known, are removable devices that replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Generally made out of porcelain or acrylic and held together by an acrylic base, full dentures rely on your gums and underlying bone for support. Full dentures are used when all teeth (or almost all) are either missing or need to be replaced.
Partial dentures
Like full dentures, partial dentures are removable devices that replace missing teeth. However, unlike full dentures, partial dentures only replace certain teeth rather than the entire arch. Partial dentures clasp around your remaining natural teeth to stabilise the dentures to fit in the missing sections.
Immediate dentures
Immediate dentures are either complete or partial dentures inserted on the same day following the removal of natural teeth. In some cases, dentists will give Provisional dentures to allow time for healing before they are replaced with your final dentures.
Implant-supported dentures
Implant-supported dentures replace partial or entire arches of missing teeth. However, instead of resting on top of your gums like regular partial or full dentures, implant-supported dentures are attached directly to your jawbone using dental implants. Implant-supported dentures are either removable or fixed .
How much do dentures cost in Australia?
On average, dentures cost between $1,300 and $3,900+ in Australia for non implant supported dentures. In saying this, the cost of dentures will vary on a case-by-case basis as there are factors that can increase or decrease the costs involved.
Cheapest type of dentures
The cheapest type of dentures in Australia is partial dentures, which may cost between $1,300 to $2,900. The costs depend on how many teeth need replacing and the type of materials used. For example, acrylic partial dentures are significantly cheaper than chrome (metal) partial dentures.
Most expensive type of dentures
Implant-supported dentures are the most expensive type of dentures, with prices ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. Because implant-supported dentures require surgery to place the implants into the jawbone, the price creeps up higher than other denture options. As implant-supported dentures can be fixed or removable, they require high-quality, durable, and long-lasting materials, which contributes to the overall cost.
Factors that influence the cost of dentures
Type of denture: Each type of denture has different levels of craftsmanship and customisation and can be the difference between needing surgery or not. For example, dentures, like full or partial, don’t require surgery, whereas implant-supported dentures do require surgery – increasing the cost significantly.
Materials used: The materials often used for constructing denture bases include acrylic, flexible and chrome (metal), with acrylic being the most affordable option. Different materials are also available for creating artificial teeth which can also influence the cost of dentures.
Complexity of job: The overall health of your gums and jawbone determines how complex the case is and influences the treatment plan. When gums and jawbone are in poor health, additional procedures or adjustments before the denture may be required – contributing to the overall cost.
How many teeth are missing: When there is a high amount of teeth missing, more craftsmanship is required to create the denture – ensuring they are comfortable and natural-looking.
Dentist fees: The level of experience and expertise of the dentist can also influence the cost. A more experienced dentist can charge higher fitting or consultation fees.
How long do dentures last?
How long dentures last depends on the type of denture chosen, the materials used, and how well they have been maintained – generally around 2 to 10 years when properly maintained and securely fitted. Immediate or provisional dentures will typically last 6-12 months on average.
To maintain your dentures, it’s important to clean them daily. Removable dentures should be taken out twice daily and brushed gently with a toothbrush, warm soapy water. You should also soak your dentures while sleeping to avoid bacterial growth and protect the soft tissue inside your mouth. For non-removable dentures, you will need to clean underneath the dentures near the gums using a ,using superfloss or a waterflosser and gently brush the dentures with a toothbrush twice a day.
If your dentures are loose or falling out, you are having difficulty speaking clearly, have discomfort when biting or chewing, experience reoccurring jaw pain, or see any damage or discolouration on the dentures – you’ll need to see your dentist for repairs,relines, adjustments, or replacement.
The above information is just a guide and above provided are average costs. To learn more about our denture services, costs, and options available at Bluff Point Dental, get in touch today to book your first consultation.
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