How much do dentures cost?

How much do dentures cost in Australia?

Dentures are custom-made removable false teeth used to replace either several or all of your teeth. They can be taken in and out of your mouth and either be full or partial, depending on the number of missing teeth.

Full upper and lower standard acrylic dentures cost $3,105 on average, according to the 2024 Australian Dental Association Fee Survey. For either an upper or lower denture, the cost is around $1,700 on average. The average cost of dentures in Australia is:

• Upper and lower dentures: $3,105

• Upper denture only: $1,698

• Lower denture only: $1,715

• Partial upper and lower dentures: $962

Keep in mind that these averages only include denture prices, and may not reflect the full costs involved. These averages do not factor in consultation or follow-up appointments. Your total false teeth cost The total cost for getting dentures will depend on your own circumstances and what is recommended for your dental health.

Are denture costs covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not cover the cost of dentures, in general. But you may be eligible for some dental services through Medicare if you have a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card from the Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card from the DHS or DVA.

The public dental services available to you will depend on your residing state or territory, but generally treatments include fillings, tooth extraction and even dentures. Check your state or territory’s government website for more information on whether and to what extent false teeth costs can be covered by public dental services.

Cost of dentures for pensioners

The cost of dentures for pensioners will depend on certain eligibility. If you’re a pensioner and hold a Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you may be able to claim your false teeth costs through the Australian Government’s public dental services. How much of the cost is covered will depend on your personal circumstances and the state or territory you live in.

Are dentures costs covered by private health insurance?

Private health insurance may help cover the costs of dentures, but it depends on your extras policy. covers the cost of dentures. Many funds list dentures under major dental, while general dental usually only covers basic care such as fillings or general hygiene services.
Your insurer might:

• Pay a set amount or a percentage of the total cost (up to your annual limit)

• Offer better benefits if you use a preferred provider

• Set replacement limits, such as one upper and one lower denture every 3–5 years

• Have separate limits for repairs, relines and maintenance

• Impose waiting periods, often around 12 months, though some policies may waive these.

Before getting dentures, it’s good practice to do your research. Ask your dental practitioner for a detailed quote and check with your health fund about claim limits, waiting periods and any out-of-pocket costs. It’s also worth comparing prices, reading reviews and seeing if you qualify for government assistance.

What impacts the cost of dentures?

It’s important to consider other factors that may influence the overall cost of your dentures. These may include the type of treatment or the amount of preparation required, the number of appointments you need, the type of specialist used and whether any of your natural teeth need to be removed and if you have any concessions, such as being a pensioner.

These impacts can include:

• What the denture is made of — The type of material you choose will affect the price. Acrylic dentures range from standard acrylic to more durable, more expensive options. The ADA says a set of upper and lower full acrylic dentures cost on average around $3,105. Whichever you choose, you often get what you pay for. Many cheaper options are manufactured overseas using materials that may not comply with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

• Amount of work required – What work is required for dentures varies depending on your situation. Getting an itemised quote beforehand will help you understand the steps involved and any extra appointments you may need, such as relining dentures if teeth are removed and your gums change shape. Remember, dentures are not a once-off investment, they require ongoing maintenance and need to be replaced every 3-5 years or so.

• Ongoing care and replacement – Dentures aren’t a one-time purchase. They need regular maintenance and usually require replacement every 3–5 years.

Where can you get dentures made?

Most dentists can make dentures, but you can also seek the services of a dental prosthetist who design, construct and fit dentures.

How are dentures made?

Full denture bases are made of acrylic, custom-fitted, with the shape of your denture formed by taking moulded impressions of your mouth. Partial dentures can be made from acrylic or from a combination of acrylic and metal, which helps them stay in position inside your mouth. False teeth themselves are often also made from acrylic or a composite material, according to the ADPA.

You may also have the option of immediate dentures before your permanent ones are constructed. While they can be an extra cost, immediate dentures ensure that following your tooth removal, you don’t have to appear in public with missing teeth. The ADPA says these temporary dentures can be used while your gums heal (which normally takes about 8-12 weeks), and while you wait for your full permanent dentures to be made.