How much do single-tooth dentures cost?

What is a single-tooth denture?

Single-tooth dentures are an option for those with missing teeth and can be used as an alternative to a tooth implant. The replacement teeth are connected to a gum-coloured base and, usually, a metal framework to create the denture. Unlike full-mouth dentures, partial dentures fill in only a select number of teeth.

There are three main types of dentures in Australia: resin, chrome/metal and flexible. Your dentist will typically recommend what kind of denture you need.

How much will a single-tooth denture cost?

The cost of dental procedures can vary depending on your situation, so it’s difficult to give an exact price. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) provides these national average costs from its 2024 Fee Survey:

• Partial maxillary denture (resin base): $962
• Clips (up to 4): $56 each
• Tooth/teeth (partial denture): $53

These prices are for resin (plastic) dentures, which are usually used for short-term needs. Metal dentures are often more expensive. Your dentist can help you decide which type is right for you.

The total cost of your denture also depends on where you go for treatment. Prices can vary by dentist and location, and city clinics or specialists may charge more. Some quotes include follow-up visits, while others don’t. It may be a good idea to get quotes from a few dentists, as you might save money by comparing.

Can single-tooth dentures be covered by private health insurance?

Single-tooth dentures are generally included under the major dental category in extras cover. But what’s included can change depending on your insurer and policy.

Most extras policies split benefits into general dental (like check-ups and cleanings) and major dental (like dentures or other complex treatments). Some policies limit or exclude certain types of dentures, so always check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for details.

If your policy covers dentures, your health fund might pay a set amount or a percentage of the total cost. For example, if dentures cost $800 and your fund covers 60%, you would pay $320 yourself. You may still have some out-of-pocket costs, but you can usually pick your dentist and probably won’t have to wait if your policy includes the treatment.

If you’re thinking about getting a new policy, keep in mind that most insurers have a waiting period of six to twelve months before you can claim. Always check your policy documents to see what’s covered and if there are any limits or waiting periods.

Does Medicare cover single-tooth dentures?

Medicare usually does not cover dental care, including dentures. However, it may provide coverage if treatment is medically necessary, such as after a serious condition or an accident.

For children under 18, Medicare provides some assistance through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Eligible children can have certain basic dental costs covered, including partial dentures if clinically necessary. But this support does not extend to adults.

Single-tooth dentures (partial dentures) may be available through Australia’s public dental system for eligible adults holding a valid Australian government concession card. However, the rules may vary by state and territory. You can visit Teeth.org.au to check eligibility and find your nearest public dental clinic.

Keep in mind that even if you qualify, there may be a waiting time before you receive treatment. Some states may charge a small co-payment.

Payment options for single-tooth dentures

The Australian Dental Association’s 2024 oral health survey found that only 31% of Australians attend regular dental check-ups. The survey also found that many Australians delay dental treatment due to high costs.

Dental procedures like single-tooth dentures can be costly, so some people delay treatment because of the price. To help manage these costs, some dentists now allow customers to fund their treatment through a payment plan.

This can involve patients paying for their treatment in instalments after it has been carried out, whether through a plan offered by the dental clinic itself or via a third party, such as a ‘buy now, pay later’ service or another credit provider.

ASIC’s MoneySmart website offers tips to make the most of buy now, pay later options, including:

• Stick to a limit and aim to have only one buy now, pay later account at a time.
• Budget for bills, loan payments and buy now, pay later payments.
• Consider linking your buy now, pay later account to your debit card instead of your credit card. That way you’re using your own money and avoid credit card interest.

Some lenders also offer ‘dental loans’, which are personal loans designed to cover a range of dental bills. If you’re considering a dental or personal loan for a partial denture, make sure you can afford to repay the loan within the specified time period and bear in mind the impact the repayments might have on your existing commitments, as well as your credit score.

Private health insurance may also help cover some of the treatment cost. However, coverage and benefits vary depending on your policy. You can check with your insurer to see if dentures are included in your coverage and under what terms.