The cost of dentures in Brisbane is often one of the biggest deciding factors for patients when considering denture treatment. Unfortunately, when it comes to determining the cost for dentures there is no one-size-fits-all price for patients, and the cost of a new denture will depend on a number of different factors and vary between each patient and each individual denture.
When determining the cost of denture treatment, key factors such as the type of denture needed, the construction methods and materials required, and the individual patient’s circumstances all need to be considered in order to provide an accurate quote. For instance, a quote for a single tooth partial denture will differ greatly compared to a quote for new upper and lower dentures.
Costs also differ for each individual partial denture; taking into account the number of teeth and retentive clasps required, any additional components (such as for implant-retained dentures), as well as the pricing differences between chrome, acrylic, or flexible denture materials.
Because of the wide range of factors and variables that first need to be considered in order to provide an accurate expectation of your treatment costs, this guide does not list clinic prices – instead, it explains how and what to compare when first discussing your treatment options, the type of questions to ask, and what other factors need to be considered before committing to treatment.
Knowing the right questions to ask can make a big difference when it comes to better understanding the denture treatment process, helping you to make more informed decisions, and easing any concerns or confusion regarding your treatment.
When comparing and considering treatment options for tooth replacement, we recommend exploring our clinic’s denture options for more information on the different types of denture treatment available, then use our helpful guide below to help better prepare for your first consultation.
What affects the cost of dentures in Brisbane?
When comparing prices, first check that each quote describes the same treatment.
This includes what type of denture is being quoted, the number of teeth being replaced, and the cost of denture materials required.
For partial dentures, it may be helpful to first check with your dentist for any underlying oral health issues that may be present, such as potential concerns with any remaining natural teeth. A better understanding of your overall oral health and broader dental treatment needs can help you make a more informed decision about which treatment option is best for you, and your budget.
When discussing treatment options and budgets, ask your provider to explain:
- Whether the quote covers a partial denture, a complete denture for one jaw (ie. all your upper teeth), or both jaws (ie. upper and lower teeth).
- Which material and design are proposed, and why.
- Which assessment, impressions, fitting and review appointments are included in the quoted cost.
- Whether work by a dentist or another practitioner is needed and separately billed (such as any extractions required).
- What follow-up adjustments are included, and when additional charges could apply.
When researching denture prices online, remember that any treatment cost advertised will likely reflect the starting price only.
The actual cost of your individual treatment will need to be tailored specifically to you and your needs, with the total treatment cost likely to increase from the advertised base price.
Before using any advertised figure as your budget, be sure to check its inclusions, exclusions and validity date.
The same approach helps when comparing denture prices in person, to ensure the final cost of treatment remains consistent with your individual quote, especially if returning to start treatment at a later date after initially receiving your quote (as clinical prices will often increase slightly over time).
Denture types: comparing full and partial denture prices
Full dentures: one jaw or both?
Dentures, also sometimes referred to false teeth, are a removable dental prosthesis which act as a replacement for missing or extracted natural teeth.
For patients that still have one or more of their natural teeth remaining, a partial denture is used to replace some or all of the missing teeth, often utilizing the remaining natural teeth for support and stability.
In cases where all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing, a full denture (or “complete denture”) is needed. Because no natural teeth remain to offer support and retention, the fitting surface of a full denture needs to be specially created to fit tightly against the contours of your gums and palate to help keep the denture place. For patients who no longer have any of their natural teeth remaining, a set of full upper and lower dentures can help restore appearance and function.
For more detail on the differences, take a look at our helpful guide on full dentures vs partial dentures.
When seeking treatment for a full denture, the phrase “a full set of dentures” can be unclear when comparing denture prices between providers. To help avoid confusion when seeking a quote for full dentures, be sure to ask whether the quoted amount is for a single arch (i.e. one denture, to replace either the upper or lower teeth) or if the quote includes the price of both an upper and lower denture together.
If you’re planning on having teeth extracted before starting treatment for a full denture, ask whether the quoted price includes any additional treatment required (such as the placement of “immediate teeth”, which often carry an extra cost per tooth). It may also be worth checking what follow-up adjustments are included within the quote, and what additional treatment and separate costs might be needed as part of ongoing denture care and maintenance.
Partial dentures: look beyond the tooth count
When researching partial denture costs in Brisbane, keep in mind that there are many different denture materials and designs available, and each provider may have their own opinion as to which type is best for your specific needs.
In order to accurately compare quotes, ask each quoting provider to provide more detail on the treatment being quoted. This includes details like how many teeth will be added to the denture, if the denture requires clasps (and how many), and what type of material the denture will be constructed from. For example, acrylic dentures will be a more affordable option compared to chrome dentures or flexible valplast options. And likewise, a partial denture replacing just one missing tooth will cost less than a denture made to replace multiple teeth.
The clinic’s partial dentures page offers more detail on acrylic dentures, cast metal designs and other denture options. If you’re unsure what type of denture is right for you, a consult with one of our friendly prosthetists may be helpful in offering more information and professional insight into the best options for your needs.
Does your denture price include extractions and immediate dentures?
If tooth extractions are part of your treatment plan, ask for the extraction fees and denture fees to be clearly separated. Confirm who provides each part of your care, and whether you need quotes from more than one practitioner. This is especially important for immediate dentures and denture additions.
An immediate denture is prepared before tooth removal so it can be inserted immediately after extraction of the required teeth. By inserting the denture immediately after the teeth have been taken out (within the same appointment), this allows the affected gums and soft tissues to heal around the denture and maintain the correct fit. If the immediate denture is removed too early (or too frequently) during this healing process, the denture may no longer fit correctly due to the rapid changes as your gums heal.
For more information on the immediate denture process, Healthdirect explains immediate dentures and fitting.
Even with the gums healing correctly in place around the denture, over time the continuing changes to your soft tissues and jawbone can cause the denture to become loose or ill-fitting. Often with immediate dentures, a reline is recommended around 3 months from the extractions and insert of the denture, in order to modify the fitting surface of the denture and allow a better fit between the denture and the now (mostly) healed gums.
If you are discussing immediate dentures as a potential treatment option, ask your provider what services are included as part of the treatment quote, and if the provided quote includes any follow up or adjustment appointments (and for what length of time these follow up services are included as part of your initial treatment cost).
Clarify how reviews, adjustments and any later reline would be charged. Ask your provider what to expect after treatment is completed, including what the likely timeline is for the healing process, and what signs or symptoms might indicate the need for follow up review or treatment.
What costs should you check for implant-supported dentures?
If you are considering implant-retained dentures, ask for a breakdown covering dental implant placement, surgical care, and the cost of the actual denture and connecting components. Confirm which provider will be responsible for each stage of the process (i.e. dentist, surgeon, prosthetist), and which treatment fees are included as part of the quotes given. If multiple providers will be involved over the course of treatment, be sure to account for the cost of each one separately, and what the combined costs will be.
Keep this comparison separate from a conventional removable denture quote, and discuss suitability with the treating dental professional. The clinic’s implant-supported dentures guide provides more background.
Can Medicare, private health or funding help cover the cost?
Does Medicare cover the cost?
Currently, Medicare does not cover most dental services for patients over the age of 17.
Find out more on what Medicare covers here.
What should you ask your private health fund?
Before relying on a benefit, give your insurer the proposed treatment item numbers and provider details. Ask whether your policy covers those items, what benefit would apply and what you would pay yourself.
Also ask about remaining annual limits, replacement limits and waiting periods. Extras waiting periods are set by individual insurers, so avoid assuming one rule applies to every policy. PrivateHealth.gov.au explains waiting periods.
Keep the treatment quote and insurer’s benefit estimate together. If the treatment changes, check the benefit again before relying on the earlier estimate.
Cost of dentures for pensioners and public dental patients
Under the Queensland government, Metro South Oral Health provides public dental care to eligible patients in the Brisbane, Logan, Redlands, and Scenic Rim areas.
This includes providing free denture treatment and services for Queensland residents who currently hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Healthcare Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or Queensland Seniors Card.
In order to receive treatment, eligible patients are required to make an appointment through the hospital system. For more information, visit the Metro South Oral Health information page, or call 1300 300 850.
Please note: eligibility for free denture treatment under the public dental scheme does not cover patients the cost of treatment provided privately. Free private treatment is only available for public patients where a valid MSOH voucher has been provided.
Does private health insurance cover denture treatment?
For patients with private health funds, the portion of treatment costs to be paid by the health fund varies from fund to fund, and will depend on your individual level of coverage, the type of cover provided, and the amount of cover remaining for the required category (such as major or general dental). For most health funds, denture treatment is categorized under major dental.
When discussing the costs of different treatment options, ask your provider for an itemized quote which includes the item number and individual cost for each service to be provided.
For most private funds, these item codes and prices can be used to generate a quote for the estimated amount to be paid by the fund (either online or via app).
Once you receive a quote from your health fund, be mindful that any other health fund claims within the same category may affect the amount paid by the fund at the time of claiming for your denture treatment. This is especially important for immediate dentures or additions, when claiming and payment for the cost of extractions and cost of denture treatment occur close together
How long does it take to get dentures?
Ask for a timeline for your own denture treatment, including assessment, impressions, fitting and reviews. Making and fitting a new denture often involves several appointments, as Healthdirect explains. Confirm whether any dental work or healing needs to happen between stages, and which visits are included in your quote.
When choosing a location, allow for return visits as well as the first consultation. Ask about appointment availability before arranging transport or time away from work.
How long do dentures last, and what ongoing costs should you allow for?
How long a denture lasts will be different for every individual, and every denture. The clinic’s guide to how long dentures last explores this topic in more detail.
The expected lifespan of a denture can be an important consideration when comparing costs and budgets for denture treatment. Before starting treatment, remember that any predictions for the expected lifespan of your denture is only an estimate.
Take into consideration any other factors which may increase the overall cost for your denture overtime, such as the need for follow-up adjustments, relines, or modifications throughout the life of your denture.
Before starting treatment, take the time to discuss things thoroughly with your dentist or prosthetist; this includes asking questions such as
- How the condition and fit of your dentures is expected to change over time
- How often your denture will need to be reviewed
- What kind of changes might indicate the need for maintenance or replacement
- What review appointments or adjustments are included as part of the treatment cost.
For patients with existing dentures, you can also ask whether a denture reline or repair of your current denture is an option to assess before quoting for replacement.
Preparing for your denture consultation
For your first consultation appointment, we recommend bringing any existing dentures with you (including any current, spare, or older/unworn dentures).
If you’ve been recommended/referred for a consultation by your dentist, ensure you bring any paper referrals with you to your appointment (or you can have your dentist send it directly via email ahead of time).
During your consultation appointment, your prosthetist will discuss your specific denture needs and expectations, including any concerns/preferences with appearance, function, and budget. Your prosthetist can help provide an idea of what denture options are suitable for your individual needs, including treatment plans, quotes, and long-term outcomes and expectations for your denture treatment.
In some cases, your prosthetist may offer their recommendation on which treatment option offers the best outcome for your needs, based on professional opinion and experience.
If you’re unsure of which treatment option to go for, or confused about the options, it’s important to raise any concerns or questions with your prosthetist before continuing. Especially when it comes to discussing treatment cost, there may be some questions that need to be answered before you feel comfortable starting treatment.
Before agreeing to start treatment, ask:
- What exactly is included in this quote?
- Are there other practitioners’ fees to allow for?
- Which follow-up visits or adjustments are included, and for how long?
- What later maintenance costs should I ask about?
- When will payment take place (and are there any deposit payments needed)?
- How long is the quote valid?
- What would trigger a revised quote?
Be aware of hidden or follow-up costs involved with certain treatments, such as immediate dentures or denture additions.
Often for immediate dentures, a reline will be necessary in the months following teeth extraction/immediate denture insert. Some practices (including ours) will include the cost of this follow-up reline along with the initial quote for an immediate denture, while others may not.
When comparing quotes, being aware of what exactly is included will help you make a more informed choice when considering the total treatment costs.
For example, if one quote includes follow-up adjustments and another lists them separately, compare the expected total for the entirety of both treatments.
Discuss your denture options with the clinic
To discuss dentures in Brisbane, contact The Denture Clinic for an individual assessment and quote. You can explore our three clinic locations in Tarragindi, Beaudesert and Jimboomba, for an appointment location that suits your needs.
It’s always helpful to provide us with as much information as possible when first booking an appointment with one of our friendly team members. We’d love to know about any dentist’s referrals, initial questions/concerns, or any information on the type of treatment you’re interested in (such as if this will be your first denture, or whether you’re considering a new denture or replacing an existing one). Before your appointment, it may be helpful to make a list of any questions or options you would like to discuss during your consultation.