Dentures
Full and partial dentures, made to fit your mouth, to replace missing teeth. Dentures, often called false teeth, are removable replacement teeth that help you eat, speak and smile with more confidence. Whether you need a full set or a partial denture (sometimes called a dental plate) to fill a few gaps, our dentists work with local dental labs to make dentures that suit you. If you’d like something more secure, we can also talk you through dental implant options.
Plus flexible and immediate
With a local dental lab
Across all four regions
Types of dentures
The right denture depends on how many teeth you’re missing, the health of your remaining teeth and what feels right for you. Our dentists work with local dental labs to make every type below.
Full dentures
Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both. They sit on your gums, and an upper denture is also held by suction against the roof of your mouth.
Lower full dentures have less to hold onto, so some people find them harder to get used to. They can move when eating or speaking, and implants can help hold a denture in place.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth when some of your natural teeth remain. They fill the gaps and help stop the teeth around them moving, and they usually clip onto nearby teeth to stay in place.
Acrylic (plastic) partials
Usually the lowest cost option and quicker to make. They’re a little thicker, and teeth can often be added later if needed.
Cobalt chrome partials
A thin, strong metal frame with tooth-coloured teeth. Often less bulky and a closer fit, and usually costs more than acrylic.
Partial dentures can trap food and plaque around the teeth they clip onto, so daily cleaning and regular check-ups matter. A bridge or implants may be fixed alternatives.
Flexible dentures
A metal-free partial denture made from a flexible material (such as Valplast) that grips your natural teeth. They’re often used to replace one or two teeth. They can cost more to make, and teeth usually can’t be added later.
Immediate dentures
Fitted on the same day your teeth are removed, so you’re not without teeth while your gums heal. As the gums heal and change shape, the denture usually needs adjusting or relining.
Implant-supported dentures
A denture that clips onto dental implants for extra stability, sometimes called snap in dentures. Your dentist can tell you whether implants suit you.
Full mouth implants →
Dentures vs implants vs bridges
Dentures, implants and bridges can all replace missing teeth. Each has pros and cons, and your dentist talks you through what suits your mouth, health and budget.
| Dentures | Implants | Bridges | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Removable replacement teeth on a plate or frame. | Replacement teeth fixed to posts placed in the jaw. | A fixed replacement tooth held by the teeth on either side. |
| Stability | Rests on your gums, and partials clip to nearby teeth. It can move a little when eating or speaking, especially lower full dentures. | Fixed in place, or clips onto implants for an implant-supported denture. | Fixed in place, attached to the supporting teeth. |
| Cleaning | Taken out to clean every day. | Brushed and cleaned like natural teeth, including around the implants. | Brushed, plus cleaning under the bridge with floss threaders or interdental brushes. |
| Number of visits | Usually a few visits over around two weeks. | Several visits over a few months, including healing time. | Usually two or three visits. |
| Cost | Usually the lowest upfront cost. Relines, repairs and replacements add to the cost over time. | Usually the highest upfront cost. With good care, implants can last many years. | Usually somewhere in between upfront. |
| Over time | Your gums and jaw change shape, so dentures usually need relining, adjusting or replacing over the years. | Implants need good cleaning and regular check-ups, and the teeth on top may need maintenance. | Bridges need good cleaning and regular check-ups, and may need replacing in time. |
| May suit | Several or all teeth missing, or if you’d like a removable option. | You have enough jaw bone and would like a fixed option. | One or a few teeth missing, next to healthy teeth. |
Thinking about dental implants?
Dentures suit many people. If yours move, rub or make eating harder, implants may be worth a conversation.
Dental implants are placed in the jaw and hold replacement teeth in place, so they don’t rest on your gums the way a denture does. Many people find them more secure for eating, speaking and smiling.
Implants cost more upfront and aren’t right for everyone, as you need healthy gums and enough jaw bone. Your dentist can talk you through whether they suit you, alongside your denture options.
Fixed in place
Held by implants in the jaw, so they don’t slip when you eat or talk.
Nothing to take out
Fixed implant teeth are brushed and cleaned in your mouth.
Thinking long term
Dentures often need relining or replacing over the years, which adds up.
Already wear dentures? Ask about implant options at your consult.
Implant options for people with missing teeth
Implant-supported dentures
Keep a denture, but it clips onto implants for more stability. Often considered when a lower denture moves.
Full mouth implants →
Full mouth implants
A fixed set of teeth held by implants, for people missing all or most of their teeth in one or both jaws.
Full mouth implants →
Multiple teeth implants
Replaces a few missing teeth with implants or an implant bridge, instead of a partial denture.
Multiple teeth implants →
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Results vary from person to person. Read about treatment risks.
Dentures near you
Our dentists provide dentures at every Avenue Dental practice across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Sunshine Coast
Dentures at Caloundra, Maroochydore, Beerwah, Bli Bli, Kawana, Baringa, Sippy Downs and Tewantin.Avenue Dental Sunshine Coast →
Brisbane
Dentures at North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba.Avenue Dental Brisbane →
Melbourne
Dentures at Brunswick.Avenue Dental Melbourne →
Adelaide
Dentures at Fulham Gardens.Avenue Dental Adelaide →
The denture process
Every mouth is different, so your dentist explains your steps and timing at your consult.
- 1
Consult
Your dentist checks your mouth, talks you through your options and gives you a quote.
- 2
Impressions
Moulds or scans of your mouth are taken and sent to a local dental lab.
- 3
Try-in
You try a wax version so your dentist can check the fit, bite and look before it’s finished.
- 4
Fitting
Your denture is fitted, and you’re shown how to put it in, take it out and care for it.
- 5
Adjustments
Follow-up visits ease any sore spots as you get used to your new denture.
As a general guide, from impressions to fittingIt can take longer if teeth need to be removed first, if other treatment is needed, or if your denture is supported by implants.
Our General Dentistry Services Include
How much do dentures cost?
The cost of dentures depends on the type of denture, the material and whether any other treatment is needed first. Because there are so many options, your dentist gives you a personalised quote at your consult.
- Full or partialHow many teeth are being replaced, and in one jaw or both.
- The materialAcrylic, cobalt chrome and flexible dentures are priced differently.
- Immediate or standardWhether teeth need to be removed first, and if you need a denture on the same day.
- Your health fund coverWhat you pay depends on your fund and your level of extras cover.
Dentures usually cost less upfront, but they often need relines, repairs or replacing over the years. If you’re weighing up dentures and dental implants, your dentist can help you compare the upfront and long-term costs of each.
Book a consult for a quote
Your dentist checks your mouth, explains which dentures suit you, talks you through implant options if you’d like, and gives you a written quote, so you know the cost before you decide.
Health fundsDentures are often claimable under extras cover. How much you get back depends on your fund and cover.
Flexible payment optionsSpread the cost with Humm, Afterpay, Zip or TLC. See payment plans →
Denture repairs and relines
Dentures can crack, chip or start to feel loose over time. We can help with repairs, relines and adjustments.
-
Repairs
For a cracked or broken denture, or a tooth that has come off. Try not to fix it at home with glue, as this can damage the denture.
-
Relines
Your gums and jaw change shape over time, so a denture can start to feel loose. A reline reshapes the fitting surface to suit your mouth again.
-
Adjustments
For sore spots or rubbing, your dentist can adjust the denture so it feels more comfortable.
How long does it take? Repairs and relines are usually done with a local dental lab, so timing varies. If you need it back quickly, let our reception team know. They can help guide you, and the lab can often help when time is tight. If you’re in pain, see our emergency dentistry page.
Finding your denture keeps needing repairs or relines? Ask your dentist whether implant-supported dentures or dental implants could suit you.
Caring for your dentures
Looking after your dentures helps them last and keeps your mouth healthy.
Clean it every day
Brush your denture with a soft brush and a denture cleaner or mild soap. Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive and scratch it.
Take it out at night
Giving your gums a rest overnight helps keep them healthy. Unless your dentist advises otherwise, take your denture out before bed.
Keep it moist
Soak your denture overnight in water or a denture-soaking solution so it doesn’t dry out or lose its shape. Avoid hot water.
Handle it with care
Clean it over a folded towel or a sink of water, so it’s less likely to break if you drop it.
Care for your mouth too
Brush your gums, tongue and any natural teeth, especially the teeth a partial denture clips onto.
Keep your check-ups
Your dentist checks the fit of your denture and the health of your mouth, and can adjust or reline it when needed.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Denture FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer your questions at your appointment.
What are dentures?
Dentures, sometimes called false teeth, are removable replacement teeth. A full denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and a partial denture fills the gaps when some natural teeth remain.
How much do dentures cost in Australia?
The cost of dentures depends on whether you need a full or partial denture, the material, whether it’s immediate or standard, and whether any teeth need to be removed first. Because there are so many options, your dentist gives you a personalised quote at your consult.
How much do partial dentures cost?
Partial dentures are priced by the material and how many teeth they replace. Acrylic partials are usually the lowest cost, while cobalt chrome and flexible partials usually cost more. Your dentist gives you a quote at your consult.
Are dentures covered by health insurance?
Dentures are often claimable under extras cover. How much you get back depends on your health fund and your level of cover, so it’s worth checking with your fund before your appointment.
How long do dentures take to make?
As a general guide, it’s around two weeks from impressions to fitting. It can take longer if teeth need to be removed first, if other treatment is needed, or if your denture is supported by implants. Your dentist explains your timing at your consult.
How long do dentures last?
With good care, dentures can last many years. Over time your gums and jaw change shape, so a denture may need relining, adjusting or replacing. Your dentist checks the fit at your regular appointments.
Will dentures feel natural?
New dentures take some getting used to. They may feel bulky at first, and you may notice more saliva or some sore spots. Most people adjust over a few weeks, and your dentist can make adjustments to help.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Start with soft food cut into small pieces, and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. As you get used to your dentures, you can slowly add other foods. Very hard or sticky food can be harder to manage.
What are dentures made of?
Most dentures are made from acrylic, a type of plastic, with acrylic or porcelain teeth. Partial dentures can also have a thin cobalt chrome metal frame, or be made from a flexible, metal-free material.
How do I clean my dentures?
Take your denture out and brush it every day with a soft brush and a denture cleaner or mild soap. Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive. Rinse it after meals, and clean it over a folded towel or a sink of water in case you drop it.
What should I soak my dentures in at night?
Soak your dentures overnight in water or a denture-soaking solution so they don’t dry out. Avoid hot water, as it can change their shape. Your dentist can recommend a cleaner that suits your denture.
What if my denture breaks?
Call us and try not to repair it yourself with glue, as this can damage the denture. Repairs are usually done with a local dental lab, and our reception team can help if you need it back quickly. If you’re in pain, see our emergency dentistry page.
Can dentures be relined?
Yes. As your gums and jaw change shape, a denture can start to feel loose. A reline reshapes the fitting surface of your denture so it fits your mouth more closely again.
Can I get dentures the same day my teeth are removed?
Yes, this is called an immediate denture. It’s fitted on the same day your teeth are removed, so you’re not without teeth while your gums heal. As your gums heal, the denture usually needs adjusting or relining.
Do partial dentures damage other teeth?
Partial dentures can trap food and plaque around the teeth they clip onto, which can lead to decay or gum problems. Cleaning your denture and your teeth every day, and keeping your regular check-ups, helps look after them.
Are implants better than dentures?
It depends on your situation. Dentures are removable and usually cost less upfront, but they can move when you eat or speak and often need relining or replacing over the years. Implants are fixed in the jaw, so you don’t take them out, and many people find them more secure for eating and speaking. They cost more upfront, take longer and need enough jaw bone. Your dentist explains the pros and cons of each for you. Learn about full mouth implants.
Can I get implants if I already wear dentures?
Often, yes. Your dentist checks your gums and jaw bone to see whether implants suit you. Options include implant-supported dentures, where your denture clips onto implants, or a fixed set of teeth on implants. Learn about full mouth implants.
