Denture Cost Guide Melbourne 2025: What You'll Really Pay

After 30 years as a prosthetist in Melbourne, I've seen patients surprised by denture costs more times than I can count. That's why I believe in complete pricing transparency - you deserve to know exactly what you'll pay before you commit. This guide breaks down the real costs for different types of dentures in 2025, including what you can expect back from your health fund and your payment options.

Quick Cost Overview (Melbourne 2025)

| Denture Type | Cost Range | Health Fund Rebate | Out-of-Pocket | |--------------|------------|-------------------|---------------| | Acrylic Full Dentures (single arch) | $1,800-$2,500 | $300-$800 | $1,000-$2,200 | | Premium Full Dentures (single arch) | $2,500-$3,500 | $500-$1,000 | $1,500-$3,000 | | Immediate Dentures (single arch) | $2,100-$3,000 | $300-$800 | $1,300-$2,700 | | Acrylic Partial Dentures | $800-$1,500 | $200-$500 | $300-$1,000 | | Metal Framework Partials | $1,800-$2,800 | $400-$800 | $1,000-$2,000 | | Flexible Partials | $1,500-$2,500 | $300-$600 | $900-$1,900 | | Implant-Supported (All-on-4) | $15,000-$25,000 per arch | $1,000-$2,000 | $13,000-$24,000 |

Full Dentures Pricing Breakdown

Standard Acrylic Full Dentures: $1,800-$2,500 per arch

What's Included:

• Initial consultation and examination
• Dental impressions (2-3 appointments)
• Bite registration and measurements
• Tooth selection (colour, shape, size)
• Try-in appointment
• Final denture fitting
• Follow-up adjustments (first 6 months)
• Care instructions

Additional Costs:

• Tooth extractions: $150-$350 per tooth (if needed)
• X-rays: $80-$150
• Temporary denture during healing: $300-$500

Health Fund Coverage:

• Basic extras: $300-$500
• Mid-tier extras: $500-$800
• Top extras: $800-$1,200

Your Out-of-Pocket:

• With basic fund: $1,300-$2,200
• With mid-tier fund: $1,000-$2,000
• With top-tier fund: $600-$1,700

Premium Full Dentures: $2,500-$3,500 per arch

Additional Features:

• Higher quality acrylic
• More natural-looking teeth
• Better gum simulation
• Enhanced aesthetics
• Precision fitting
• Longer-lasting materials

Health Fund Coverage:

• Similar rebates to standard dentures
• Some funds have higher limits for premium

Your Out-of-Pocket:

• With basic fund: $1,700-$3,200
• With mid-tier fund: $1,500-$3,000
• With top-tier fund: $1,300-$2,700

Complete Set (Upper & Lower): $3,200-$6,000

Package Pricing:

• Often 10-15% discount when getting both
• Standard full set: $3,200-$4,500
• Premium full set: $4,500-$6,000

Health Fund Coverage:

• Can claim on both arches
• Total rebate: $600-$2,400

Partial Dentures Pricing

Acrylic Partial Dentures: $800-$1,500

Pricing by Number of Teeth:

• Single tooth: $800-$1,000
• 2-3 teeth: $1,000-$1,200
• 4-6 teeth: $1,200-$1,500

What's Included:

• Consultation and examination
• Impressions
• Fabrication
• Fitting and adjustments
• Care instructions

Health Fund Coverage:

• Basic extras: $200-$300
• Mid-tier extras: $300-$500
• Top extras: $400-$600

Metal Framework Partials: $1,800-$2,800

Better Quality:

• Chrome-cobalt framework
• Superior strength
• Better fit
• Longer lifespan (7-10 years)
• More comfortable

Pricing by Complexity:

• Simple (1-3 teeth): $1,800-$2,200
• Moderate (4-6 teeth): $2,000-$2,500
• Complex (7+ teeth): $2,300-$2,800

Health Fund Coverage:

• Basic extras: $300-$500
• Mid-tier extras: $500-$800
• Top extras: $600-$1,000

Flexible Partials: $1,500-$2,500

Premium Features:

• Flexible thermoplastic
• No metal clasps
• Superior aesthetics
• Hypoallergenic
• Comfortable

Pricing:

• 1-3 teeth: $1,500-$1,800
• 4-6 teeth: $1,800-$2,200
• 7+ teeth: $2,000-$2,500

Implant-Supported Dentures

All-on-4 (Full Arch): $15,000-$25,000

What's Included:

• 4 dental implants
• Surgical placement
• Abutments
• Custom denture
• Multiple appointments
• Follow-up care

Cost Breakdown:

• Consultation and planning: $200-$500
• CT scan: $300-$500
• Implant surgery: $8,000-$12,000
• Prosthetic (denture): $5,000-$8,000
• Anesthesia: $500-$1,000
• Follow-up appointments: Included

Health Fund Coverage:

• Very limited (if any)
• Typically $1,000-$2,000 maximum
• Check your specific fund

Financing:

• Payment plans available
• Third-party financing options
• Consider tax deductions (medical expenses)

Mini Implants (2-4 per arch): $6,000-$12,000

Lower Cost Option:

• Smaller implants
• Less invasive
• Shorter healing time
• Good for stabilising existing dentures

Additional Costs to Consider

Initial Setup Costs

Tooth Extractions:

• Simple extraction: $150-$250 per tooth
• Surgical extraction: $250-$450 per tooth
• Multiple extractions (package): $800-$2,000

Diagnostic Costs:

• Initial consultation: $80-$150 (often free at Primedent)
• X-rays (full mouth): $80-$150
• CT scan (for implants): $300-$500
• Study models: $100-$200

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Annual Costs:

• Check-ups and cleaning: $80-$150
• Denture cleaning/polishing: Included in check-up
• Minor adjustments: Free at Primedent

Periodic Costs:

• Reline (every 1-2 years): $200-$400
• Rebase (every 3-5 years): $300-$500
• Replacement (every 5-7 years): Same as initial cost

Emergency Repairs:

• Cracked denture: $150-$250
• Broken tooth: $80-$150
• Broken clasp: $100-$200
• Same-day repair: Additional $50-$100

Products and Supplies

Monthly Costs:

• Denture cleaner: $8-$15
• Denture brush: $5-$8 (quarterly)
• Soaking solution: $8-$12
• Adhesive (if needed): $8-$15
• Total: $25-$50 per month

Health Fund Coverage Explained

Understanding Your Coverage

Extras Cover Levels:

Basic ($20-$30/month):

• Annual limit: $300-$600 for dental
• Waiting periods: 2-12 months
• Denture rebate: $300-$500
• Out-of-pocket: Higher

Mid-Tier ($40-$60/month):

• Annual limit: $800-$1,200 for dental
• Waiting periods: 6-12 months
• Denture rebate: $500-$800
• Out-of-pocket: Moderate

Top-Tier ($80-$120/month):

• Annual limit: $1,500-$2,500 for dental
• Waiting periods: 2-6 months
• Denture rebate: $800-$1,500
• Out-of-pocket: Lower

Major Australian Health Funds

Bupa:

• Good denture coverage on mid-higher tiers
• No gap for some providers
• Annual limits: $500-$1,500

Medibank:

• Competitive denture rebates
• Members Choice network
• Annual limits: $600-$2,000

HCF:

• Excellent denture coverage
• Fast approval
• Annual limits: $700-$2,000

NIB:

• Comprehensive dental cover
• Flexible limits
• Annual limits: $500-$1,800

At Primedent Clinic:

✅ Accept all major health funds ✅ HICAPS on-the-spot claims ✅ Provide upfront quotes ✅ Help maximize your benefits ✅ Explain all costs clearly

Payment Options

Primedent Payment Plans

Interest-Free Options:

• 6 months interest-free
• 12 months interest-free (conditions apply)
• Minimum monthly payment required
• No hidden fees
• Approval usually same-day

Payment Schedule Example:

• Full denture: $2,000
• Deposit: $500
• 6 monthly payments: $250
• Total cost: $2,000 (no interest)

Third-Party Financing

Afterpay/Zip Pay:

• Split into 4 payments
• Fortnightly payments
• Low fee if late
• Instant approval
• Available for amounts up to $2,000

DentiCare:

• Specialized dental financing
• Flexible terms
• Competitive rates
• Higher approval amounts
• Monthly payments

Government Assistance

Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA):

• Gold card holders: Full coverage
• White card holders: Partial coverage
• Contact DVA for eligibility

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS):

• May cover dentures if related to disability
• Requires plan manager approval
• Contact your NDIS coordinator

Pensioner Discounts:

• Concession card holders
• Typically 10-20% discount
• Ask about availability

Cost Saving Tips

Smart Ways to Reduce Costs:

1. Maximize Health Fund Benefits

   • Use full annual limit
   • Time treatments across calendar years
   • Upgrade cover in advance (mind waiting periods)

2. Ask About Package Deals

   • Both arches together
   • Family discounts
   • Seasonal promotions

3. Maintain Your Dentures

   • Regular cleaning extends life
   • Timely repairs prevent major issues
   • Professional check-ups catch problems early

4. Consider Timing

   • Plan for beginning of calendar year
   • Fresh health fund limits
   • Tax deduction timing

5. Compare Quotes

   • Get 2-3 quotes
   • Understand what's included
   • Consider experience and quality

False Economy Warning

Don't Compromise On:

• ❌ Qualified prosthetist (not DIY kits)
• ❌ Quality materials (cheap = short lifespan)
• ❌ Proper fitting (comfort matters)
• ❌ Follow-up care (adjustments essential)

Primedent Pricing Philosophy

Our Commitment:

Transparent Pricing:

• Upfront quotes before treatment
• No hidden fees
• Itemized breakdowns
• Health fund estimates included

Quality Materials:

• Australian-made dentures
• Certified materials
• Proven durability
• Natural appearance

Experienced Care:

• 30+ years experience
• Certified prosthetists
• Ongoing training
• Patient-focused approach

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do denture costs vary so much? Costs vary based on materials, complexity, number of teeth, and prosthetist experience. Premium materials and more appointments increase costs but usually provide better results.

Can I get cheaper dentures overseas? While overseas dentures may be cheaper initially, you'll face challenges with adjustments, repairs, and warranty issues. Most patients regret this decision.

Are expensive dentures always better? Not always. The right denture depends on your specific needs. Sometimes mid-range dentures are perfect. Consult with your prosthetist for personalized advice.

How can I afford dentures if I don't have insurance? Payment plans, government assistance, and timing treatments strategically can help. We work with patients to find affordable solutions.

Do denture costs increase over time? Prices typically increase 3-5% annually with inflation. Costs in this guide are current for 2024-2025.

Get Your Personal Quote

Every patient's situation is unique. The best way to understand your specific costs is a free consultation.

At Your Consultation, We'll Provide:

• Detailed oral examination
• Treatment recommendations
• Exact pricing for your situation
• Health fund rebate estimates
• Payment plan options
• Timeline for treatment

Contact Primedent Clinic:

📞 (03) 9497 9666 📍 145 High St, Thomastown, VIC 3074 🕐 Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM

Free Consultation - No obligation, no pressure, just honest advice and transparent pricing.

Serving Thomastown, Lalor, Epping, Mill Park, Reservoir, Preston, and all Melbourne northern suburbs.

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This article was written by Goran, Principal Prosthetist at Primedent Denture Clinic, with over 30 years of experience in prosthodontics. Pricing information is current as of November 2024.