Services

Dentures in Townsville

edit_note Townsville Dental Directory editorial team · Updated 13 May 2026

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What Are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They restore chewing function, speech, and facial aesthetics for patients who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), approximately 20 per cent of adults aged 65 and over in Australia are edentulous (have no natural teeth) (AIHW, Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia, 2023), and dentures remain the most common form of tooth replacement for this population. The Australian Dental Association notes that modern dentures are significantly more natural-looking and comfortable than previous generations, thanks to advances in acrylic and ceramic materials.

At Townsville Dental Clinic, our dentures are individually crafted to match your natural appearance and provide a comfortable, secure fit.

Types of Dentures

Full Dentures (Complete Dentures)

Replace all teeth in one or both arches. Full dentures rest on the gum ridge and are held in place by suction (upper) or by the shape of the ridge (lower). Modern full dentures use high-quality acrylic teeth set in a gum-coloured base for a natural appearance.

Partial Dentures

Replace one or more missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures are supported by metal or flexible clasps that attach to your remaining teeth. They prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and restore chewing function.

Implant-Retained Dentures (Overdentures)

Dentures that clip onto dental implants placed in the jawbone. This provides dramatically improved stability, chewing power, and comfort compared to conventional dentures. Implant-retained dentures also help preserve jawbone density.

Immediate Dentures

Placed on the same day teeth are extracted, so you are never without teeth. These are adjusted as your gums heal over the following months, and may serve as a transition to a permanent set.

Conventional vs Implant-Retained Dentures

Feature	Conventional Dentures	Implant-Retained Dentures
Stability	Relies on suction/adhesive	Clips firmly onto implants
Chewing function	Approximately 25% of natural	Approximately 80-90% of natural
Bone preservation	Bone loss continues	Implants stimulate bone, preventing loss
Adhesives needed	Often required	Not required
Comfort	Can feel loose over time	Secure and stable
Cost	Lower initial cost	Higher initial investment
Lifespan	5-10 years (denture); relines needed	10-20+ years (implants); denture replacement as needed

The Denture Process

Consultation — assessment of your oral health and discussion of your options
Impressions — precise moulds of your mouth for custom fabrication
Wax try-in — a trial fitting to check appearance, fit, and bite before final fabrication
Fitting — delivery of your finished dentures with adjustments for comfort
Follow-up — review appointments to fine-tune the fit as you adjust

Caring for Your Dentures

Remove and rinse after eating
Brush dentures daily with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser
Soak overnight in water or a denture solution
Never use hot water (can warp the material)
Handle carefully to avoid dropping
Attend annual dental check-ups for assessment and reline if needed

Ready to book? Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dentures cost in Australia?

The cost of dentures in Australia varies depending on the type and materials. Partial dentures typically range from $900 to $2,500, while full dentures range from $1,500 to $4,000 per arch. Premium dentures with superior materials and aesthetics may cost more. We provide a detailed quote after your consultation.

How long do dentures last?

With proper care, a well-made set of dentures typically lasts 5 to 10 years before needing replacement. However, the Australian Dental Association recommends having dentures assessed annually, as changes in your jawbone and gums over time can affect the fit.

Can I eat normally with dentures?

Yes, though there is an adjustment period. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and gradually reintroduce harder foods as you become comfortable. Most patients adapt to eating with dentures within a few weeks. Implant-retained dentures provide significantly better chewing function than conventional dentures.

What is the difference between full and partial dentures?

Full dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch, while partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures are held in place by clasps that attach to your remaining natural teeth.

Are implant-supported dentures better than conventional dentures?

Implant-supported dentures offer significantly better stability, chewing function, and comfort than conventional dentures. They prevent the bone loss that occurs after tooth removal, and they eliminate the need for denture adhesives. They are the recommended option when suitable.

How much do dentures cost in Townsville?

At Townsville Dental Clinic, dentures typically cost $900 to $2,500 for partial dentures and $1,500 to $4,000 per arch for full dentures, depending on the materials and design. We offer HICAPS on-the-spot health fund claiming so your insurance rebate is processed immediately at your appointment.