Yes, it's very common to have dentures, especially for older adults, with about 42% of Australians over 65 using them, but tooth loss from decay, injury, or disease affects all ages, so younger people also wear dentures for function and confidence, with modern options being far more natural and comfortable than past versions.
If you're missing teeth and considering dentures, be assured that you aren't alone. 13.2% of Australian adults wear one or two removable dentures, with an average of 5.3 missing teeth per person, according to Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia: Key Facts and Figures 2012.
Around 42.46 Million Americans Will Use Them by the End of 2025. In 2020, there were around 40.99 million U.S. citizens who were wearing dentures.
Dentures may not be the most comfortable or stable option for those with extensive tooth loss. They may also be unable to eat certain foods and may have to take care when cleaning them. Dentures may help you to function normally, but over time changes in the shape of your jawbone may cause them to slip.
While there is no specific number, most people who get dentures are typically between 40 and 70 years old. However, dentures aren't just for seniors—some may need them earlier due to tooth loss from injury, decay, or gum disease.
Will Eating with Dentures Ever Feel Normal? It may take a bit of practice, but chewing on both sides of your mouth at the same time can make a difference. This creates even pressure and keeps your dentures in place as you eat. Even chewing prevents sore spots and slippage.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
Dentists often prefer alternatives like implants because dentures don't prevent jawbone loss, leading to looseness, discomfort, and facial structure changes; they can slip, making eating difficult; they require extensive daily cleaning; and don't offer the same stability or chewing power as implants, which anchor to the bone. While dentures can be a good option, dentists aim to preserve natural teeth first and often suggest implants or bridges for better long-term oral health, function, and bone preservation.
Partial dentures start around £400 and can reach £1,500 depending on how many teeth need replacing and the materials used. The framework matters here. Chrome cobalt partials cost more than acrylic ones because they're stronger and less bulky in your mouth.
Dental implants are one of the most popular alternatives to dentures. They are artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Implants are a great option for patients who want a more natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement option.
In the world of film and music, celebrities of all ages have adopted the use of dentures to elevate their smiles, even in people as young as Emma Watson in the beginning of the Harry Potter franchise. Famous people with false teeth include: Emma Watson. Ben Aflleck.
The 50-40-30 rule in dentistry refers to the ideal proportions for the interproximal contact areas (IPCA) between front teeth (maxillary incisors) for a natural, aesthetic smile: 50% contact between the two central incisors, 40% between the central and lateral incisor, and 30% between the lateral incisor and canine, creating a soft, youthful look and preventing dark "black triangles". This guideline helps cosmetic dentists design veneers, crowns, or smile makeovers to achieve balance and harmony in the front teeth.
Chronic gum issues, abscesses, and bone loss are all risks tied to keeping unhealthy teeth. Dentures provide a clean, stable alternative that doesn't harbour the same bacterial risk when properly maintained. Replacing failing teeth may reduce the frequency of infections and help preserve a healthier oral environment.
Dentures are made to look and feel like your natural teeth, so it is unlikely that your date will notice that you're wearing dentures unless you tell them.
Full dentures in Australia typically cost between $1,200 to $8,000+ for a full set (upper and lower), with single arches (upper or lower) ranging from about $1,000 to $4,300, depending on materials, complexity, and if they are standard, premium, or implant-supported. Expect basic acrylic full dentures around $2,000-$4,000 for a set, while higher-end or implant-retained options can reach $10,000-$30,000+.
The "dentist 2 year rule" refers to two main concepts: the 2-2-2 oral hygiene rule (brush 2x/day for 2 mins, see dentist 2x/year) or the Australian Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a government program providing benefits for eligible children over a 2-year period. For general adults, the actual recommended checkup interval varies, but 1-2 years is common for healthy patients, while high-risk individuals need more frequent visits.
You don't have to go without teeth while waiting for your permanent dentures. Immediate dentures offer a temporary solution that helps keep your smile and confidence intact. They can restore your smile and appearance until your permanent dentures are being made.
First Few Days: You might feel the most discomfort during the first few days. It is when your gums are adjusting to the dentures and starting to heal. One Week: After about a week, the soreness and swelling should start to go down. You should also start feeling more comfortable with your dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
These offer the most natural appearance and function: Superior stability: Anchored by dental implants, they don't slip or move. Natural feel: Because they're secured by implants, they feel more like natural teeth.
The "333 dental rule" refers to two different concepts: a hygiene guideline (brush 3 times a day for 3 minutes, replace brush every 3 months) and a temporary toothache relief method (take 3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better habits, while the pain management rule helps control inflammation and pain before a dental visit, but requires caution as it's not a cure.
Commonly “Feared” Dental Procedures
The reality is, dental professionals see a wide range of oral health conditions every day. For them, treating cavities, gum disease, or even severe neglect is routine—not shocking. Dentists do not judge you for having bad teeth; they are trained to help, not criticize.
Yes, dentists can often tell if you only brush once a day. Signs like plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and tartar reveal brushing frequency during exams.
Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm.
Dentists often remove four to eight teeth in one sitting, especially when preparing for dentures or full-mouth rehabilitation. In some urgent cases, they may even extract up to 10–12 teeth, but this is rare and requires close monitoring. Patients undergoing wisdom tooth removal frequently have all four removed at once.