Dentures in Johannesburg: Types, Costs and What to Expect

Dentures are removable or fixed replacements for missing teeth, restoring the ability to eat, speak and smile normally. In South Africa in 2026, partial dentures typically cost between R4,000 and R18,000 per plate, a full acrylic set between R12,000 and R30,000, and implant retained dentures from around R35,000 per arch. Designer Smiles Inc fits and maintains dentures at our Rosebank and Bedfordview practices in Johannesburg.

What dentures are and who they suit

Dentures, also called false teeth, are custom made prosthetic teeth set into a gum coloured base that sits over the gum ridge. They are made for people who have lost teeth through decay, gum disease, injury or long term wear.

Missing teeth are not only a cosmetic problem. The remaining teeth drift into the gap, the bite changes, chewing becomes one sided, and over time the jawbone under the gap shrinks, which changes the shape of the lower face. Replacing missing teeth stops that chain of events.

Types of dentures

Partial dentures

For patients who still have some natural teeth. A partial denture fills the gaps and clips onto the remaining teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments. It also stops the neighbouring teeth from tilting into the space.

Full dentures

A complete set replacing every tooth in the upper or lower jaw, held in place by suction, the shape of the ridge, and in some cases denture adhesive. Fitted once the gums have healed after extractions, usually a few months later.

Immediate dentures

Made in advance and fitted on the same day teeth are removed, so you are never without teeth. Because the gums shrink as they heal, an immediate denture needs relining or replacing once healing is complete.

Flexible dentures

Made from a lightweight thermoplastic instead of rigid acrylic. More comfortable for many patients, less prone to cracking, and without visible metal clasps. They cost more than standard acrylic and cannot be relined as easily.

Implant retained dentures and permanent dentures

A denture that clips onto two or more dental implants placed in the jaw. It does not slip, restores far more chewing force than a conventional denture, and slows the bone loss that normally follows tooth loss. Fixed full arch options such as All on 4 are covered on our dental implants page.

How much do dentures cost in South Africa?

These are market ranges for South Africa in 2026, not Designer Smiles Inc fees. Cost depends on the number of teeth replaced, materials, whether extractions are needed, and how many try in appointments your case requires.

Type	Typical range (South Africa, 2026)	Notes
Partial denture, acrylic	R4,000 to R8,000	Replaces a few teeth in one arch
Partial denture, cobalt chrome	R8,000 to R18,000	Thinner, stronger and longer lasting
Flexible partial denture	R7,000 to R16,000	No visible metal clasps
Full denture, single arch	R6,000 to R15,000	Upper or lower
Full set, upper and lower	R12,000 to R30,000	Premium sets can run higher
Implant retained overdenture	R35,000 to R90,000 per arch	Includes implants and the denture
Reline or repair	R500 to R4,000	Routine maintenance every few years

A quote should cover the whole pathway, not only the appliance. Ask what is included for extractions, impressions, bite records, try in visits, adjustments after fitting, and the first reline. That is where unexpectedly low quotes tend to catch people out.

Dentures, bridges or implants

Dentures are the most affordable way to replace multiple missing teeth and the quickest to fit. They are removable, they rest on the gums, and they need to be taken out and cleaned daily.

A bridge is fixed and does not move, but it requires the teeth either side of the gap to be prepared. Implants are the closest thing to natural teeth, preserve the jawbone, and last decades with proper care, but they cost more and take longer. Many patients start with a denture and move to an implant retained option later, which is a sensible staged approach.

Living with dentures

Expect two to four weeks of adjustment. Speech feels odd at first and improves quickly with practice. Start with soft food cut small, chew on both sides at once for stability, and build up gradually.

Clean dentures over a basin of water or a folded towel, since acrylic cracks easily on a hard surface. Brush them daily with a soft brush and a non abrasive cleaner rather than ordinary toothpaste, soak them overnight, and clean your gums and tongue as well. Sore spots in the first weeks are normal and are solved by a quick adjustment appointment, not by adhesive.

Why patients choose Designer Smiles Inc

We fit dentures as part of a full assessment of the mouth rather than as a standalone appliance. That means checking gum health, the condition of the remaining teeth, and whether an implant retained option would serve you better over a ten year horizon. Where a conventional denture is the right call, we say so.

Frequently asked questions

How much do dentures cost in South Africa?

In 2026, partial dentures in South Africa typically cost between R4,000 and R18,000 per plate, and a full acrylic set between R12,000 and R30,000 depending on materials. Implant retained dentures start from around R35,000 per arch. The final price depends on the number of teeth, the material chosen and whether extractions are needed.

What are dentures?

Dentures are custom made prosthetic teeth set into a gum coloured base, designed to replace missing natural teeth. They restore chewing, speech and facial support. Partial dentures replace a few teeth and clip onto the remaining ones. Full dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch.

How much are false teeth?

False teeth and dentures are the same thing. South African prices in 2026 generally run from around R4,000 for a simple acrylic partial denture to R30,000 for a full upper and lower set. Implant supported options cost considerably more but function far better.

What are false teeth made of?

Most dentures use an acrylic resin base with acrylic or porcelain teeth. Stronger partial dentures use a cast cobalt chrome metal framework covered with acrylic. Flexible dentures use a thermoplastic nylon material. Your dentist recommends the material based on the number of teeth, bite forces and comfort.

How do I clean dentures?

Rinse dentures after eating, then brush them daily with a soft denture brush and a non abrasive denture cleaner. Ordinary toothpaste is too abrasive and scratches acrylic. Soak them overnight in a cleaning solution to keep them moist, and brush your gums and tongue before putting them back in.

How long do dentures last?

A well made denture lasts roughly five to ten years. The denture itself wears, and more importantly the gum ridge underneath continues to shrink after tooth loss, so the fit changes. Most patients need a reline every two to five years and a replacement within a decade.

How do I fix broken dentures?

Do not use household glue, which is toxic and permanently ruins the fit. Keep all the pieces, stop wearing the denture, and contact the practice. Most cracks and lost teeth can be professionally repaired within a day or two, and a broken denture often signals a fit problem worth investigating.

Are permanent dentures better than removable ones?

Permanent, meaning implant retained, dentures do not move while eating or speaking, restore far more chewing force, and slow jawbone loss. They cost significantly more and require surgery and healing time. Removable dentures remain a sound choice where cost, bone volume or general health rule out implants.