Unfortunately, dental implants are not free in Australia, but there are plenty of solutions to help you with the price if you’re eligible. Dental implants can cost between $3,000 and $7,500 per tooth! Regrettably, they’re not often covered by insurance, which means getting a prosthetic tooth might not be an option for many people.
If that’s way out of your budget, don’t worry – there are a few ways you could end up getting cost-effective dental implants in Australia. These include affordable solutions for seniors, low-income families, and those going through hard times financially.
However, not everyone is eligible for financial assistance for dental implants. If you aren’t, JC Dental Como offers payment options that could help make dental implants (and other dental treatments) more affordable for everyone!
This article provides general information for visitors across Australia. It does not imply that you, as an individual, qualify for any free dental implants or dental grants. Please consult the relevant government authorities for specific eligibility requirements. Our team at JC Dental Como is unable to assist with government grant applications.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from biocompatible components (usually titanium or zirconia), which are placed surgically into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They serve as a strong foundation for crowns, dentures, or bridges.
Unlike traditional dentures, implants osseointegrate (fuse) with the jawbone, which stabilises the implant and also supports your bone health. This procedure is ideal for seniors who have lost teeth due to decay, injury, or gum disease, restoring both function and aesthetics to their smiles.
Dental implants restore the ability to chew and enjoy a wider range of foods, which can actually improve nutrition. Implants also enhance speech clarity, because they remain stable, unlike dentures that may shift. One big advantage is their natural look and feel, boosting confidence and comfort in social interactions.
Implants also help maintain jawbone structure and effectively help to prevent bone loss associated with missing teeth. This is especially important for older people, as it can help preserve their facial shape. Finally, dental implant treatment is a long-term solution, often lasting 20 years with proper care.
If you’re looking for subsidised dental implants in Australia, there aren’t many options. Dental schools, teaching hospitals, and government grants for dental implants in selected states are some of the best ways to get your teeth fixed at a low cost.
You’ll need to meet the strict eligibility criteria and prove that your dental treatment or implants are medically necessary, not simply cosmetic. This can be a very frustrating process, so be patient and take it one day at a time.
Dental implants aren’t usually covered under Medicare, but you can find government grants to help you get dental implants in Australia with less of a financial burden. Some state and territory governments provide subsidies for dental care through public health systems, like the Dental Health Services Victoria and the Queensland Oral Health Program.
These programs often focus on low-income individuals, pensioners, and those with medical conditions that make implants necessary. Veterans may qualify for dental treatment support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Dental Health Services Victoria offers some financial support for dental treatments to low-income seniors. If you’re not eligible for dental implants, you may qualify for another tooth replacement option. Spend some time researching grants in your area that you may be eligible for.
At JC Dental Como, we have plenty of experience working with both DVA and Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) claims. Contact us if you (or your child) qualify for these!
To qualify for government assistance with dental implants, you generally need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and you may need to demonstrate either financial hardship or medical necessity.
Eligibility also varies by state, with some grants needing a health care or pension card. A financial needs assessment, medical documentation, and referrals from a healthcare provider are often necessary to support your application. It’s also worth noting that some states in Australia do not assist with dental implants in any capacity.
Some non-profit organisations, such as Give a Smile, may offer financial assistance with dental implants. However, most non-profit organisations assist with more basic dental care, rather than cosmetic care.
Give a Smile provides services to disadvantaged Australians, while the Australian Dental Outreach Foundation focuses on low-income communities, providing dental care services to those who can’t afford it otherwise.
Dental schools and teaching hospitals across Australia offer cheap dental implants, usually not free but for drastically reduced costs. Institutions like the University of Melbourne and Griffith University allow dental students, supervised by professionals, to perform these procedures.
This is a cost-effective option for patients while giving students valuable hands-on experience. Waiting lists can be long, but it’s a valuable option for those looking for affordable dental care.
If you’re not eligible for government grants or non-profit assistance for dental implants in Australia, your best bet is to find cheap dental implants through affordable payment plans with financing options. The cost of dental implants can range from $3,000 upwards per tooth, so finding a financing plan could relieve some stress.
Many dental clinics in Australia offer flexible payment plans to make dental implants for pensioners (and everyone else) more affordable. You can choose from interest-free payment options, like Afterpay, Zip, or Humm, which allow you to pay off the treatment cost in manageable instalments.
Some dental clinics also help patients access early release of their superannuation to cover dental expenses. These options help seniors manage the high costs of implants.
For seniors with major dental cover, insurance may cover part of the procedure, like consultations, X-rays, and implant surgery. However, general dental insurance does not usually include cover for implants. It’s important to check with your insurer to understand exactly what they cover, any waiting periods, and applicable annual limits.
While Medicare doesn’t generally cover dental implants, there are some exceptions for seniors. If an implant is considered to be medically necessary due to a condition affecting the ability to eat or speak, or as part of treatment following an accident, partial Medicare coverage might be available.
However, even in these cases, the coverage typically only applies to a portion of the treatment cost, and patients will still need to pay the rest of the costs themselves.
Unable to get financial assistance for dental implants in Australia? Here are some other options to consider that could work better for you.
For seniors who need most or all of their teeth replaced, denture implants, also known as implant-retained dentures, could be a better choice. They offer a more secure and stable alternative to regular dentures. Moreover, implant-supported dentures are less invasive and they are cheaper than regular implants.
They involve placing just a few titanium implants into the jawbone, which act as a solid foundation for the dentures. This method is highly recommended for people who experience discomfort or slippage with regular dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are either fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. While they’re more costly than traditional dentures, they provide a long-lasting, natural-feeling solution.
Dentures are more affordable than tooth implants, and they are non-invasive, making them a good choice for seniors. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and can be easily removed for cleaning, and you don’t need surgery to implant them.
Dental bridges involve fixing prosthetic teeth to adjacent healthy teeth. Though bridges are more stable than dentures, they may require modifying healthy teeth, which might not be an option for seniors with poor teeth. Dentures are faster to produce but may need frequent adjustments and don’t prevent jawbone loss, unlike implants.
If you are eligible for subsidised dental implants in Australia, here’s how to find the right program or grant.
Many states in Australia offer public dental services that may include low-cost dental implants. These services are usually available through public dental clinics, which prioritise low-income people or those with significant medical needs.
For example, states like Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland offer dental health services to eligible residents, sometimes covering up to 75% of the treatment cost if you hold a healthcare or senior concession card.
There may be government grants specific to your area, too. So, contact your local health authority or public dental clinic to determine whether you qualify for these programs.
Several non-profit organisations in Australia help make dental implants more accessible for seniors. Not all charities operate in all areas, and they tend to have very specific criteria for eligibility. So, find out what’s available in your area.
You can also research universities and teaching dental clinics. Reach out to them and ask about any possible programs for low-cost dental care.
Dental implants are generally safe, but like any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, nerve damage, or implant failure. It’s important to discuss these risks with your dentist to understand the full picture before deciding on the procedure.
The dental implant process can take several months, including a minimum 3-month healing time after the implant is placed and before the final crown or denture is attached. It varies depending on the patient’s health and the complexity of the dental implant procedure.
Patients with certain conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, may still be eligible for implants, but they might face higher risks. A thorough evaluation of your overall health is necessary to determine if dental implants are a safe option for you.
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I had a great experience at JC Dental. Dr. Colleen is very gentle, professional, knowledgeable and very informative. Dr. Colleen made me feel comfortable and pain-free through out the whole process. Thank you Dr. Colleen. I would highly recommend this practice!
I went for a checkup, scale and clean. Dr Colleen Ling did an amazing job on my teeth! She is very gentle, caring and very patient.
My dental experience with her was very positive & reassuring. She showed great concern and is ever so lovely.
JJ and Colleen are both gentle, compassionate and efficient. They explain through the procedure to make sure you are aware of the details and the associated fees before you commit.
Dr. Colleen is a highly professional, kind, and patient dentist. She has been taking care of my family members’ teeth for many years
Did my invisalign braces with Dr Colleen. Great results. Would highly recommend!