Dr. Joanna Joy N. Chiu
Specialist in Gum Disease
FCDSHK (Perio), FHKAM (Dental Surgery), M Perio RCSEd, AdvDipPeriodont (HK), MDS (Perio) HK, DDM
Speaks English, Tagalog, Cantonese, Mandarin
Dentures in Tung Chung, Hong Kong
Dentures replace missing teeth. At Bayside Dental Tung Chung we assess patients and arrange custom-made complete and partial removable dentures for adults and older patients. Your dentist checks your gums, jawbone and remaining teeth first, then explains whether a removable denture, bridge or implant suits you and what it is likely to cost.
Table of Contents
Dentures in 30 Seconds
- Types: Removable dentures (complete or partial) come out for cleaning. Fixed options (bridges, implants) don’t.
- Who they suit: People missing several teeth or a whole arch. For older patients, being able to take the denture out and clean it every day matters as much as gum and bone health.
- Process: An examination and X-rays, treatment for any decay, gum disease or extractions, then impressions, a try-in, fitting and adjustments. It usually takes several visits over a few weeks.
- Reference fees: The Prince Philip Dental Hospital lists HK$15,000–30,000 per arch for a complete denture and HK$8,000–30,000 per arch for a partial denture. For reference only; your fee is confirmed after an examination.
- Settling in: Speech and chewing usually take a few weeks to adjust. Clean the denture daily and leave it out overnight in water.
Book a denture assessment: Contact Us
Our Denture Dentists
Dr. Chamila Panduwawala
General Dentist
BDS (U. of Peradeniya), PhD (HK)
Speaks English, Sinhala
Dr. Purvi Ankit Gohil
General Dentist
Bachelor of Dental Surgery of the Maharashtra
University of Health Sciences, Nashik, India (2003)
Speaks English, Hindi
Dr. Ming Hon Chim
General Dentist
Bachelor of Dental Surgery of the University of Hong Kong (2013)
Speaks English, Cantonese, Mandarin
Types of Dentures: Removable and Fixed
Removable dentures can be taken out every day for cleaning. Fixed options are cemented to teeth or attached to implants and can only be removed by a dentist. Leaving a gap unfilled can let neighbouring teeth tilt and the jawbone gradually shrink. At our Tung Chung clinic, denture treatment centres on complete and partial removable dentures; for fixed options, see Crowns & Bridges and Dental Implants, and if a tooth has just been removed, see Tooth Extraction.
Complete (Full) Dentures
When an upper or lower jaw has no teeth left, a complete denture replaces the whole arch of teeth and the bone that has been lost. It rests on the gums and jaw ridge and is usually made once the gums have healed after extractions. A lower full denture tends to feel looser when a lot of jawbone has been lost; if your bone allows, implants can help hold it in place.
Partial Dentures
If you still have some natural teeth, a partial denture fills the gaps and stops the remaining teeth drifting. It clips onto your natural teeth with clasps or a framework, looks natural, and comes out for cleaning. Common base materials include the following; your dentist will advise which suits you:
| Material | Advantages | Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Light, more affordable, easy to adjust | Bulkier, so it can feel more noticeable at first |
| Cobalt-chrome metal framework | Thinner, strong, more stable, easier to keep clean | Usually costs more than acrylic |
| Flexible resin | Soft and gentle on the gums | Less durable; more porous, so harder to keep clean |
Implant-Supported Dentures
Two or more implants are placed in the jawbone and the denture attaches to them, which cuts down on movement. This is particularly useful when the lower jaw has lost a lot of bone. Some designs clip on and come out for cleaning (overdentures); others are fixed and can only be removed by your dentist. Suitability depends on your bone and general health, and bone grafting is sometimes needed first; your dentist will explain the assessment and treatment after examining you. See Dental Implants.
Fixed vs Removable Dentures: What's the Difference?
| Removable denture (complete/partial) | Bridge (fixed) | Implant (fixed, or supporting a denture) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can you take it out? | Yes, daily for cleaning | No | Implant crown: no. Implant denture: depends on design |
| Held in by | Gums, jaw ridge and clasps | Cemented to prepared teeth either side | Implant fused to the jawbone |
| Surgery? | No | No | Yes (implant placement) |
| Neighbouring teeth prepared? | Usually not, or only slightly | Yes | No |
| Chewing | Weaker than fixed options; take care with hard food | Close to natural teeth | Close to natural teeth; implant dentures are steadier than conventional dentures |
| Treatment time | A few weeks, over several visits | A few weeks | Usually several months for healing |
| Cleaning | Take out and brush; soak overnight | Floss threader under the bridge | Brush and floss like natural teeth |
| Often suits | Many missing teeth, a whole arch, or surgery not advisable | 1–3 missing teeth with sound teeth either side | Enough bone; want to leave neighbouring teeth alone |
The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing and where, your gums and bone, your general health, how easily you can clean the replacement and your budget. Your dentist will go through each option after examining you.
Who Are Removable Dentures Suitable For?
Usually suitable if you:
- Are missing several teeth, or all the teeth in one jaw
- Have healthy gums, or extraction sites that have healed
- Aren’t suited to implant surgery, or would rather not have it for now
Treated first:
- Uncontrolled gum disease: plaque builds up around denture edges and can make gum disease worse, so the gums are treated first. Our team includes a specialist in gum disease.
- Active infection: such as oral thrush (candidiasis) or widespread decay.
- Severe bone loss: conventional dentures may not stay stable, and implant support may be worth considering.
Dentures for Older Patients
Age alone isn’t a barrier, but a few things affect which denture will work for you day to day:
- Handling and cleaning: removable dentures need taking out and cleaning every day. If fingers are stiff or memory is a concern, a family member or carer may need to help, and your dentist will keep ease of handling in mind when designing the denture.
- General health: tell your dentist about diabetes or other long-term conditions, any medication, and whether you’re considering implants, so treatment and healing can be planned properly.
- Appointments: dentures take several visits, and you may need to come back for adjustments in the first few weeks. If a family member will come with you, let our staff know when booking so we can find a suitable time.
Our Denture Process
Number of visits: usually several
Completion time: a few weeks in total (longer if extractions or gum treatment come first); your dentist will explain after the examination
Recovery: no downtime, but allow a few weeks to adjust
Before a denture is made, your mouth needs to be healthy. Decay, gum disease and teeth that need removing are usually dealt with first, and after extractions the gums need time to heal before a complete denture is made.
Step 1: Examination and Treatment Plan
Your dentist checks your gums, jawbone and remaining teeth, takes X-rays where needed, and explains the denture type, materials, visits involved and expected cost.
Step 2: Impressions, Bite Record and Try-In
Impressions record the shape of your mouth and how your jaws meet, and a dental laboratory makes the denture from them. Before it is finished, you will usually try in a wax version (depending on the denture type), so we can check tooth position, shade, shape, speech and bite.
Step 3: Fitting and Adjustment
When the denture is ready, your dentist checks the fit and bite, eases any pressure points, and shows you how to put it in, take it out and clean it. If anything rubs or feels loose in the first few weeks, come back for an adjustment.
After that, regular check-ups (for example every six to twelve months) let your dentist check the fit and the health of your gums and remaining teeth.
Denture Cost in Hong Kong
There is no single price for dentures. The cost depends mainly on whether you need a complete or partial denture, the materials, and whether extractions or gum treatment are needed first. These are the reference ranges from the Prince Philip Dental Hospital’s fee schedule for private patients:
| Item | Reference range (HKD) |
|---|---|
| Complete removable denture (per arch) | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Partial removable denture (per arch) | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| Crown / bridge (per unit, for fixed options) | $7,700 – $12,000 |
Why Denture Prices Vary
- Type and number of teeth: a complete denture replaces a whole arch; a partial fills some gaps, and they are made differently.
- Materials: acrylic or metal-framework bases differ in thickness, comfort, durability and cost.
- Treatment beforehand: extractions, gum treatment or reshaping the jaw ridge add time and cost.
- Later costs: your gums change over time, so a denture may need relining or repair later on, which is charged separately.
These figures come from the Prince Philip Dental Hospital’s published fee schedule. They are third-party information for reference only and do not represent our clinic’s own fees; your actual fee is confirmed after an examination. As noted on our fee reference page, these ranges cover the basic treatment fee and may not include special materials or dental laboratory fees. You can ask your dentist for a quotation before any treatment starts. See our Dental Fee Reference page for other treatments.
Can I Use Health Care Vouchers or Insurance?
Most of our dentists are registered with the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme; please check with our staff when booking whether vouchers can be used for your dentist and treatment (see Patient Information). Many medical insurance plans don’t cover dentures and cover varies by policy, so check with your insurer first; our staff can provide receipts if you need to make a claim.
Caring for Your Dentures
Every day:
- After meals, take the denture out and rinse it under lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp it.
- Brush every surface, including the side that sits against your gums, with a soft brush and a mild denture cleaner or mild soap. Don’t use regular toothpaste: it is abrasive, scratches the surface and gives bacteria places to collect.
- Take the denture out at night and leave it in water or a denture-cleaning solution so it doesn’t dry out and your gums get a rest.
- Gently brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft toothbrush. With a partial denture, brush your natural teeth twice a day and floss around them.
Avoid:
- Hot or boiling water
- Bleach or household cleaners
- Soaking in vinegar long term (it can damage metal parts)
- Scraping off stains with sharp objects
- Bending the clasps when removing a partial denture
Handle your denture over a basin of water or a folded towel so it’s less likely to break if you drop it.
Common Denture Problems
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Loose fit | Bone shrinkage, worn denture | Adhesive is only a short-term fix; see your dentist about relining |
| Sore spots | Pressure points, poor fit | Come in for an adjustment; don’t file it yourself |
| Bad odour | Bacteria build-up | Clean more thoroughly and soak regularly |
| Stains | Coffee, tea, smoking | Clean more thoroughly; cut down on smoking |
| Cracks or chips | Drops, wear and tear | Keep the pieces, don’t glue them, and bring the denture in |
Come in promptly as well if your gums stay red or bleed for more than three days, if they are receding, or if you notice pus or bad breath that doesn’t go away.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Dentures?
Dentures are made to fit your mouth, but they won’t feel exactly like natural teeth. In the first few weeks it’s common to notice:
- More saliva: your mouth reacting to something new; it usually settles within days.
- Changes to speech: your tongue needs time to adjust. Reading aloud helps, and most people adapt within one to two weeks.
- Awkward chewing: start with soft food cut into small pieces, chew slowly on both sides, then work back to your usual diet.
- Sore spots: part of the denture pressing too hard, which your dentist can adjust.
Most people are comfortable within two to four weeks. If pain continues, the denture feels loose, or eating is still difficult after about a month, come back for a check.
Book a Denture Assessment
Whether a tooth has just come out, your old denture has started to slip, or you’d like to know whether a denture, bridge or implant would suit you better, start with a check-up. Your dentist will explain your options and the expected cost. Call +852 2185 6550, or use the buttons below to WhatsApp us or book online.
Bayside Dental Tung Chung is at Shop 26, Caribbean Square, 1 Kin Tung Road, Tung Chung, and our team speaks English, Cantonese, Mandarin and other languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of dentures?
The main types are removable and fixed. Removable dentures include complete dentures, for a jaw with no teeth left, and partial dentures, for when some natural teeth remain; both come out for cleaning. Fixed options include bridges and implants, which stay in. Dentures can also be held in place by implants. Your dentist will recommend a type based on how many teeth are missing and the health of your gums and bone.
What type of denture is suitable for older people?
It depends on how many teeth are missing, gum and bone health, general health, and whether the person can take the denture out and clean it every day. Seniors missing many or all teeth usually consider complete or partial removable dentures. If a lower full denture keeps slipping and there is enough bone, implants can help hold it. Family members can help with cleaning, and your dentist will keep ease of handling in mind.
How many appointments does it take to get dentures?
Expect an examination with X-rays, treatment for any decay or gum disease (and extractions if needed), impressions and a bite record, a try-in, then fitting and adjustments. It usually takes several visits over a few weeks (longer if extractions or gum treatment come first); your dentist will explain after the examination.
How much do dentures cost in Hong Kong?
The Prince Philip Dental Hospital’s published fee schedule lists about HK$15,000–30,000 per arch for a complete removable denture and HK$8,000–30,000 per arch for a partial denture (for reference only; your fee is confirmed after an examination). The cost depends on the denture type, materials and any treatment needed first. See our Dental Fee Reference.
Can I use Elderly Health Care Vouchers or insurance for dentures?
Most of our dentists are registered with the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme; please check with our staff when booking whether vouchers can be used for your dentist and treatment. Many medical insurance plans don’t cover dentures, so check your policy with your insurer.
Will dentures affect my speech?
At first some sounds may be unclear and you may have more saliva. Your tongue needs time to adjust; reading aloud helps, and most people adapt within one to two weeks. If speech is still difficult after that, your dentist can check and adjust the denture.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
It takes some time, but most people gradually get back to a varied diet. Start with soft food cut into small pieces and chew slowly on both sides. Removable dentures don’t bite as strongly as natural teeth, so take care with very hard or sticky food.
How do I care for my dentures? Should I take them out at night?
Take your dentures out daily and brush them with a soft brush and a mild denture cleaner. Don’t use regular toothpaste, which scratches the surface. Take them out before bed and leave them in water or a denture-cleaning solution so they don’t warp and your gums can rest. Avoid hot water and bleach.
How long do dentures last, and when do they need relining or replacing?
Removable dentures usually last around 5–10 years, depending on the material, how well they’re looked after and changes in your mouth. The jawbone shrinks over time, so a denture can become loose and need relining. See your dentist if it feels loose, causes sore spots, cracks or makes chewing difficult. Regular check-ups help catch problems early.—