Types of dentures
A denture is a set of false teeth on a base that sits on your gums. There are a few kinds, and the right one depends on how many teeth you have left and how firm you want the denture to be.
- Full (complete) dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They are held in place by the shape of your gums and a thin layer of saliva. Upper dentures usually hold better than lower ones.
- Partial dentures replace some missing teeth and clip onto the teeth you still have. They can be made of acrylic, of a flexible nylon-based material that bends slightly and has no metal clasps, or on a thin metal frame that is stronger and less bulky.
- Implant-supported dentures clip onto two or more dental implants. They are much steadier than a normal denture, especially in the lower jaw, and make chewing far easier.
- Immediate dentures are made in advance and fitted on the same day teeth are taken out, so you are never without teeth. As your gums heal and shrink over the following months, they need to be relined or remade.
Full upper dentureseen from below
Partial lower dentureseen from above
How a denture is made
A good fit takes a few visits over a few weeks. A typical full denture goes like this:
- Examination and moulds. Dr. Laura checks your gums and any remaining teeth, and takes moulds of your mouth.
- Bite and teeth. She records how your jaws meet, and you choose the shade and shape of the teeth together.
- Try-in. You try a wax version of the denture, so the look, fit and bite can be changed before the final one is made.
- Fitting. The finished denture is fitted and adjusted.
- Review. A few days later, any sore spots are eased.
Getting used to new dentures
New dentures can feel bulky at first, and you may have more saliva than usual. This settles over a few weeks.
- Eating: start with soft food cut into small pieces, and chew on both sides at once to keep the denture steady.
- Speaking: reading aloud at home helps your tongue and cheeks get used to the new shape.
- Sore spots: do not try to file or bend the denture yourself. Come back and Dr. Laura will adjust it.
Caring for your dentures
- Take them out and rinse them after meals.
- Brush them every day with a soft brush and denture cleaner or mild soap. Ordinary toothpaste can scratch them.
- Never use hot water, which can warp the base.
- Take them out at night, unless you are told otherwise, and keep them in water or a soaking solution so they do not dry out.
- Brush your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth every day.
Your gums and jawbone slowly change shape over the years, so a denture that once fitted well can become loose. Regular check-ups catch this early, and most dentures need relining or remaking after some years.
Your dentist
Dr. Laura Albuquerque
Making dentures that fit well and look natural is a core part of prosthodontics, the dental specialty in which Dr. Laura holds her MDS. She plans the fit, the bite and the look of each denture herself.
Common questions
How long do dentures take to make?
Usually a few weeks, over several short visits. Immediate dentures are made before your teeth are taken out, so they are ready on the day.
Will people be able to tell I wear dentures?
The teeth are chosen to suit your face, skin tone and age, and the try-in visit lets you see and change the look before the final denture is made.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Most foods, with a little practice. Very hard or sticky foods are harder to manage. If chewing is a problem, implant-supported dentures make a big difference.
My denture keeps slipping. What can I do?
Adhesive can help a little, but a denture that keeps moving usually needs relining or remaking to match how your gums have changed. Clipping a lower denture onto two implants is often the best fix.
How much do dentures cost?
It depends on the type. A plain acrylic denture costs the least; flexible and metal-frame partial dentures cost more; implant-supported dentures cost the most, because the implants are part of the price. Dr. Laura will explain the cost of each option at your first visit.
Partial denture or bridge?
A bridge is fixed in place but needs healthy teeth on either side of the gap. A partial denture comes out for cleaning and can replace teeth in several places at once. Dr. Laura will explain which suits your mouth.
This page gives general information, not advice for your own teeth. Dr. Laura will explain what suits you, and what it will cost, after examining you.