Partial and Complete Dentures
A partial denture replaces one or a few missing teeth, and may clip onto some of your remaining natural teeth for extra stability. A complete denture replaces all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch, where none remain. Which applies to your own situation depends on how many natural teeth you have left.
How Dentures Differ from Dental Bridges
A denture is removable and taken out for cleaning; a bridge is fixed in place and not removed. See Dental Bridges for that fixed alternative.
How Dentures Differ from Implant-Supported Dentures
The dentures covered on this page are conventional dentures, which rest on the gum and, for partial dentures, may clip onto remaining natural teeth — they are not secured by dental implants. Some denture designs are instead secured to implants placed in the jaw, offering more stability; this is a different treatment, covered on its own page. Not every denture is fixed or implant-supported — whether that alternative applies to you is a separate assessment question. See Implant-Supported Dentures for that option.
Assessment and Planning
Assessment generally includes an examination of your remaining teeth and gums, to establish whether a partial or complete denture is appropriate and how it should be designed. Alternatives, including a bridge or implant-supported options, would also be discussed at this stage.
What to Expect in General Terms
Providing dentures generally involves taking impressions or scans of your mouth, trying a trial version to check fit and appearance, and adjusting before the final denture is fitted. This usually takes more than one appointment.
Considerations and Limitations
New dentures can feel unfamiliar to begin with, and it generally takes some time to adjust to wearing them. They may need periodic adjustment as your mouth changes over time, and, like any restoration, don't last indefinitely. Denture design and material options vary, and which apply to you is a matter for assessment rather than something promised here.
Looking After Dentures
Dentures are generally removed and cleaned separately from the rest of your mouth, and your dentist would advise on whether to remove them overnight. Regular check-ups help make sure they continue to fit well.
Related Treatments
For a fixed alternative, see Dental Bridges. For a denture design secured by implants, see Implant-Supported Dentures.
General information only — every treatment decision follows an individual clinical assessment.