Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. They can replace some teeth (partial dentures) or all the teeth in one or both jaws (complete dentures).
Modern dentures are made from acrylic resin, metal alloys, or flexible materials. When well-made and correctly fitted, they can look very natural and restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
Types of dentures
Your dentist will discuss which type is most appropriate for you:
Complete (full) dentures — replace all teeth in one or both jaws. They rest on the gum and are held in by suction and the surrounding muscles.
Partial dentures — replace one or more missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. They clip onto the remaining teeth using clasps or precision attachments.
Immediate dentures — fitted on the same day teeth are extracted so you are never without teeth. They may need relining or replacing as the gums heal and change shape.
Implant-supported dentures — dentures that clip onto two or more dental implants, providing much greater stability and comfort than conventional dentures.
Flexible dentures — made from a thinner, more flexible material. Often more comfortable but may not be suitable for everyone.
What does getting dentures involve?
The process usually takes several appointments over 4–8 weeks:
Consultation — your dentist assesses your mouth and discusses your options and expectations
Impressions — moulds are taken of your gums (and remaining teeth if having a partial denture)
Bite registration — records how your upper and lower jaws relate to each other
Try-in — a wax version of the denture is made so you can check the fit, appearance, and teeth position before it is finalised
Fitting — the finished denture is fitted and adjusted as needed
Review appointments — follow-up visits are important to make adjustments as your mouth settles
Getting used to your dentures
Adjusting to new dentures takes time and patience. This is completely normal:
Expect some soreness and discomfort for the first few weeks as your gums adapt
Eating and speaking may feel awkward at first — start with soft foods and practice reading aloud to speed up adaptation
Excess saliva is common initially and settles within a few weeks
Minor adjustments are normal and expected — do not try to adjust the denture yourself
Most people adapt well within 4–8 weeks
If you have significant ongoing soreness or the denture is rubbing badly, contact the practice for an adjustment appointment.
Risks and things to be aware of
Dentures are a practical solution for replacing missing teeth, but there are important things to be aware of:
Bone loss — without tooth roots in the jaw, the bone gradually shrinks. This means dentures may become looser over time and need relining or replacing every 5–10 years.
Chewing efficiency — dentures do not function as well as natural teeth. Chewing force is reduced significantly compared to natural teeth or implants.
Movement — lower complete dentures in particular can be less stable, especially in patients who have worn dentures for many years and have significant bone loss.
Gum irritation — if a denture is not fitting well or is worn constantly, it can irritate the gum tissue. Remove dentures at night to let the gums rest.
Oral health — if you have remaining teeth, keeping them healthy is vital. Partial dentures can harbour bacteria around the remaining teeth if hygiene is poor.
Caring for your dentures
Good denture care prevents infections and helps them last longer:
Remove dentures every night and soak them in water or a denture-cleaning solution
Brush the denture with a soft brush and mild soap or denture paste — not regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive
Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth each morning with a soft toothbrush to keep gum tissue healthy
If you have any remaining natural teeth, clean them carefully with fluoride toothpaste
Handle dentures over a folded towel or a basin of water — they can break if dropped
Attend regular dental check-ups even if you have no natural teeth — the dentist will check for oral cancer, assess gum health, and review the fit of the denture
Questions to ask your dentist
What type of denture would you recommend for me?
How realistic is it to expect a comfortable, stable fit?
Would implant-supported dentures be an option for me?
How often will I need to come back for adjustments and reviews?
What would happen to my remaining teeth if I have a partial denture?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dentist will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.