Your Guide to Dentures
An honest guide to dentures: the different types, how they are made, what wearing them is like, and how to look after them each day.
What are dentures?
Dentures are false teeth that you can take out. They replace missing teeth and the gum around them. Partial dentures replace some teeth. Complete dentures replace all the teeth in one or both jaws.
Modern dentures are made from acrylic (a hard plastic), metal, or bendy materials. When they are well made and fit well, they can look very natural. They can help you eat and speak comfortably again.
Types of dentures
Your dental team will talk about which type suits you best:
- Complete (full) dentures. These replace all the teeth in one or both jaws. They rest on the gum. Suction and the muscles around them hold them in.
- Partial dentures. These replace one or more missing teeth when you still have some natural teeth. They clip onto your teeth with clasps or special attachments (precision attachments).
- Immediate dentures. These are fitted on the same day your teeth are taken out, so you are never without teeth. As your gums heal and change shape, they may need relining or replacing.
- Implant-supported dentures. These clip onto two or more dental implants. They are much steadier and more comfortable than standard dentures.
- Flexible dentures. These are made from a thinner, bendier material. They are often more comfortable, but they may not suit everyone.
What does getting dentures involve?
Getting dentures usually takes several appointments over 4–8 weeks:
- Consultation. Your dental team checks your mouth. They talk about your options and what you hope for.
- Moulds (impressions). Moulds are taken of your gums. If you are having a partial denture, moulds are also taken of your remaining teeth.
- Bite record. This records how your upper and lower jaws meet.
- Try-in. A wax version of the denture is made. You can check the fit, the look and the position of the teeth before it is finished.
- Fitting. The finished denture is fitted and adjusted as needed.
- Review appointments. These follow-up visits are important. Your dental team makes adjustments as your mouth settles.
Getting used to your dentures
It takes time and patience to get used to new dentures. This is completely normal:
- Expect some soreness and discomfort for the first few weeks while your gums adapt.
- Eating and speaking may feel awkward at first.
- Start with soft foods.
- Practise reading aloud. This helps you get used to your dentures faster.
- You may make more saliva at first. This settles within a few weeks.
- Small adjustments are normal and expected.
- Do not try to adjust the denture yourself.
- Most people get used to their dentures well within 4–8 weeks.
Contact the practice for an adjustment appointment if you have a lot of ongoing soreness, or if the denture is rubbing badly.
Risks and things to be aware of
Dentures are a practical way to replace missing teeth. But there are important things to know:
- Bone loss. Without tooth roots, the jawbone slowly shrinks. This means dentures may get looser over time. They may need relining or replacing every 5–10 years.
- Chewing. Dentures do not work as well as natural teeth. You chew with much less force than with natural teeth or implants.
- Movement. Lower full dentures in particular can be less steady. This is more likely if you have worn dentures for many years and have a lot of bone loss.
- Sore gums. A denture that does not fit well, or is worn all the time, can irritate your gums. Take your dentures out at night to let your gums rest.
- Your other teeth. If you still have some natural teeth, keeping them healthy is vital. If you do not keep things clean, germs can build up around your teeth under a partial denture.
Caring for your dentures
Looking after your dentures well prevents infections and helps them last longer:
- Take your dentures out every night. Soak them in water or a denture-cleaning solution.
- Brush your dentures with a soft brush and mild soap or denture paste. Do not use normal toothpaste, as it is too rough (abrasive).
- Each morning, brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush. This keeps your gums healthy.
- If you have any natural teeth left, clean them carefully with fluoride toothpaste.
- Hold your dentures over a folded towel or a bowl of water. They can break if you drop them.
- Go to regular dental check-ups, even if you have no natural teeth. Your dental team will check for mouth cancer, check your gums and check how your denture fits.
Questions to ask your dental team
- What type of denture do you suggest for me?
- How likely is it that I will get a comfortable, steady fit?
- Could I have implant-supported dentures?
- 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 dental team about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dental team will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
Sources
- Dentures (false teeth). NHS website (nhs.uk), reviewed March 2025.
- Dental treatments. NHS website (nhs.uk), reviewed July 2026.
Links checked 18 October 2026.
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Related leaflets
For clinicians: Denture Impressions notes template, Denture Fit (Issue) notes template, Denture Review notes template.
Learn more about dental documentation on our blog or see Nosht pricing.