Complete dentures
A complete denture replaces all the teeth in a jaw. A good denture depends on accurate impressions of the gums, a correctly recorded jaw relationship, careful tooth selection and arrangement, and a trial stage where you see and approve the appearance before it is finished.
Partial dentures
A partial denture replaces some missing teeth and is held in place by the remaining natural teeth. Its design depends on how many teeth remain, where they are and the health of the gums. The options that suit you are discussed at consultation.
Compare
Denture types at a glance
Complete denture
All teeth in a jaw
- Replaces
- All the teeth in the upper or lower jaw
- Held by
- Close fit on the gums, suction and muscle control
- Surgery
- Not needed
- Daily
- Taken out for cleaning
Partial denture
Some missing teeth
- Replaces
- Some missing teeth
- Held by
- The remaining natural teeth
- Surgery
- Not needed
- Daily
- Taken out for cleaning
Implant overdenture
Clips onto implants
- Replaces
- All the teeth in a jaw, often the lower
- Held by
- Clips onto two or more implants
- Surgery
- Implants are placed first, where suitable
- Daily
- Taken out for cleaning
Which type suits you depends on your gums, bone, remaining teeth and general health, and is discussed at consultation.
Implant-retained overdentures
Lower dentures in particular can be difficult to keep in place. Where they are suitable, implants can help retain a denture: an implant overdenture clips onto two or more implants, which can improve stability and chewing. The denture is still removed for cleaning. A fixed full-arch option may suit some people; see implants & full mouth rehabilitation.
Is this for me?
Is an implant overdenture for me?
May suit you if
- Your lower denture is loose or hard to keep in place
- You would like more stability when chewing and speaking
- You prefer a denture you can still take out to clean
Discuss first if
- You smoke or have a medical condition that affects healing
- You have had radiotherapy to the jaws or take some bone medications
- There is limited bone where implants would go
Suitability is checked with an examination and X-rays; alternatives are always discussed.
What to expect
Getting used to new dentures takes time, and follow-up adjustments are a normal part of treatment.
- Assessment & impressionsExamination of the gums, ridges, saliva and any existing denture.
- Jaw relationship recordsRecording how your jaws meet and the right vertical height for comfort and appearance.
- Try-inThe teeth are set in wax so appearance, speech and bite can be checked and changed.
- FittingThe finished denture is fitted and adjusted, with instructions on care.
- ReviewFollow-up appointments to ease any sore spots while you adapt.
Dentures after cancer treatment
After surgery or radiotherapy, dentures need special design around altered anatomy, dry mouth and fragile tissues. These are planned as part of post-cancer rehabilitation.
Caring for dentures
Caring for dentures
Denture care checklist
- Clean dentures daily with a soft brush and rinse after meals
- Clean your gums, tongue and any implant attachments
- Remove dentures at night, unless advised otherwise, to rest the gums
- Keep dentures in water or a cleaning solution when out of the mouth
- Clean over a folded towel or a basin of water in case they slip
- Avoid hot water, bleach and abrasive powders, which can damage dentures
- Do not adjust or repair a denture yourself
- Come in for review if a denture is loose, cracked or causing sore spots
Follow any specific instructions given at your fitting.
Relines, repairs and reviews
Gums and bone change over time, so dentures can loosen. Regular reviews allow a loose denture to be relined, repaired or remade when needed.
Book a denture consultation
Call or WhatsApp +91 97255 35090 to book at Whiteway Dental, and bring any denture you use now.
