Quick answer
The main types of dentures are complete dentures, which replace all teeth in an arch, and partial dentures, which fill gaps when some natural teeth remain. Complete dentures can be conventional or immediate, and both can be anchored with dental implants. A dentist can help match the type to your mouth.
Key takeaways
- Dentures fall into two broad groups: complete dentures for a whole arch and partial dentures for gaps.
- Complete dentures may be conventional, immediate, or held in place by dental implants.
- Partial dentures use a gum-colored base and clasps or attachments to hold replacement teeth beside your natural ones.
- The right type depends on how many teeth you are missing, the health of your gums and bone, and your budget.
- A dentist can examine your mouth and advise on the option that suits your own situation.
What are the main types of dentures?
Dentures are generally grouped into complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures replace every tooth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures replace only some teeth and rely on the natural teeth that remain.
Within those two groups there are a few variations. A complete denture can be conventional or immediate. A partial denture can have a metal framework, a flexible base, or a more temporary acrylic design. Either kind can sometimes be paired with dental implants for extra stability.
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. They are made to look natural and to help you chew, speak, and smile with more ease. Knowing the options ahead of time makes the conversation with your dentist feel much less overwhelming.
What is a complete denture?
A complete denture, sometimes called a full denture, replaces all of the teeth on the upper arch, the lower arch, or both. It is made of replacement teeth set into a gum-colored base that rests on your gums.
Complete dentures usually come in two forms:
- Conventional complete dentures are made and placed after any remaining teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has had time to heal. Healing often takes several weeks, so you may be without teeth for a period before the denture is ready.
- Immediate complete dentures are prepared in advance and placed on the same day the teeth are removed. You do not go without teeth during healing, but the gums and bone change shape as they heal, so the fit may need adjustments or a later reline.
Neither option is automatically better. Conventional dentures tend to fit more closely once the mouth has settled, while immediate dentures are convenient for people who prefer not to be without teeth. Your dentist can explain which approach makes sense for you.
What are the different types of partial dentures?
Partial dentures replace one or several missing teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place. A replacement tooth or set of teeth is attached to a gum-colored base, and that base is held steady by clasps or precision attachments that connect to nearby teeth.
People often search for pictures of partial dentures, and a dentist can show you real examples and models in the office. In the meantime, here is how the common styles differ:
- Metal framework partials have a thin metal frame that supports the replacement teeth and gum-colored acrylic. They are a common, sturdy design and can replace teeth in several areas of the mouth at once.
- Flexible partials use a bendable, gum-toned material with clasps that blend in with your gums. Some people like that they have little visible metal.
- Acrylic partials have replacement teeth on a plastic base. They are often used as a temporary or transitional solution while other treatment is planned.
A partial denture also helps keep remaining teeth from drifting into the open space. To learn how these are designed and fitted, you can read about full and partial dentures at Ultra Dental.
What are implant-supported dentures?
An implant-supported denture is a denture that clips onto or is fixed to dental implants placed in the jawbone, rather than resting only on the gums. This can make it feel steadier when you eat and speak.
The American Dental Association notes, "Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your other teeth." When implants are combined with a denture, they act as anchors that reduce the shifting some people notice with traditional dentures.
There are two general styles. A removable overdenture snaps onto implants and can be taken out for cleaning. A fixed full-arch option, such as All-on-4, is secured to implants and is not removed at home. Implants require enough healthy jawbone and a healing period before the final teeth are attached, so a dentist will need to examine your mouth before recommending this route.
Implant work costs more than a traditional denture, and it is not the right fit for everyone. Some people choose it, others choose a conventional denture, and both are reasonable decisions.
How do you choose the right type of denture?
The right type depends mainly on how many natural teeth you have left, the condition of your gums and jawbone, your comfort goals, and your budget. A dentist weighs these together after an exam.
These questions can guide the conversation:
- Are you missing all of your teeth in one arch, or only some?
- Are your remaining teeth and gums healthy enough to support a partial denture?
- Would you rather have a removable option or one anchored with implants?
- How important is it to have teeth in place right after an extraction?
- What budget and payment approach feels comfortable for you?
There is no pressure to decide on the first visit. Our team explains the choices in plain language and lets you ask as many questions as you like. If you have been putting off a visit for a while, that is fine. You will not be judged, and walk-ins are welcome.
How do you care for dentures?
Dentures need daily cleaning and regular dental checkups, just like natural teeth. Good habits help them last, keep them comfortable, and protect your gums.
- Remove and rinse your denture after eating, then brush it gently each day with a soft brush and a cleaner made for dentures.
- Handle it over a folded towel or a sink of water so it does not break if dropped.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth every day.
- Ask your dentist whether you should take your denture out at night, and store it in water or a denture solution when it is out.
- Keep up with routine exams so your dentist can check the fit and look for sore spots.
Over time, the shape of your gums and jaw can change, and a denture may start to feel loose. Tell your dentist if that happens. A reline or adjustment can often restore comfort. Avoid trying to fix a denture yourself with store-bought glue.
How can you pay for dentures?
Dentures can be paid for through dental insurance, financing, or an in-house plan, so there are options whether or not you are insured. Our practice accepts most major dental PPO plans, and our team helps you understand your coverage and process claims.
If you do not have insurance, the Ultra Discounts plan is available. We also offer CareCredit and no-credit-check, no-interest in-house payment plans. We explain costs clearly so you know what to expect before treatment begins and your bill holds no surprises. People come to us with every kind of budget, whether they need a simple, practical solution or are investing in implant or cosmetic work.
Se habla español, so you can ask any of these questions in Spanish if that is more comfortable for you.
When should you talk to a dentist about dentures?
Talk to a dentist if you are missing teeth, if your teeth are loose or damaged beyond repair, or if your current denture no longer fits well. Same-day emergency care is available for sudden tooth pain, infection, or a broken tooth.
This article is general education and not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different, so a dentist can examine your teeth, gums, and bone and advise on the option that suits your own situation. You can visit our Peoria, North Phoenix, or Metro offices, and a Mesa office is opening in December 2026.
Sources
- Dentures, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Partial dentures, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Dentures, MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
- Implants, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
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