Dentures Explained: Types, Fitting & Getting Used to Them
A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue, custom-made to fit a patient's mouth.
Types of dentures
- Complete (full) dentures — replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth, used when all natural teeth in that arch are missing or need to be removed.
- Partial dentures — replace some missing teeth while natural teeth remain, usually held in place with metal or tooth-colored clasps.
- Immediate dentures — fitted on the same day teeth are extracted, so the patient isn't without teeth during healing, though they typically need relining later as the gums change shape.
The fitting process
- Impressions and measurements of the jaw and remaining teeth (if any)
- A trial fitting with a wax model to check the bite, fit, and appearance before the final denture is made
- Final fitting and adjustment of the finished denture
Getting used to a new denture
It's normal for a new denture to feel loose, bulky, or to cause minor soreness and increased saliva for the first few weeks. Starting with soft foods, reading aloud to practice speaking clearly, and going back for adjustment visits if a specific spot keeps rubbing are the most commonly recommended steps. Most people adapt fully within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Care and lifespan
Dentures should be removed and cleaned daily (not with regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive) and typically need to be relined or replaced every 5–8 years as the jawbone and gums naturally change shape over time — an implant-supported denture (see our dental implants guide) is one option for a more stable fit, since it clips onto implant posts instead of relying on suction and gum shape alone.
Common adjustment problems and fixes
- Slipping while eating or talking — usually fixed with a relining adjustment rather than a whole new denture, unless the gum shape has changed significantly.
- Sore spots — a specific pressure point that keeps rubbing should be pointed out to the dentist at a follow-up visit rather than adjusted at home; even a small amount of self-trimming can make the fit worse.
- Changed sense of taste or speech — most people notice this initially with an upper denture (which covers part of the palate) and it typically fades as the tongue and cheeks adapt.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sleep in my dentures? Most dentists recommend removing them at night to let the gums rest and to reduce the risk of fungal infection under the denture base.
How do I know if I need a full or partial denture? That depends on how many natural teeth remain and their condition — a dentist assesses this alongside gum and bone health during the initial consultation.
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