7 Types of Dentures Explained: Find the Best Denture Option for You

Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile; it can impact your eating, speaking, and feeling about yourself. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers various solutions to restore function and confidence. If you're exploring tooth replacement options, understanding the different types of dentures available is the first step. From traditional full dentures to advanced implant-supported designs, there's a solution tailored to meet your needs.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the 7 types of dentures, outlining their benefits, ideal use cases, and how to determine the best denture option for your lifestyle, oral health, and budget.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth effectively. They are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues in the mouth, such as your gums, existing teeth, or dental implants. While conventional dentures are removable, modern options like fixed and implant-supported dentures offer enhanced comfort, stability, and a more natural appearance.

Dentures are an excellent solution for individuals with mouth gaps caused by tooth loss. A complete denture is ideal when all teeth are missing, whereas a partial denture is used when only a few teeth need replacement. Both types are designed to fit your mouth precisely, restore functionality, and improve your overall quality of life.

Beyond restoring your eating and speaking ability, dentures help maintain your facial shape and prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting. When missing teeth aren't replaced, it can lead to bite issues, gum disease, and further tooth loss. The effectiveness of your dentures and how well they support your smile depends on your oral health, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.  

Different Types of Dentures

There are several types of dentures available today, each designed to address specific levels of tooth loss and individual patient needs. Whether you're missing a few teeth or need a full replacement, your dentist will help you determine the best denture option for restoring your smile, comfort, and confidence.

Here are the most common types of dentures:

1. Complete Dentures

Complete dentures, or traditional full dentures, are designed to replace all missing teeth in either the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. These custom-made dentures are crafted to fit the unique contours of your gums and jawbone, closely mimicking the appearance of natural teeth. Since there are no remaining teeth for support, the denture rests directly on the gums.

Complete dentures are typically placed 8 to 12 weeks after tooth extraction to allow for healing. While many dentists aim to preserve natural teeth when possible, full dentures become necessary when no other restorative options remain. One of the greatest advantages of complete dentures is their ability to restore essential functions like chewing and speaking, significantly enhancing your quality of life and self-confidence.

They also help improve facial volume, giving you a fuller, more youthful look. Since they're removable, they offer flexibility, making them ideal for patients who prefer not to wear dentures continuously.

However, it's important to note that complete dentures may take some time to get used to and might initially feel loose or uncomfortable. They also require regular maintenance and occasional adjustments or replacements over time.  

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are an ideal choice for patients who still have some of their natural teeth remaining. Even one or two healthy teeth in the upper or lower jaw can serve as anchors to support the denture. These appliances help fill the gaps left by missing teeth and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position.

These dentures are available in removable and fixed forms, allowing flexibility based on your oral health needs and personal preferences:

Removable partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base supported by a lightweight metal framework. The framework is clipped onto the remaining natural teeth to provide stability. They are easy to remove, clean, and maintain daily. They are also more affordable than fixed options and can significantly improve your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.

Fixed bridge partial dentures, on the other hand, are permanently bonded to the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. This option offers greater stability and security and functions much like natural teeth. However, they often require more extensive dental work and are more expensive than removable versions.

3. Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are placed in your mouth on the same day your remaining teeth are extracted. They are pre-made to match your mouth's anatomy, so you won't have to go without teeth during the healing period. These can be complete or partial dentures, depending on how many teeth you need to be replaced.

They are custom-fitted to your gums and jawbone and help maintain your facial shape while supporting speech and chewing. Immediate dentures also reduce gum shrinkage by protecting the tissue during recovery. Made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, they give you a functional, temporary solution while your permanent dentures are being prepared.

However, since your gums and jaw structure change as they heal, immediate dentures may need frequent adjustments or relining to stay comfortable. They may not fit as well or feel as natural as permanent dentures. Your dentist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for this option based on your overall oral health and healing ability.

4. Snap-In Dentures

Snap-in dentures, also known as implant-supported dentures, are one of the most stable and secure denture types available. These dentures are designed to snap onto dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. The replacement teeth are attached to a gum-colored base, which connects to abutments on the implants using a snapping mechanism.

Snap-in dentures offer a natural feel and look, significantly enhancing your ability to chew and speak clearly. They're available as either complete or partial dentures, and the locator attachments embedded in the underside of the denture make them easy to place and remove.

Dentists often recommend this option when all teeth are missing but there is enough bone to support implants. Although they are more expensive and involve surgical procedures, their stability and functionality are unmatched by traditional removable dentures.

5. Overdentures

Overdentures rest on the gum but are supported by dental implants or a metal bar attached to the jaw. They are usually used as complete dentures, but partial versions are also available. These dentures are more secure than standard ones and do not easily dislodge, even during biting or chewing.

Overdentures improve appearance and comfort by closely mimicking natural teeth and staying firmly in place. Their stable fit helps preserve jawbone health and prevents facial sagging caused by tooth loss.

However, overdentures tend to be more expensive due to the use of implants or bars. They also require daily removal for cleaning and to allow your gum tissue to rest overnight. Still, their strong bite support and secure fit make them an excellent long-term investment in your dental health.