Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. Whether you need to fill a few gaps or replace a full arch, modern dentures restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This guide explains the main types of dentures, what they cost, how the process works, and how they compare to a fixed alternative like dental implants.
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances — custom-made artificial teeth set into a gum-colored base that you can take out for cleaning. Unlike a crown or bridge, which are fixed in place, a removable denture is not. Conventional dentures rest on the gums and, in the case of a partial denture, clasp onto your natural teeth. Millions of denture wearers rely on them to eat and speak comfortably, and dentures remain one of the most common options within the broader field of tooth replacement, alongside bridges and implants.
Types of dentures
There are several different types of dentures, and the right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, whether they are in the upper jaw or the lower, and whether you still have healthy natural teeth.
Partial dentures
A partial denture replaces one or several missing teeth when you still have natural teeth remaining. It clasps onto the neighboring teeth for support and fills the gaps, helping prevent the remaining teeth from shifting.
Full (complete) dentures
When all the teeth in an arch are gone, a full denture (complete denture) replaces the entire row. An upper denture is held by suction against the palate; a lower denture rests on the ridge of the lower jaw, where a secure fit is naturally harder to achieve.
Immediate dentures
An immediate denture is placed right after tooth removal so you are not without teeth while the gums heal. It usually serves as a temporary solution and is later relined or replaced with a permanent denture once healing is complete.
Implant-supported dentures (overdentures)
An implant-supported denture snaps onto a few dental implants placed in the jaw. This gives dramatically better stability than a traditional denture — especially in the lower jaw — while still being removable for cleaning.
How much do dentures cost?
Dentures cost varies widely with the type and materials. A basic partial denture is the most affordable option, complete dentures cost more, and implant-supported dentures are the most expensive because they include the implants. Because pricing depends on your specific case, ask your dentist for a written treatment plan and check what your dental insurance will cover before you begin.
Getting dentures: the process
Fitting dentures usually takes several appointments over a few weeks. The dentist takes impressions of your gums, checks the bite and fit, and adjusts the new denture so it feels comfortable. If teeth need to be removed first, the gums must heal before a final denture is made — which is why an immediate or temporary denture often bridges the gap. At first, new dentures may feel loose until you get used to them and the fit settles, so expect a short adjustment period as you learn to eat and speak with them.
Living with dentures: care and daily tips
If you wear dentures, a little daily routine protects both the appliance and your oral health:
- Clean them daily with a denture brush and a mild cleaner — not abrasive toothpaste, which scratches the surface.
- Use a denture adhesive if you want extra hold, especially for a lower denture.
- Take them out at night in most cases, so your gums can rest, and store them in water or a cleaning solution.
- See your dentist for a reline when the denture loosens over time — the jaw changes shape, and a reline restores the denture fit.
Dentures vs. dental implants
Traditional dentures are affordable and work even when a lot of bone has been lost, but they offer less stability than fixed options and don't stop the jawbone from shrinking over time. Dental implants replace the tooth root, preserve the bone, and can anchor a fixed bridge or a snap-in overdenture for a much more secure feel. Which option is right depends on your bone, budget, and goals — an experienced implant dentist can walk you through it. Use our expert search to find a certified implantologist near you.
Conclusion
Dentures remain a proven, cost-effective way to replace missing teeth — from a simple partial denture to a full set or a stable implant-supported overdenture. The best choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the fit and stability you want, and your budget. A dentist can recommend the right type of denture and, if you want more security, explain how dental implants compare.
Frequently asked questions about dentures
What is the normal cost of dentures?
It depends on the type: a basic partial denture is the least expensive, a full (complete) denture costs more, and an implant-supported denture is the priciest because it includes the implants. Ask your dentist for a written estimate and check your insurance coverage, since prices vary by case and region.
What are the three types of dentures?
The main types are partial dentures (when you still have some natural teeth), full or complete dentures (when all teeth in an arch are missing), and implant-supported dentures or overdentures (which snap onto dental implants for a more secure fit). Immediate dentures are a temporary version placed right after tooth removal.
Can you sleep with dentures in?
Most dentists recommend taking your dentures out at night so your gums can rest and to lower the risk of irritation and infection. Store them in water or a cleaning solution overnight. Your dentist may advise otherwise in specific situations, such as right after getting an immediate denture.
Can I get dentures without going to the dentist?
Mail-order and DIY dentures exist, but they are not recommended: a proper fit requires impressions, bite checks, and adjustments that only a dentist or denturist can provide. A poorly fitting denture can cause sores, difficulty eating, and faster bone loss — so a professional fitting is worth it.
Certified implantologists from our network
Every practice in our network is admitted only after meeting the quality criteria of Leading Implant Centers.
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Dr. Tobias Mohs M.Sc., M.Sc.
Dental Practice
Stendal, Germany
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Dr. Anne Gresskowski
Zahnärzte am Hallplatz
Nürnberg, Germany
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Christian Zotzmann
Praxis für Implantologie
Balingen, Germany
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Our Scientific & Advisory Board developed these admission criteria and takes part in reviewing new member practices. Quality criteria · Scientific & Advisory Board
