What is the difference between full and partial dentures?

Partial dentures fill the gap left behind from one or more missing teeth and clips to your natural teeth. Single tooth dentures can easily be unclipped and removed for cleaning purposes. Full dentures are used when all the upper or lower teeth are missing and fits snugly over your gums. They must be removed on a daily basis for cleaning and sleeping.

Are dentures difficult to get used to?

Your dentures may feel strange to start with, but most patients grow accustomed to them very quickly. As well as this, you’ll also need to into a routine for cleaning and caring for them, If not, problems can start to occur like bad breath, oral thrush, gum disease and tooth decay if this is not followed

How do I look after my dentures?

Clean your false dentures like you would your normal teeth. The routine involves brushing them with toothpaste. On a weekly basis Soak them with soluble denture-cleaning tablets to remove bacteria and stains, then brush again. We advise you to remove them to sleep. Attend regular dentist appointments to make sure that they’re fitting and functioning how they should be.

Rodericks Dental Partners Treatments Dentures

Restorative Treatment

Dentures

Replace missing teeth and restore everyday comfort with expertly fitted modern dentures.

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Reviewed by: Puja Klaire, Bchd Pg Cert Medical Education, Lead Clinical Advisor at Rodericks Dental Partners. Review date: 27th July 2026

What are dentures?

Modern dentures are a comfortable, reliable and remarkably life-like replacement for missing teeth. They’re also a cheaper, less invasive alternative to implants and with only routine care, can restore your everyday confidence to eat, talk and smile.

Benefits of dentures

Replace missing teeth

Dentures are a versatile replacement for anything from a single missing tooth to a full arch.

Bite and chew confidently

Look forward to enjoying the foods you’ve been avoiding with restored bite and function.

Feel secure and comfortable

Advances in technology mean dentures are much less likely to slip, cause irritation or affect speech in the long-term.

How do dentures work?

Dentures work by filling gaps in your smile with replacement teeth that look and work just like the real thing. They can help you eat and talk with comfort and confidence, while also preventing the future problems that missing teeth can cause. Increasingly, dentures are made from highly detailed digital scans, so you could go straight-to-fit in just two appointments.

Denture fitting process

Initial consultation

At an initial consultation, your dentist will examine your gums, jaw, and teeth. You might have X‑rays and also discuss which denture option will suit you and your lifestyle.

Scans or impressions

To make sure your dentures fit you perfectly, your dentist will either take detailed, 3D images of your mouth with a small, handheld scanner or use traditional impressions to capture the contours of your gums and remaining teeth.

Making your dentures

The scans or impressions will be sent to a lab, where your custom-made dentures will be produced by expert dental technicians. Modern dentures are machine-milled and hand-finished, to match the exact shape and shade of your real teeth.

In-chair fitting

Your dentist will fit your dentures, checking for any pressure points or discomfort and making final adjustments. A follow-up appointment will ensure your mouth is adapting to your dentures and they’re remaining secure and comfortable.

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Are dentures right for me?

Your dentist may recommend dentures if you have one or more missing teeth and you’re not suitable for dental implants.
Dentures can help if gaps in your teeth are affecting the way you eat or talk.
They can also restore confidence if you feel self-conscious about your smile[1].
Dentures are fully removable and you should take them out overnight.
It can take a little time to adjust to dentures, especially for eating or speaking[3].

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Denture treatment options

Partial dentures

If you have gaps in your upper teeth, you could suit a partial denture. It consists of acrylic teeth mounted on a flexible plate, that seats firmly against the roof of your mouth with suction or in some cases a special adhesive.

If you’re missing lower teeth, the denture will be in the shape of a horseshoe that fits over your bottom gum, leaving space for your tongue.

Full dentures

Sometimes called implant-retained dentures (or overdentures) this is a removable fitting that replaces a full arch of teeth. It attaches firmly onto pre-inserted implant screws a bit like press studs. It’s a more stable, comfortable alternative if your regular dentures feel poorly fitted, weak or awkward when you’re talking or eating.

Immediate dentures

If teeth need to be extracted before dentures can be fitted, immediate dentures ensure you’re not without teeth during healing. They can be used short-term or as a permanent option, depending on what your dentist advises.[3]

Aftercare for dentures

Clean your dentures every morning and evening with soft soap or washing‑up liquid and a soft brush
Always clean your dentures over water or a soft surface to reduce the risk of damage
Rinse them after meals with cold water to remove loose food particles
Take your dentures out before bed and store them safely in water, a denture bath, or a suitable denture‑cleaning solution
Maintain good oral health by brushing your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste[1]

How much do dentures cost?

The cost of dentures will vary according to how many teeth you need to replace, but as a rough guide, a set of modern dentures may cost between £600 to £1,300. This includes the detailed scans or impressions that your dentist will send to the lab, the cost of the custom-made dentures themselves as well as the fitting and any follow-up appointments.

Our pricing calculator shows how our flexible payment options can make treatment more affordable.

Finance calculator

See how you can spread the cost of dentures, with 0% finance available for treatments over £500.

FAQs

Most modern dentures are made from a highly durable acrylic material. With the right care and cleaning regime, you can expect partial dentures to last for around seven years, before natural wear and tear may begin to affect their appearance and performance. One of the benefits of digitally produced dentures is that your scans are held on file, making the production of identical replacements both faster and easier when they’re needed.

No, sleeping with dentures is not recommended. Removing them for at least eight hours a day (preferably during sleep) allows your gums to rest, reduces the risk of bacterial buildup, and helps keep your jawbone strong.[3]

How long it takes to get used to dentures varies for everyone. It can take weeks or sometimes months to feel comfortable with them. You may also need a few adjustments with your dentist during the first couple of weeks to improve the fit.[3]

Historically, dentures had a reputation for coming loose at the wrong moment. But advances in scanning technology and production materials mean they can now be precision-made for a more secure fit. You can bite into an apple with confidence and enjoy social occasions with much less fear of embarrassment.

Most denture wearers benefit from gradually introducing more challenging foods into their diet, giving themselves time to adapt to the way their dentures work when eating. Your dentist will give you all the guidance you need.

It will take a little time for your mouth and tongue to become familiar with your dentures. During this process, it’s normal for your speech to be affected slightly – you might lisp over certain words or have some difficulty saying others. Most people soon adapt however and completely regain their normal speech function.

What our patients say about us

We always want to make sure our patients have a good experience and leave our practices with happy smiles. Here are some of our most recent success stories.

Patient at Ormskirk Dental Care

Sophie was really helpful with the problem with my denture. The receptionist are always pleasant and efficient...

Sophie was really helpful with the problem with my denture. The receptionist are always pleasant and efficient

Posted on

Patient at Cedar Road Dental Practice

Zain is a fantastic dentist who actually listens to his patients. After 4 years of paying Private dentist for dentures I...

Zain is a fantastic dentist who actually listens to his patients. After 4 years of paying Private dentist for dentures I couldn’t wear, he understood what I was saying and got me a denture I can now wear.

Posted on

Patient at Morris & Partners Dental Practice

Excellent service, delighted with my new dentures....

Excellent service, delighted with my new dentures.

Posted on

Patient at Glen Maye Dental Practice

I had some dentures fitted to perfection very happy with the pleasant service I received, thank you....

I had some dentures fitted to perfection very happy with the pleasant service I received, thank you.

Patient at Leominster Dental Practice

I was very nervous at having my teeth out and dentures fitted at the same time but I was immediately put at ease. The de...

I was very nervous at having my teeth out and dentures fitted at the same time but I was immediately put at ease. The dentist and his nurse couldn't have done more to put me at ease and calm me down. For that I thank them so much.

Patient at Wantage House Dental Practice

Very pleased with the finished denture and all treatment over last few months. Will be back for regular checkups. Thank ...

Very pleased with the finished denture and all treatment over last few months. Will be back for regular checkups. Thank you.

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Footnotes

NHS. Dentures (false teeth). Last reviewed 19th March 2025. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/dentures/

NHSinform. Dentures (false teeth). Last updated 27th March 2026. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/dental-treatments/dentures-false-teeth/#partial_dentures

Cleveland Clinic. Dentures. Last updated 10th March 2023. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10900-dentures

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