How it works
A full denture will be fitted if all your upper or lower teeth need to be removed or you're having an old complete denture replaced.
The denture will usually be fitted as soon as your teeth are removed, which means you won't be without teeth. The denture will fit snugly over your gums and jawbone.
Partial dentures
A partial denture is designed to fill in the gaps left by one or more missing teeth. It's a plastic, nylon or metal plate with a number of false teeth attached to it.
It usually clips onto some of your natural teeth via metal clasps, which hold it securely in place in your mouth. It can easily be unclipped and removed.
How to look after dentures
Dentures may feel a bit strange to begin with, but you'll soon get used to wearing them. Your dentist or clinical dental technician will advise you on whether you should remove your dentures before you go to sleep.
If you remove your dentures, they should be kept moist – for example, in water or a polythene bag with some dampened cotton wool in it, or in a suitable overnight denture-cleaning solution.
