Types of dentures: complete, partial, immediate and overdentures

Types of dentures help replace missing teeth so you can eat, speak and smile with more comfort. This guide explains the main options — complete, partial, immediate and overdentures — and how to choose at ADC – Centre for Restorative and Implant Dentistry in Chandigarh. It does not discuss prices. For treatment options in Chandigarh, see our dentures page.

Dentures are planned by Dr. Mohit Dhawan, MDS (Prosthodontics, Crown & Bridge and Implantology), ITI Fellow, ITI Section India (2026).

What dentures are for

A denture replaces some or all of the teeth in one jaw. It rests on the gums, and in some designs on remaining roots or on implants. The goal is steady chewing, clear speech and a natural look — without inventing claims about lifelong fit. Your own gums and bone change over time, so reviews matter.

Complete dentures

Complete (full) dentures replace every tooth in the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both. The base is usually acrylic and sits on the gums. Upper dentures often gain suction from the palate; lower dentures have less surface and may need more practice. A careful impression, a try-in of the tooth set-up, and a review after delivery all help the fit.

When bone has already reduced, a standard complete denture may feel less stable. In that case your dentist may discuss implant-supported dentures or other tooth replacement options. Those choices stay on their own pages; this post stays with types of dentures.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth when healthy neighbours remain. Clasps or precision attachments hold the denture to those teeth. Materials include acrylic, metal frameworks and flexible bases. A partial can stop neighbouring teeth from drifting into a gap and can restore a bite while you decide on a longer-term plan such as a bridge or an implant.

Partials need the remaining teeth to be sound. Gum disease, decay or a very mobile tooth may need treatment first.

Immediate dentures

An immediate denture is made before teeth are removed and placed the same day as the extractions. You leave without a visible gap. Soft tissues then shrink as they heal, so the denture usually needs one or more relines. Immediate dentures are a staging tool, not a permanent fit on day one.

Overdentures and implant-supported options

An overdenture sits over retained roots or over implants. Roots or implants can improve retention and help you feel pressure when chewing. Implant-supported overdentures are covered in more detail on the implant-supported dentures page. Here we only note that they are one type within the wider denture family.

Illustration: four common types of dentures. Diagram drawn for ADC. Not a patient photograph.

How to choose a type

Choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of the gums and bone, your bite, and whether you prefer a removable plate or something retained by implants. A consultation includes examination and, when useful, imaging. Dr. Mohit Dhawan plans removable and implant-supported work as a prosthodontist so the tooth set-up, bite and smile line are considered together.

If you are comparing dentures with implants or bridges, start with tooth replacement options rather than forcing every answer into this guide.

Care that keeps any type comfortable

• Remove and clean the denture daily with a non-abrasive cleaner; ordinary toothpaste can scratch acrylic.
• Keep the denture moist when it is out of the mouth.
• Clean the gums, tongue and palate with a soft brush.
• Attend reviews so sore spots, looseness or wear can be adjusted early.

New wearers often benefit from the clinic’s aftercare notes for new denture wearers.