Dentures explained: types, NHS options and what to expect
Dentures are the most common way to replace missing teeth in the UK. Here's how they work, the different types, and what it's really like to get used to them.
Medically reviewed by Dt. Hüseyin Yavuz Özbek, implant surgeon · Updated October 2026Dentures are removable false teeth that rest on your gums. Full dentures replace all the teeth in a jaw; partial dentures fill gaps between your own teeth. They're usually made of acrylic, sometimes with a metal base. They're available on the NHS as a Band 3 treatment, take a few weeks to get used to, and often need replacing every five to eight years.
Full or partial?
There are two main types of denture:
- Full (complete) dentures replace all the natural teeth in the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both.
- Partial dentures fill the gaps when you still have some natural teeth. They also stop your remaining teeth drifting into the spaces.
What dentures are made from
The Oral Health Foundation describes three main materials:
| Type | What it's like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic (plastic) | The most common type. Strong and usually comfortable. Full dentures stay in by suction; partials use small metal clasps. | Some people find them bulky at first. |
| Metal (chrome cobalt) | A thin metal base with natural-looking teeth. Smaller, lighter and very stable. | Only suitable if you have strong natural teeth to support it. Usually costs more. |
| Flexible | Soft plastic that flexes around your teeth, usually for partial dentures. Often doesn't cover the roof of the mouth. | Can feel smaller and be less noticeable. |
The NHS notes that you may have a wider choice of materials if you pay privately.
Getting dentures on the NHS
An NHS dentist may offer you dentures if you need them to treat a dental problem. They'll assess your mouth and decide whether dentures are the best option. Most adults pay for NHS dental treatment, and dentures are a Band 3 treatment. In England, Band 3 currently costs £332.10 (checked October 2026).
Some people get NHS dental treatment free, including people receiving certain benefits such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. Our cost guide explains more.
How dentures are made
- Your dentist measures your mouth and takes a mould with putty, or a digital scan.
- The denture is made in a laboratory. The NHS says this usually takes a few weeks.
- You try it in, and it's adjusted until it fits comfortably.
Immediate dentures can usually be made within a few days, for example if teeth are being taken out. The NHS says they often need adjusting or replacing up to a year later, because your mouth changes shape as it heals.
Getting used to dentures
The NHS says it can take a few weeks to get used to new dentures. The Oral Health Foundation suggests:
- start with soft foods, cut into small pieces
- chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth
- avoid very sticky or hard foods at first
- practise taking them in and out
Most people return to a normal diet once they're used to their dentures. Speaking may feel strange for a while too; reading aloud can help.
How long dentures last
With good care, dentures can last several years. But your gums and jawbone slowly change shape, so the Oral Health Foundation says dentures often need replacing every five to eight years to keep fitting well. Regular check-ups help catch problems early.
If your dentures have become loose, you're not alone. It's one of the most common reasons people look at other options. Read what to do about loose dentures.
Dentures or something else?
The NHS lists two alternatives to dentures: bridges, which are fixed to neighbouring teeth, and dental implants, which are fixed into the jawbone and can support crowns or some types of denture. Our 2-minute quiz helps you see which are worth discussing with your dentist.
Common questions
Can I get dentures on the NHS?
Yes. The NHS says an NHS dentist may offer you dentures if you need them to treat a dental problem. Dentures are a Band 3 treatment. In England, Band 3 costs £332.10 (checked October 2026). Some people are entitled to free NHS dental treatment.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The NHS says it usually takes a few weeks for dentures to be made after your mouth is measured. Immediate dentures can usually be made within a few days.
Should I sleep in my dentures?
Usually not. The NHS and the Oral Health Foundation both advise removing dentures at night, unless your dentist tells you otherwise, to let your gums rest and reduce the risk of infection.
Will people be able to tell I'm wearing dentures?
Dentures are designed to look natural. The Oral Health Foundation suggests bringing old photos of your natural smile to help your dental team choose the size, shape and colour of the teeth.
Sources
- NHS — Dentures (false teeth)
- Oral Health Foundation — Dentures
- NHS — How much NHS dental treatment costs
- NHS — Who can get free NHS dental treatment
Checked October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.
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