What Type of Dentures Do I Have? (A Simple, Kind Guide)

If you’re not sure what type of dentures you have, you’re not alone.

Many people are told once — during a stressful appointment — and then expected to remember everything. Others are never clearly told at all. So if you’re feeling confused, frustrated, or unsure, this guide is for you.

We’ll walk through the most common denture types using plain language, not dental jargon. You don’t need to “study” this — just see which section sounds most like you.

Start Here: A Quick Way to Narrow It Down

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

  • Do you have no natural teeth left, or do you still have some?

  • Do your dentures snap into place?

  • Were they given to you right after extractions?

  • Do they have metal clasps or hooks?

Your answers point to the type of dentures you’re working with.

Let’s go through them one by one.

Full Dentures

You likely have full dentures if:

  • You’re missing all teeth on the top, bottom, or both

  • Your upper denture stays in mostly by suction

  • Your lower denture feels less stable

What’s normal:

  • The upper denture usually feels more secure than the lower

  • Some movement on the bottom is very common

  • Fit changes over time as your gums and bone slowly change

Good to know:
Full dentures rest directly on your gums. Because your mouth changes over time, looseness does not mean you’re doing anything wrong. Adjustments and relines are a normal part of denture life.

Partial Dentures

You likely have partial dentures if:

  • You still have some natural teeth

  • Your denture fills in gaps

  • You see or feel metal or acrylic clasps

What’s normal:

  • Pressure on certain teeth at first

  • Food occasionally getting trapped

  • Needing time to adjust your bite

Good to know:
Partials rely on your remaining teeth for support. If those teeth shift, the denture can feel different. Gentle daily cleaning is especially important for both the denture and your natural teeth.

Temporary (Immediate) Dentures

You likely have temporary dentures if:

  • You received them immediately after extractions

  • They were described as “temporary” or “immediate”

  • The fit has changed quickly over weeks or months

What’s normal:

  • Soreness during healing

  • Needing frequent adjustments

  • Feeling like they “don’t fit right” at times

Good to know:
Your mouth is healing and changing rapidly. These dentures are not meant to be perfect. They’re meant to get you through healing. Discomfort here does not mean failure — it means your body is doing what bodies do.

Snap-In / Implant Dentures

You likely have snap-in dentures if:

  • Your dentures click or snap into place

  • You were told you have implants

  • They feel more stable than regular dentures

What’s normal:

  • A learning curve snapping them in and out

  • Pressure near implant areas

  • Attachments wearing down over time

Good to know:
The small attachments that help your dentures snap in can wear out and need replacing. This is expected maintenance, not a problem with you or the dentures.

Still Not Sure? That’s Okay.

Many people don’t fit neatly into one category, especially if:

  • you’ve had multiple denture sets

  • your dentures were modified

  • you’re in between temporary and permanent dentures

If you’re unsure, that’s not a failure — it’s common.

The important thing is understanding how your dentures are supported, because that explains:

  • why they move

  • why they feel different over time

  • what kind of care usually helps

A Gentle Reminder

Dentures change.
Mouths change.
Struggles do not mean you’re doing anything wrong.

You deserve clear explanations and comfort — not confusion or shame.