This guide compares eight denture types and designs: full dentures, partial acrylic dentures, cobalt chrome partials, flexible dentures, immediate dentures, implant-retained dentures, fixed implant dentures and tooth-supported overdentures. Some describe how many teeth are replaced; others describe the material, fitting stage or support, so these categories can overlap.
At The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, current private fees start from £500 per arch for an immediate denture, £975 per arch for a partial acrylic denture and £1,400 per arch for a complete acrylic denture. Learn more about dentures in London.
Key takeaways
- Full dentures replace all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch, while partial dentures replace only some missing teeth.
- Immediate dentures can be fitted after extractions so you are not left without teeth while the mouth heals.
- Implant-retained dentures attach to dental implants for greater stability; tooth-supported overdentures use retained natural teeth or roots instead.
- For long-term partial dentures, cobalt chrome can be a strong option to discuss; for comfort when only a few teeth are missing, flexible dentures may be considered.
- Current published private fees at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery range from £500 per arch for an immediate denture to £11,000 per arch for an All-on-6 fixed implant solution. NHS dentures that are clinically needed fall within Band 3 treatment in England, currently £332.10.
8 types of dentures at a glance
The quickest way to understand the options is to compare what each design replaces, what it is made from, whether it is removable or fixed, and the current private fee where the practice publishes one.
| Type | What it replaces | Material / support | Removable or fixed | Current private fee | NHS |
| Full / complete | All teeth in one arch | Acrylic | Removable | From £1,400 per arch | May be available if clinically needed |
| Partial acrylic | Some missing teeth | Acrylic | Removable | From £975 per arch | May be available if clinically needed |
| Cobalt chrome partial | Some missing teeth | Cobalt chrome framework | Removable | From £1,600 per arch | Availability depends on clinical need/service |
| Flexible / Valplast | A few missing teeth | Flexible nylon-type material | Removable | Pricing varies by design | Availability depends on clinical need/service |
| Immediate | Teeth removed around the time of fitting | Acrylic | Removable | From £500 per arch | May be available if clinically needed |
| Implant-retained / snap-in | Missing teeth in an arch | Denture retained by implants | Removable | Price on application | Availability depends on clinical need/service |
| Fixed implant / All-on-4 | Full arch | Fixed restoration on implants | Fixed | All-on-4 £9,000 / All-on-6 £11,000 per arch | Private fees shown |
| Tooth-supported overdenture | Missing teeth; suitable natural roots retained | Denture over prepared teeth or roots | Removable | No separate published fee; assessment needed | Ask your NHS dentist about suitability and availability |
What are the main types of dentures?
The four main denture types are full dentures, partial dentures, immediate dentures and implant-retained dentures. The first three describe how many teeth are replaced or when the denture is fitted; implant-retained dentures describe how the replacement teeth are supported.
Materials create another layer of choice. A partial denture, for example, may be made mainly from acrylic, use a cobalt chrome framework, or use a flexible nylon-type material such as Valplast. That is why two patients who both need a partial denture may be offered different designs.
Tooth-supported overdentures add another support option: they sit over retained natural teeth or roots rather than implants. The eight designs compared here overlap because tooth coverage, material, timing and support describe different aspects of a denture.
1. Full or complete dentures
Full dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw or both. They are removable and are shaped to fit over the gums after the natural teeth in that arch have been lost.
At The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, a complete acrylic denture currently starts from £1,400 per arch. A complete upper and lower acrylic denture set starts from £2,500.
A full denture may be appropriate when there are no maintainable natural teeth left in the arch or when all of the teeth have already been lost. The fit and comfort should be reviewed over time because the gums and supporting bone can change after teeth are removed.
2. Partial acrylic dentures
Partial acrylic dentures replace one or more missing teeth while leaving the remaining natural teeth in place. They use a resin base and are removable; your dentist will assess the number and position of the gaps, remaining teeth and gums before recommending a design.
The current published fee for a partial acrylic denture at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery starts from £975 per arch. A cobalt chrome partial denture starts from £1,600 per arch.
Partial dentures can restore gaps without replacing the whole arch. Your dentist will assess the remaining teeth and gums before recommending the most appropriate material and design.
3. Cobalt chrome partial dentures: compared with acrylic
Acrylic and cobalt chrome are two common ways to make a removable partial denture. Acrylic dentures use a resin base, while cobalt chrome designs use a metal framework with replacement teeth and gum-coloured material where required.
Cobalt chrome is often considered for a long-term partial denture. The current practice fee is from £1,600 per arch, compared with £975 per arch for a partial acrylic denture.
The right choice depends on the teeth available for support, the design the dentist and dental technician can achieve, your budget and how the denture feels in your mouth.
4. Flexible dentures, Valplast and nylon dentures
Flexible dentures are removable partial dentures made from a more flexible nylon-type material rather than a rigid acrylic base or cobalt chrome framework. Valplast is one of the names commonly used for this type of flexible denture.
Flexible dentures may suit patients prioritising comfort when only a few teeth are missing. They are not automatically the best choice for every gap, so the dentist still needs to assess the remaining teeth, bite and available support.
Flexible or Valplast denture pricing depends on the design and will be confirmed after your assessment.]
5. Immediate and temporary dentures
Immediate dentures are made so they can be fitted at or soon after the time teeth are removed. Their main advantage is that you do not have to wait for the extraction sites to heal before having replacement teeth in place.
The current fee at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery starts from £500 per arch for an immediate denture.
Because the gums and bone change during healing, the fit of an immediate denture may also change. The dentist will explain the review process and whether adjustments, relining or a later definitive denture are likely to be needed.
6. Implant-retained dentures: snap-in overdentures
Implant-retained dentures are removable dentures that attach to dental implants for extra stability. Also called snap-in or implant overdentures, they use implant attachments rather than retained natural roots. This distinguishes them from the tooth-supported overdentures described below. Learn more about implant-retained dentures.
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery lists implant-retained dentures as price on application. This reflects the fact that the final plan depends on the implant treatment required as well as the denture itself.
Implant-retained dentures are often considered when stability is the main priority. They are still removable, but the implants help hold the denture more securely in place.
7. Fixed implant dentures, All-on-4 and permanent dentures
Fixed implant dentures replace a full arch of teeth with a restoration supported by dental implants that is not removed by the patient in the same way as a conventional denture. All-on-4 and All-on-6 are examples of full-arch fixed implant approaches. Learn more about implant-supported dentures and bridges.
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery currently publishes All-on-4 at £9,000 per arch and All-on-6 at £11,000 per arch.
People often use the phrase “permanent dentures” for fixed full-arch implant teeth, although the dentist will explain exactly what is fixed, how it is maintained and what future professional care is required.
A dental bridge or a single dental implant can also replace missing teeth, but they are alternatives to dentures rather than additional denture types. Where only one or a small number of teeth are missing, your dentist can compare those options with a removable partial denture.
8. Tooth-supported overdentures
Tooth-supported overdentures are removable dentures that fit over selected natural teeth or retained tooth roots. Unlike implant-retained dentures, they use the patient’s own teeth for additional support. They may replace most or all of the visible teeth in an arch while preserving suitable roots underneath.
Suitable teeth or roots must be healthy enough to retain. They may need reshaping, root canal treatment or protective caps before the denture is made. Keeping them can help maintain surrounding bone and improve support, but this option is only appropriate in selected cases.
Cost: The Cosmetic Dental Gallery does not publish a separate tooth-supported overdenture fee. Ask whether this design is suitable and available, and request a written quote covering any preparatory treatment and the denture.
Care: Remove the denture for cleaning and clean the supporting teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily. Retained teeth remain at risk of decay and gum disease, so regular reviews are important. See Bristol Dental School’s overdenture guidance and the BACDT overview.
Alternatives to dentures
A dental bridge or a single dental implant can also replace missing teeth, but they are alternatives to dentures rather than additional denture types. Where only one or a small number of teeth are missing, your dentist can compare those options with a removable partial denture.
How much do dentures cost in the UK?
Private denture fees vary by the number of teeth being replaced, the material used and whether implants are involved. The Cosmetic Dental Gallery’s current published prices are listed below. See our denture fees and dentures in London.
- Immediate denture: from £500 per arch.
- Partial acrylic denture: from £975 per arch.
- Complete acrylic denture: from £1,400 per arch.
- Complete upper and lower acrylic dentures: from £2,500.
- Cobalt chrome denture: from £1,600 per arch.
- Implant-retained denture: price on application.
- All-on-4 fixed implant teeth: £9,000 per arch.
- All-on-6 fixed implant teeth: £11,000 per arch.
- Tooth-supported overdenture: no separate published practice fee; suitability, availability and total cost require an individual assessment.
Can you get dentures on the NHS?
Yes, dentures can be provided through the NHS when they are clinically needed. In England, dentures fall within Band 3 treatment, which is currently £332.10. The NHS charge is a treatment-band charge rather than a private price per denture type, so your dentist will need to confirm what treatment is clinically appropriate and available.
| Need help choosing dentures? Explore our dentures in Greenwich & Battersea to compare full, partial and implant-supported options and book a consultation. |
Which type of denture is best?
There is no single denture that is best for every patient. A useful way to frame the decision is: implant-retained dentures for stability, cobalt chrome for a long-term partial denture, flexible dentures for comfort when only a few teeth are missing, and immediate dentures when replacement teeth are needed straight after extractions.
Where suitable natural teeth or roots can be retained, a tooth-supported overdenture is another option to discuss. It uses those teeth for support rather than requiring implants, but their long-term health and your ability to clean them are important considerations.
What is best still depends on the number and position of missing teeth, the condition of the remaining teeth and gums, the available bone, your budget and whether you want a removable or fixed solution.
Removable vs fixed: which direction suits you?
A removable denture can be taken out for cleaning and may replace a few teeth or a full arch. Implant-retained dentures use implants for additional stability, while tooth-supported overdentures fit over retained natural teeth or roots. Both are removable. Fixed implant teeth stay in place rather than being removed by the patient. The right direction depends on the number of missing teeth, available support, your preferences and the budget discussed at your consultation.
The consultation should also confirm which options are realistic for your mouth before you compare them on price or appearance alone.
How to choose the right type of denture
Use these six questions with your dentist to narrow down the options:
- How many teeth are missing? A full arch and a small gap need completely different designs. Also ask whether suitable natural teeth or roots could be retained beneath a tooth-supported overdenture.
- What is your budget? Acrylic, cobalt chrome and implant-supported options have very different current private fees.
- How much supporting bone is available? This matters particularly if implants are being considered.
- Do you have a strong gag reflex? The shape and material of the denture may affect comfort.
- What is the timeline? An immediate denture may be relevant if teeth are about to be extracted.
- How important are appearance and how the denture feels? The dentist and technician can explain the trade-offs between the designs that are clinically suitable.
Pros and cons of each denture type
Every denture design involves trade-offs. This summary is designed to help you understand what to discuss at the consultation rather than choose a treatment without an examination.
| Type | Main advantages to discuss | Main considerations to discuss |
| Full acrylic | Replaces a complete arch; established removable option | Fit can change as the mouth changes; removable |
| Partial acrylic | Replaces selected teeth; lower current starting fee than cobalt chrome | Removable; design and support depend on remaining teeth |
| Cobalt chrome partial | Often considered for long-term partial dentures | Higher current starting fee; suitability depends on the remaining teeth |
| Flexible / Valplast | May suit patients prioritising comfort with a few missing teeth | Not suitable for every gap; current practice fee needs confirmation |
| Immediate | Replacement teeth can be in place around the time of extraction | Fit changes during healing and may need review or adjustment |
| Implant-retained | Greater stability while remaining removable | Requires implant treatment; current fee is price on application |
| Fixed implant / All-on-4 | Fixed full-arch solution rather than a removable denture | Higher fee and implant treatment required |
| Tooth-supported overdenture | Retains natural roots for support; may help preserve surrounding bone | Needs suitable teeth or roots, possible preparatory treatment and ongoing cleaning/reviews |
Looking after your dentures
Dentures need daily cleaning and regular dental reviews. Remove and clean a removable denture as instructed by your dentist, clean the remaining natural teeth and gums carefully, and attend reviews so the dentist can check the fit and the health of the mouth. See how to clean dentures.
With a tooth-supported overdenture, clean the retained teeth or roots as well as the denture. Your dentist will explain the cleaning routine and review schedule needed to protect these supporting teeth.
If a denture becomes loose, painful, cracked or difficult to wear, arrange a review rather than trying to adjust it yourself. For a fuller cleaning routine, see The Cosmetic Dental Gallery’s denture-cleaning guide.
Getting dentures in Greenwich and Battersea
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery provides denture assessment and treatment from its Greenwich and Battersea practices. Your consultation is used to assess the mouth, remaining teeth and gums, discuss the available designs and agree the most appropriate treatment plan.
The practice offers finance on treatments over £500. Current published options include up to 12 months interest-free finance and longer 2, 3, 4 or 5-year plans with interest.
Greenwich: 260 Creek Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9SW. Phone 0203 883 8180.
Battersea: 20 Patcham Terrace, Battersea, London, SW8 4EY. Phone 0208 090 3959.
Book a consultation if you want to compare removable dentures, implant-retained dentures or fixed implant teeth for your own case.
Related reading: dental implants vs dentures
Related reading: types of dental implants
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of dentures to get?
The best option depends on your mouth and priorities. Your dentist may discuss implant-retained dentures for maximum stability, cobalt chrome for a long-term partial denture, flexible dentures for comfort with a few missing teeth, and immediate dentures after extractions.
What are the most comfortable dentures in the UK?
Comfort depends on the fit, material and your individual mouth. Flexible dentures may be considered when comfort is a priority for a small number of missing teeth, while implant-retained dentures may feel more secure because they attach to implants.
What is the newest type of denture?
Modern denture treatment includes conventional acrylic and cobalt chrome designs as well as flexible materials and implant-supported options. Rather than choosing based on which sounds newest, compare which designs are clinically suitable for your mouth.
What are the four types of dentures?
The four broad categories used in this guide are full dentures, partial dentures, immediate dentures and implant-retained dentures. The eight options compared above include material and support variations, such as acrylic, cobalt chrome, flexible nylon and tooth-supported overdentures. These descriptions overlap rather than representing eight mutually exclusive clinical categories.
Which dentures look most natural?
Appearance depends on the design, tooth selection, gum-coloured material and how the denture is made for your smile. Your dentist and dental technician can show you which clinically suitable option can best meet your cosmetic priorities.
How long do dentures last?
There is no single denture lifespan because the fit changes with the mouth and different materials wear differently. Dentures should be reviewed over time and adjusted, relined or replaced when the fit, function or condition changes.
Can I get flexible dentures on the NHS?
NHS denture treatment is based on clinical need and the treatment available through the NHS service. Flexible dentures are not listed as a separate NHS band item, so ask your NHS dentist whether a flexible design is clinically appropriate and available in your case.
What are full dentures?
Full dentures are removable replacement teeth for an entire upper or lower arch. They sit over the gums and are used when no natural teeth remain in that arch.
How do partial dentures work?
Partial dentures replace selected missing teeth while the remaining natural teeth stay in place. The design uses the remaining mouth structures for support and may be made from acrylic, cobalt chrome or another suitable material.
What are temporary dentures?
Temporary or immediate dentures are used during a transitional period, often around the time teeth are extracted, while the tissues heal and the longer-term treatment plan is completed.
What is a fixed bridge?
A fixed bridge replaces one or more missing teeth without being removed by the patient. It is an alternative to a removable denture rather than another denture type.
How do implants differ from dentures?
Dental implants are placed in the jawbone and can support a single tooth, a bridge, a removable implant-retained denture or a fixed full-arch restoration. Conventional dentures are removable and do not require implants.
What are snap-on dentures?
Snap-on dentures are removable implant-retained dentures. They connect to dental implants for greater stability but can still be removed for cleaning.
Are tooth-supported overdentures the same as implant-retained dentures?
No. Tooth-supported overdentures fit over retained natural teeth or roots, while implant-retained dentures attach to implants placed in the jaw. Both can be removable, but they require different preparation and maintenance. Whether natural roots can be retained depends on their health and the proposed denture design.
About the author
Dr Hartej Singh Matharu — Principal Dentist | BDS, PG Cert, PG Dip (Prosthodontics) | GDC 259113.
Clinically reviewed: October 2026.