Full Dentures

Full dentures are usually chosen when patients prefer a non-surgical, lower-cost solution; implants are ideal when patients prioritise maximum stability and chewing power.

• Conventional full dentures are removable, rest on the gums, and are the most affordable option, but can move slightly during chewing.
• Implant-supported overdentures use 2–4 implants per arch and special attachments, providing greater retention, less bone loss, and better chewing function than tissue-supported dentures.
• Full-arch fixed implant bridges (All-on-4/All-on-6) are non-removable prostheses attached to 4–6 implants, providing near-natural stability and function, but they require surgery and are more expensive.

Full removable dentures (for a complete upper or lower arch) typically start from around the mid-hundreds of euros per jaw and can rise towards €1,600 or more per arch, depending on the material, level of customisation, and whether your package includes accommodation and transfers. 

Publishing one fixed fee on a service page would not reflect the differences between basic acrylic dentures, higher-end options and full-mouth reconstructions that also involve implants.

To understand which full-arch solution suits you best and what it would cost, please contact us for a free online consultation.

Most first-time denture wearers adapt over 2–4 weeks, though some may need more than a month to feel completely comfortable. Speech, chewing efficiency, and comfort continue to improve over the first 3–6 months as the tongue and muscles learn to control the new prosthesis.

Systematic reviews show that complete dentures typically last about 10 years, with maxillary dentures tending to last slightly longer than mandibular ones. Many clinicians recommend replacing full dentures about every 5–7 years as wear, tooth abrasion, and ongoing bone resorption gradually reduce fit, appearance, and function.

Full denture options typically include:

• Conventional complete dentures – made after the remaining teeth are removed and the gums have healed, usually over 8–12 weeks.

• Immediate dentures – inserted on the same day as extractions so patients are never without teeth; they act as a temporary solution and need frequent adjustments as the gums shrink.

• Implant-supported overdentures – full dentures that “snap” onto 2–4 or more implants, improving stability and chewing compared with tissue-supported dentures.

Daily care routine:

• Rinse dentures after meals and brush them gently with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner (not regular toothpaste).

• Clean your gums, tongue and palate once or twice a day to keep tissues healthy.

• Soak dentures in a denture cleansing solution as recommended to remove deposits and bacteria.

• Avoid very hot water, which can warp the acrylic.

• Attend regular check-ups so the dentist can monitor fit, bite and oral tissues.

Full dentures are ideal for patients who have lost most or all teeth in an arch and want a removable, non-surgical tooth replacement. Candidates should have healthy oral tissues and be able to maintain good hygiene; patients who want a fixed solution or greater bite force may be better suited to All-on-4/All-on-6 implant restorations or implant-supported overdentures.

Please check the relevant pages for more information:
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-6 Dental Implants

• Full dentures replace all teeth in a jaw and are supported only by the gums and underlying bone.

• Partial dentures fill in gaps between remaining natural teeth and usually use metal or tooth-coloured clasps for retention.

Full dentures are used when the jaw is completely edentulous; partial dentures are for patients who still have a number of healthy teeth.

For conventional full dentures, teeth are removed (if needed), gums heal for about 8–12 weeks, and then the denture is fabricated over several appointments (impressions, bite registration, try-in, and final fit). Immediate dentures can be placed on the day of extraction, but they require more relines and adjustments as the bone and gums change during healing.

You can eat a wide variety of foods with full dentures, but chewing efficiency and bite force are lower than with natural teeth or implant-supported restorations, especially for hard or very sticky foods. Most patients do well by starting with soft foods, cutting food into small pieces, and gradually progressing; implant-supported overdentures or full-arch implants offer stronger biting and more stable chewing if you need maximum function.

It is generally recommended to remove your dentures at night to allow your gums to rest and to maintain oral hygiene.

It’s common to notice temporary changes in speech – such as lisping or slight difficulty pronouncing “s” and “f” sounds – when you first start wearing dentures. Studies show that speech and oral-health quality of life improve significantly by about 30 days after insertion of new complete dentures as patients adapt. Practicing reading aloud and speaking slowly helps speed up this adjustment.

Because the jawbone and gums continue to change over time, full dentures typically need:

• Relining about every 2–3 years to improve fit and comfort.

• Replacement roughly every 5–7 years, when tooth wear, staining or major fit changes affect function or aesthetics.

Regular review appointments help decide whether a simple reline is enough or if a completely new denture – or transition to an implant-supported option – would be better.