3 Types of Dentures Explained

3 Types of Dentures: Which One is Right for You?

Losing teeth, whether one, a few, or a full set, is something many people quietly worry about. Will eating feel different? Will you feel self conscious? Will anyone even notice?

The good news is that modern dentures have come a long way, and at Aurora Dental & Implant Clinic, we help patients across Wiltshire find a solution that genuinely works for their life. Whether you are visiting us in Chippenham, Corsham, Swindon or Devizes, the first step is understanding your options.

So let’s break them down.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are custom made, removable appliances that replace missing teeth and restore the natural appearance of your smile. There are two main categories.

Partial dentures are used when you still have some natural teeth remaining and need to fill in the gaps. Full dentures (sometimes called complete dentures) replace an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, or both, when all natural teeth are missing.

Both types are available in three different materials: Acrylic, Valplast and Chrome. Each one has its own strengths and the right choice will depend on your individual needs, lifestyle and budget.

How Are Dentures Made?

It all starts with in your dental assessment. Your dentist will take a thorough look at your mouth, take a mould or digital scan of your gums and record a series of measurements. All of this information is then passed to a skilled dental technician, who crafts your dentures by hand to fit you precisely.

One of the things patients are often pleasantly surprised by is just how personalised this process is. You will have the opportunity to choose the shade of your teeth, selecting a colour that complements your natural colouring and looks right for you. Our dental technicians also apply real artistry to the finished result, subtly crafting the shape and character of each tooth so that your dentures do not look like dentures at all. Small variations in alignment, tone and texture are used to mimic the natural imperfections that make a real smile look like a real smile.

No two sets of dentures are the same because no two people are the same. That is what makes the process genuinely bespoke.

The 3 Types of Dentures

1. Acrylic Dentures

Acrylic dentures are one of the most widely used options and for good reason. Made from a robust resin material, they are a reliable, practical choice that suits a wide range of patients, from those needing a full set to those replacing just a handful of teeth.

Patients often choose acrylic because it is a cost effective option without compromising on function. They are sturdy, easy for a dentist to adjust if needed and straightforward to reline as your gums change shape over time. If you are new to wearing dentures, acrylic is often a reassuring starting point.

Many of our patients visiting us as their Chippenham Dentist or Corsham Dentist begin with acrylic and find they suit them very well for years.

2. Valplast Dentures

Valplast dentures take a different approach entirely. Rather than a rigid base, they are made from a flexible, lightweight thermoplastic material that gently adapts to the contours of your mouth. The result is a denture that moves with you rather than against you.

One of the things patients love most about Valplast is the lack of visible metal clasps. They blend naturally with your gum tissue, making them a much more discreet option, particularly for partial dentures in visible areas of the mouth.

If you have ever tried a traditional denture and found it uncomfortable or bulky, Valplast is well worth exploring. Patients who see us as their Swindon Dentist or Devizes Dentist often find this option a revelation after years of managing with something less comfortable.

3. Chrome Dentures

Chrome dentures, are widely regarded as the premium choice for partial dentures. A slim metal framework sits precisely against your natural teeth and gum tissue, creating a fit that feels secure and incredibly stable during everyday life.

What really sets chrome apart is the palate free design available for upper dentures. For many patients, having less material covering the roof of the mouth makes an enormous difference to how food tastes and how natural eating feels. It is one of those things you have to experience to truly appreciate.

Chrome is also exceptionally durable. With good care, chrome dentures tend to outlast acrylic alternatives and represent a strong long term investment for the right patient.

Will Anyone Be Able to Tell?

This is the question almost every patient asks and it is completely understandable. The short answer is that with well made, bespoke dentures, most people will have no idea.

At Aurora Dental, shade selection is a key part of the process. You choose the colour that best suits your skin tone, your age and the look you are going for, whether that is a naturally bright smile or something softer and more understated. From there, our dental technicians use genuine artistry to shape and finish each tooth individually, carefully recreating the subtle details that make teeth look real. A slight variation here, a gentle curve there. The kind of finishing touches that mean your smile looks like your smile, not a set of dentures.

The result is something uniquely yours, crafted to sit in your mouth as though it has always been there.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

With the right care, most dentures last between five and seven years before needing to be replaced. Over time, the fit can change as your gum shape naturally evolves with age, so it is worth having them reviewed regularly.

Keeping your dentures clean is just as important as looking after your remaining natural teeth. A proper daily cleaning routine protects both your dentures and the health of your gums.

So, Which Type is Right for You?

There is no single answer to this question because everyone is different. The number of teeth being replaced, your budget, how much you prioritise discretion versus durability and what feels comfortable in your mouth all play a role.

What matters most is having an honest conversation with your dentist. At Aurora Dental, we take the time to understand what you are looking for before recommending anything. Our teams across Chippenham, Corsham, Swindon and Devizes all share the same approach: honest advice, no pressure and a treatment plan built entirely around you.