What Is a Complete Denture?

A complete denture — also called a full denture — is a removable prosthesis that replaces all of the teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both. It rests on the gum tissue and is supported by the underlying bone ridge.

Types of Complete Dentures

Conventional Complete Denture

• Fabricated after all teeth are removed and gum tissue has fully healed

• Healing period typically 8 to 12 weeks after extractions

• Best fit and most stable option

• Allows precise impression-taking of fully healed ridges

Immediate Complete Denture

• Fabricated before teeth are extracted and inserted the same day

• Patient is never without teeth during healing

• Requires relining 3–6 months after placement as gums heal and shrink

• Serves as a transitional appliance in most cases

Implant-Supported Complete Denture (Overdenture)

• Anchored to 2–4 dental implants for dramatically improved stability

• Eliminates the need for denture adhesives

• Preserves jawbone that would otherwise resorb

• See [Implant Overdenture →] for full details

What to Expect — Complete Denture Process

Step 1 — Primary Impressions

Initial impressions taken to fabricate custom trays for more precise final impressions.

Step 2 — Final Impressions

Detailed impressions of the gum ridges using custom trays for the most accurate fit possible.

Step 3 — Bite Registration

• Establishing the correct vertical dimension (how far apart your jaws should be)

• Recording the relationship between upper and lower jaws

• This step is critical — errors here affect chewing, speech, and facial appearance

Step 4 — Tooth Selection

• Shape, size, and color of teeth selected collaboratively

• Old photographs of your natural smile are helpful at this stage

• Dr. Kim selects teeth that complement your facial features

Step 5 — Wax Try-In

• Teeth set in wax for a full preview

• You evaluate appearance, speech, and comfort

• Changes can be made at this stage before finalization

Step 6 — Delivery

• Final dentures seated and adjusted

• Bite evaluated and refined

• Home care instructions provided

• Follow-up appointments scheduled

The Challenge of Lower Dentures

Upper complete dentures typically achieve good suction against the palate. Lower complete dentures are inherently less stable because:

• The ridge is smaller

• The tongue and cheek muscles dislodge it

• There is no palate to create suction

For this reason, Dr. Kim often recommends 2 implants to dramatically improve lower denture stability — even for patients who are otherwise satisfied with their upper denture.

Bone Resorption — An Important Long-Term Consideration

After teeth are removed, the jawbone gradually resorbs (shrinks) because it no longer receives stimulation from tooth roots. This means:

• Dentures that fit well initially will become loose over time

• Relining or remaking is needed every 5 to 7 years

• Facial structure changes (sunken appearance) accelerate over decades

• Implants are the only way to preserve bone in a fully edentulous arch

Dr. Kim will discuss this honestly so you can make informed decisions about your long-term care.

Denture Adhesives

While adhesives can temporarily improve retention, they are not a substitute for a well-fitting denture. If you find yourself relying on large amounts of adhesive, it is time for a reline or new denture. Dr. Kim will evaluate the fit at every visit.