Types of dentures There are many different types of dentures. The option that’s right for you depends on your unique oral health needs. Full dentures Also called a complete denture, this appliance replaces an entire arch of missing teeth. A full denture rests atop your gums and relies on your palate (the roof of your mouth) or lower jawbone ridge for support. You may need to use denture adhesive (a special type of glue) to keep your appliance firmly in place. Full dentures are likely what comes to mind when you think about traditional dentures. They consist of artificial teeth and a gum-colored base. People who wear dentures usually take them out at night to clean them and give their gums a rest. Partial dentures If you’re missing several or most of your teeth in one or both jaws, partial dentures may be an option. Partial dentures are similar to full dentures, as they also rely on your gums and underlying bone for support. But partial dentures also have special clasps that hook around your remaining natural teeth, providing additional stability.