How Many Teeth Are Included in a Full Set of Dentures? Find Out Here

If you've been wondering how many teeth make up a full set of dentures, you're not alone. It’s a surprisingly common question, and one that deserves a straightforward, no-jargon answer. Whether you’re exploring your first set of dentures or just curious about how they stack up against your natural teeth, we’re here to walk you through the details without making your head spin.

Let’s talk teeth. Specifically, artificial ones that look and feel like natural teeth (when done right). You might be picturing those classic “false teeth” floating in a glass of water. But dentures have come a long way since grandma's nightstand days.

Denture Basics Without the Boring Bits

A denture is a custom-made dental appliance designed to replace missing teeth. Depending on your situation, dentures may be used for the upper or lower jaw, or both. They rest on your gums and are designed to match your bite, mouth shape, and even your smile (yes, you still get to smile, big time).

Dentures typically fall into two main categories:

• Complete denture: Replaces all your teeth in an arch (upper or lower)

• Partial denture: Fills the gaps if you’ve still got some healthy teeth hanging in there

If you’re missing more teeth than you’d like to admit out loud, you’re probably leaning toward the complete side of the spectrum.

What Is a Full Denture?

A full denture, also called a complete denture, is exactly what it sounds like: a removable prosthetic device that replaces an entire arch of missing teeth, either your upper, lower, or both arches. It rests directly on your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth. These aren’t just stand-ins. They’re designed to let you chew, speak, and smile with confidence again.

So how many teeth are we talking?

A full set of dentures includes as many as 28 teeth. Yep, 28 teeth to mimic your natural smile. That’s 14 on the upper arch and 14 on the lower. This mirrors the number of teeth adults typically have when you leave the wisdom teeth out of the equation. Most full dentures do leave out those tricky third molars (you know, the ones that get yanked out in your early 20s).

How a Full Set of Dentures Measures Up

A full set refers to both upper and lower dentures, an entire replacement for all the teeth in the jaw. Whether you’ve had your teeth pulled over time or lost them all at once (say, due to gum disease or a heroic candy addiction), a full set of dentures can restore your smile and your ability to eat real food again.

These prosthetic teeth are crafted to look as close as possible to your natural teeth, so you don’t have to walk around with a permanent “plastic grin.” Premium full dentures take things up a notch, offering a more customized fit, better materials, and sometimes even hand-layered aesthetics that make them look like natural teeth from every angle.

Exploring Each Type of Full Denture

Not all dentures are created equal. There’s more than one type of full denture to choose from, and the best one for you depends on your needs, lifestyle, and yes, budget.

Traditional Dentures

These are what most people picture when they think of a full set of dentures. Traditional dentures are made after your teeth have been removed and your gums have healed. They're custom fit and removable, and they rest on your gums.

Immediate Dentures

This type is called immediate dentures for a reason. They’re placed the same day your teeth are pulled, so you’re not left without teeth for an extended period. While they save you from walking around toothless, they may need adjustments as your gums heal and shrink.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Want greater security than traditional dentures? Implants and dentures can work together for a winning combo. These dentures snap into place using dental implants embedded in your jawbone. They offer better stability than conventional dentures and feel more like natural teeth. This option may also be called a full arch restoration.

Removable Dentures vs. Permanent Dentures

Traditional options are removable. But permanent dentures (secured with implants) stay in place and offer more control over your teeth, no more slipping mid-sentence.

So yes, the type of full denture you go with makes a huge difference in how your new smile feels.

Full Dentures Cost and What to Expect

Now the question everyone wants to ask but no one wants to hear the answer to: How much do full dentures cost?

Let’s rip off the Band-Aid.

The price of dentures can vary widely. Factors like materials, customization level, lab quality, and whether implants are involved all impact the treatment or dental cost price. A basic set may start around a few hundred dollars per arch, while premium options or implant-supported versions can climb into the thousands.

It’s not just about looks. The better the fit and function, the better your quality of life, and your oral health.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Full Dentures?

If you're missing all your upper or lower teeth, you're a solid candidate for full or complete dentures. But it’s not just about how many teeth you’ve lost. The condition of your soft tissues, bone structure, and overall health also matter.

Some people may still have a few remaining teeth that are no longer viable. In that case, your dentist might recommend pulling them so you can receive a full set. If you’re not ready for that, partial dentures may be used until you're ready for a complete set of dentures.

You might be a good candidate for full dentures if:

• You have no healthy teeth remaining in one or both arches.

• Your teeth are severely decayed or damaged.

• You’re looking for a cost-effective, removable solution.

• You’re unable to receive dental implants due to bone loss or other health concerns.

How the Full Dentures Process Work

The process starts with an exam and impressions of your mouth. If you need any teeth pulled, that happens first, sometimes all at once, sometimes over a few visits.

If you’re getting immediate dentures, those will be placed right after your extractions. Otherwise, you may wait a month before the teeth and gums heal enough for your full dentures to be made and fitted.

Once the dentures are ready, fitting the dentures involves making sure they match your bite, feel comfortable, and don’t cause irritation. Denture adjustments are often needed, especially if you're still adjusting to the dentures.

When Dentures Snap and What That Means

One of the coolest advancements in modern denture design is the “snap-in” implant-supported version. These dentures snap onto implants anchored in the jawbone. That gives you better chewing power, more confidence when talking or laughing, and none of that awkward slipping you might get with traditional styles.

The dentures can be removed for cleaning but stay securely in place during the day, kind of like the best of both worlds. If you’re looking for stability and confidence, these are some of the best denture options and treatment paths available today.

Full Arch and Dental Implants

A full arch solution using dental implants might sound intense, but it’s become more common, and effective. Instead of replacing every individual tooth with an implant (which would be overkill), a complete upper or lower denture can be supported by just four to six implants.

This type of denture is less bulky than traditional ones, fits better, and preserves the jawbone. The result? A smile that looks and feels similar to your natural teeth, and improved oral health long-term.

Life With a Full Set of Dentures

Getting a full set of dentures is a big change. It takes time to adjust, both physically and emotionally. Chewing may feel different, your speech might take a minute to normalize, and your mouth and dentures may need a few tweaks to live together in harmony.

But once you’re used to them, a new set of comfortable, well-made dentures can give you back the freedom to enjoy food, laugh freely, and smile without hesitation.

Some quick tips for the journey:

• Be patient during the adjustment period.

• Follow your dentist’s cleaning and care instructions.

• Don’t skip regular check-ups, even if you don’t have natural teeth left.

• Keep an eye out for sore spots, and never try DIY fixes.

The Full Set: More Than Just a Number

So, how many teeth are included in a full set of dentures? The answer: usually 28 teeth, 14 upper teeth and 14 lower teeth. That full set brings function, form, and that “I’m-smiling-without-holding-back” confidence.

Whether you’re exploring traditional dentures, implant-supported options, or immediate solutions, remember there’s no one-size-fits-all. Dentures include as many features as you need based on your lifestyle, health, and smile goals. If you’ve got concerns regarding the best denture options, talk to your dentist. They’ll guide you based on your individual needs, not just the minimum number of teeth needed to get by.