---
title: "What Is Complete denture (full denture)? Dental Glossary"
description: "A complete denture, or full denture, is a removable set of replacement teeth that replaces all of the teeth in the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/complete-denture-full-denture
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Dentures and Bridges

# Complete denture (full denture)

A complete denture, or full denture, is a removable set of replacement teeth that replaces all of the teeth in the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both.

A complete denture rests on the gums and the bony ridge beneath them. It has a gum-colored base, usually acrylic, with a full row of teeth. The ADA says dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. A conventional full denture is made after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed, which may take several months. An [immediate denture](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/immediate-denture) is placed the same day teeth are removed. Dentures need daily cleaning, and the fit can change as the gums change, so they may need a [reline](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/denture-reline) later. See [edentulism](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/edentulism-toothlessness) and our [dentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures) page.

[Town Center Dental can helpDentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures)

## Related terms

-   [Immediate denture](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/immediate-denture)
-   [Partial denture](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/partial-denture)
-   [Denture reline](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/denture-reline)
-   [Overdenture](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/overdenture)
-   [Edentulism (toothlessness)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/edentulism-toothlessness)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Dentures](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dentures)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)