Human Model – Teeth

Quick Answer: The human model teeth is a dental teaching model representing human teeth, used to show the types of teeth, how they are arranged in the jaws and, depending on the version, their internal structure. It supports school biology, oral hygiene education and dental assistant training.

Types of Teeth and How They Are Arranged

Teeth models come in two main forms: a jaw or dentition model showing the full set of teeth in the upper and lower jaws, and an enlarged single tooth, often split to show the inside. The title of this listing does not say which it is, so the form should be confirmed at enquiry; the notes below cover what both types teach.

An adult has thirty-two permanent teeth, sixteen in each jaw. In each quarter of the mouth there are two incisors for cutting, one canine for tearing, and two premolars and three molars for grinding, the last molar being the wisdom tooth. This gives the dental formula 2.1.2.3. Children have twenty deciduous, or milk, teeth with no premolars, and a human teeth model is a clear way to show which teeth are replaced and which appear later.

Inside each tooth, the crown is covered by enamel, the hardest tissue in the body, over a layer of dentine; the central pulp cavity holds nerves and blood vessels, and the root is fixed in the jaw by cementum and the periodontal ligament. Decay begins when acids made by plaque bacteria dissolve enamel, which is why oral health educators use the model to demonstrate brushing along the gum line and between the teeth.

Where It Is Used

• Teaching tooth types and their jobs in primary and secondary science
• Demonstrating brushing and flossing technique in oral health sessions
• Explaining how tooth decay starts and progresses
• Dental assistant and dental hygiene courses learning tooth names and numbering

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Clean the human teeth model with a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water after demonstrations, then dry it.
• Demonstrate brushing with a dry brush; toothpaste abrasives can wear away painted detail.
• If the jaws are hinged or the tooth splits, store it closed to protect small parts.

Why Choose LabEquip

Schools, community dental programmes and dental assistant courses often buy a teeth model for hands-on oral health lessons. LabEquip includes it among its biology lab products; use the LabEquip contact page to confirm the model form.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teeth does an adult have?

Thirty-two permanent teeth, including four wisdom teeth, although wisdom teeth do not appear in everyone. Children have twenty milk teeth.

What is the dental formula for adult humans?

It is 2.1.2.3, meaning two incisors, one canine, two premolars and three molars in each quarter of the mouth. Multiplying by four gives thirty-two teeth.

What is the hardest part of a tooth?

Enamel, which covers the crown. It is the hardest tissue in the human body but cannot repair itself once it has been lost to decay.

How does tooth decay start?

Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acids. The acids dissolve minerals from enamel, and if this continues a cavity forms and can reach the dentine and pulp.

What is the pulp of a tooth?

It is the soft tissue at the centre of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. It enters through the tip of the root and keeps the tooth alive.

Can the model be used to teach brushing?

Yes. Educators use it to show how to angle the brush toward the gum line and cover the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of every tooth.

Last Updated: September 2026