What Are False Teeth Called?

Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Jade

There are a number of different dental appliances that are commonly referred to as false teeth. The following list outlines what each of these types is and how they are used.

What Are False Teeth Called? Different Types Of False Teeth

Full Dentures

Full dentures are a set of upper and lower removable false teeth. Full dentures are also called complete dentures and porcelain or acrylic materials are used to make the fake teeth. They are applied to a base made of either metal or acrylic materials.

Full or complete dentures are usually required if you have lost all or most of your teeth. The uppers or lowers are designed to sit on your gum tissue and are held in place by suction. You may have seen denture adhesives on the market which provide a more secure hold.

Dentures require specific cleaning products as regular toothbrushes and toothpaste are too harsh and can damage the surface of the dentures. They are also fragile and must be handled with care.

With proper care and maintenance, full or complete dentures can last up to ten years.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are designed to fill partial gaps where there are teeth missing. They come in uppers and/or lowers and are typically held in place by clips that attach around existing teeth. Partial dentures are removable when needed.

Temporary Dentures

The purpose of these may become more obvious with the other term they are known by – immediate dentures. They are dentures that can be fitting immediately after you have had all your teeth removed. This permits you to still eat, talk, and smile while waiting for your permanent dentures to be completed.

Flexible Dentures

Flexible dentures are made of a thin thermoplastic material such as nylon, which may make these a more comfortable option than the harder acrylic construction of full dentures. Flexible dentures do not require any metal clips as partial dentures do which makes them look natural.

Fixed Bridge

Another way to replace missing teeth is with a fixed bridge. A crown, which is an artificial tooth, is surgically cemented to the remaining teeth. Because this is a permanent solution, fixed bridges are far more costly than most other types of removable false teeth.

Cantilever Bridge

If you are missing a molar and have no teeth on one side of it to support a bridge, a cantilever bridge may be used. This employs the use of one or more teeth on the other side of where that molar was to provide the security and stability needed to hold this type of bridge in place.

Implants

A dental implant is a screw or other type of attachment device that is surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time it fuses into place creating a natural fit. A prosthetic, normally a fake tooth, is ‘screwed’ onto the implant. This takes place either right after the implant screw is placed or after it has fused to the bone.

Implant-Supported Fixed Dentures

This missing tooth solution involves a surgically inserted implant that has a crown attached to it after the surgery. That crown is then secured in place with additional screws.

Snap-On Dentures

Snap-on dentures, also known as snap-in dentures, are another type of false teeth that are described by the term used to identify them. These dentures are designed to snap on and snap off of implants that have been surgically inserted into your jawbone.

In Conclusion

So what are false teeth called? The terms dentures and false teeth are often used interchangeably referring to several different types of missing teeth solutions. We hope that we have been able to help to clarify this question for you.

With the right solution for your situation, as determined by your dental professional, you will be able to eat, talk, and smile with confidence. So make sure that you speak to your dentist to see what false teeth option is best for you.