denture
B2/C1Technical, Medical, Formal
Definition
Meaning
A removable artificial replacement for one or more natural teeth, supported by surrounding tissues.
Most commonly refers to a full set of false teeth for one jaw, but can also refer to partial replacements. The term is often used in technical, dental, and clinical contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While 'dentures' (plural) is the typical form for the object, the singular 'denture' is often used in technical descriptions, e.g., 'complete denture', 'partial denture'. The term has a neutral to slightly clinical tone; in everyday speech, 'false teeth' is more common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Both use the term. In everyday conversation, speakers in both regions often use the more colloquial 'false teeth'.
Connotations
Neutral/clinical in both. Slightly dated or formal in everyday contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in everyday talk in both varieties. More frequent in dental/medical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
fit [someone] with a denturehave a denture (fitted)wear a denture/denturesremove/clean one's denturesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Spit your dentures out (UK, informal, expressing surprise)”
- “Denture-wearing age (informal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the dental supplies and healthcare industry.
Academic
Used in dentistry, medicine, prosthodontics, and related health sciences literature.
Everyday
Used primarily in conversations about health, ageing, or dental visits; often replaced by 'false teeth'.
Technical
The standard term in dental clinical practice and product descriptions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The patient will need to be dentured next week.
American English
- The dentist will denture the patient next month.
adjective
British English
- The denture clinic is on the high street.
American English
- She needed denture care products.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandfather has false teeth.
- He cleans his dentures every night.
- After the extraction, she was fitted with a partial denture.
- Modern implant-supported dentures offer significantly improved stability and function compared to conventional ones.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DENT-ure. It's for your DENT-ures (teeth), a DENT-al procedURE.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEETH ARE TOOLS (for chewing); A DENTURE IS A REPLACEMENT PART/MACHINE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'вставная челюсть' (more specific and graphic). 'Denture' is the standard medical term, similar to 'зубной протез'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'denture' as a countable plural without '-s' (e.g., 'I have denture'). Correct: 'I have dentures' or 'I have a denture' (referring to one set).
- Confusing 'denture' with 'implant' (which is fixed).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'denture' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but 'denture' is the formal, technical term. 'False teeth' is the common, everyday expression.
Typically, no. A single replacement is usually called a 'crown' or is part of a 'bridge'. 'Denture' usually implies a plate or structure holding multiple teeth.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices. Implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to support a fixed crown, bridge, or denture.
If referring to the full set for one jaw (upper or lower), you can say 'a denture' (e.g., 'an upper denture'). The plural 'dentures' is overwhelmingly common when talking about them generally (e.g., 'He wears dentures').