false teeth
B1Informal
Definition
Meaning
A removable set of artificial teeth, usually made of plastic or porcelain, designed to replace missing natural teeth.
The term is also used to refer to full or partial dentures in informal contexts. It can sometimes carry connotations of aging or poor dental health.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically refers to removable prosthetic devices. The term 'dentures' is more formal/technical, while 'false teeth' is conversational. It often implies a full set, but can refer to partial dentures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties, but 'false teeth' is slightly more common in UK English. In US English, 'dentures' is slightly more frequent in everyday speech. Spelling of related words: 'plates' (old-fashioned BrE) vs. 'dental plates' (AmE).
Connotations
In both, it can have slightly negative or comedic associations compared to 'dentures'. Connotations of ageing are stronger in British English.
Frequency
High frequency informal term in both varieties. 'Dentures' is more neutral/clinical and preferred in professional contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
{subject} has false teeth{subject} wears false teeth{subject} got fitted for false teethVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Grinding like false teeth in a cup (rare, implying useless activity)”
- “Like grinning with a mouthful of false teeth (describing an unnatural smile)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in the dental supply or care product industry (e.g., 'adhesive for false teeth').
Academic
Rare in formal writing; 'dentures' is the preferred term in dental/medical literature.
Everyday
Common informal term used in conversation among adults, especially older generations.
Technical
Used infrequently in technical dental contexts; 'complete denture' or 'removable partial denture' are the precise terms.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She needs to go to the dentist to be fitted for false teeth.
- He forgot to soak his false teeth overnight.
American English
- She is going to get false teeth next month.
- He accidentally dropped his false teeth in the sink.
adjective
British English
- The false-teeth adhesive was very strong.
- He had a false-teeth cleaning routine.
American English
- The false-teeth case was on the nightstand.
- She needed a false-teeth adjustment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandfather has false teeth.
- She keeps her false teeth in a glass.
- After the accident, he had to get false teeth.
- It's important to clean your false teeth every day.
- Modern false teeth are much more comfortable and realistic than they were in the past.
- He discreetly removed his false teeth before going to bed.
- The comedian's bit about his new false teeth clicking during a job interview had the audience in stitches.
- Advances in dental implants have reduced the reliance on traditional removable false teeth for many patients.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FALSE' means 'not real'. FALSE TEETH are not real TEETH.
Conceptual Metaphor
Teeth as tools for chewing/appearance; False teeth as a replacement tool or a cosmetic mask.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate word-for-word as 'ложные зубы' (incorrect). The correct equivalent is 'зубные протезы' or 'вставные зубы'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fake teeth' (implies costume or deception, not medical device).
- Using singular 'false tooth' for a full set.
- Misspelling as 'falseteeth' (should be two words).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most formal synonym for 'false teeth'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most contexts they refer to the same object. 'Dentures' is the formal/clinical term, while 'false teeth' is the common, informal term.
Typically, no. 'False teeth' implies a set or multiple teeth. A single artificial tooth is usually called a 'false tooth', a 'crown', or an 'implant'.
It is informal but not inherently rude. However, in sensitive situations (e.g., speaking to a patient), the more neutral term 'dentures' is often preferred.
You say 'false teeth' (plural, no article for the general concept) or 'a set of false teeth'. It is not used with a singular indefinite article ('a').