What Are Fake Teeth Called? Types of Fake Teeth Explained

Fake teeth are properly called dental prostheses — dentures, bridges, implants, crowns, and veneers — each replacing or covering teeth differently.

“Fake teeth” is vague: the answer depends on what’s missing — an entire arch, one gap, or a tooth surface. The clinical umbrella is dental prostheses (also prosthetic teeth or tooth replacements), and the name changes with whether the replacement comes out at night and whether it’s anchored to bone. Below, each type gets its real name, how it attaches, and US price estimates.

Dentures: Removable Full Or Partial Replacement

Dentures are removable prostheses replacing several or all missing teeth — what most people mean by “fake teeth.” Complete dentures replace every tooth in an arch and rest on the gums; partials fill selected gaps and often clip onto remaining teeth or implants. Bases are resin or metal; teeth are porcelain or polymer. The American Dental Association notes dentures can loosen as jawbone and gum contours change, so adjustments and relines are routine. Clean daily; most dentists want them out overnight.

Bridges, Implants, Crowns, And Veneers

A dental bridge is a fixed partial denture cemented in place. Conventional bridges crown the teeth on either side of the gap; the suspended artificial tooth is the pontic. A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone as an artificial root — not the visible tooth. It supports a crown, bridge, or denture; treatment involves surgery, a healing period while bone integrates, then an abutment and final restoration. Crowns are caps covering a damaged natural tooth or sitting on an implant; a crown alone isn’t a whole-tooth replacement unless an implant holds it. Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells bonded to the front of existing teeth — they change appearance and replace nothing.

What Do Fake Teeth Cost In The US?

No national price exists. Fees swing with location, materials, lab charges, tooth count, bone condition, insurance, and whether a prosthodontist or general dentist does the work. Figures below are estimates, not official prices, and typically exclude exams, imaging, extractions, bone grafting, temporary restorations, abutments, relines, and follow-ups. The Merck Manual’s overview of dental appliances covers how these devices are classified and fitted before comparing quotes.

• Full dentures: roughly $1,000 to $3,000.
• Bridges or crowns: roughly $500 to $1,500 each.
• Single implant plus crown: roughly $3,000 to $6,000.
• Full-arch implant denture: roughly $15,000 to $30,000 per arch.

For options that look natural and hold up day to day, the best fake teeth that look real for adults roundup breaks down what those products deliver.

Mistakes And Safety

Three mix-ups happen constantly: calling every replacement “dentures” (a crown, bridge, implant, and veneer are four different treatments at four price points); calling the implant post the fake tooth (the crown or denture is what people see); and assuming veneers replace missing teeth (they cover existing ones; a gap needs something else). Never use household adhesives on a denture, and never modify a denture, bridge, crown, or implant part yourself — you can damage the restoration or tissue under it. Choice comes down to oral health, bone volume, gum condition, missing-tooth count, cost, and preference; a dentist must walk you through trade-offs. Bridges require irreversible preparation of supporting teeth; implants require surgery and adequate bone; dentures need daily cleaning and scheduled visits even after natural teeth are gone.