How can I reuse or recycle … old dentures?

DenturesWe’ve had an email from Diana Meyrick-Thomas asking if there are any recycling schemes for false teeth – anyone got any ideas? Are there any groups collecting them for redistribution overseas?

And what about reuses? As a veteran humourologist, I’d be tempted to make them into gag items for around the home (bottle opener? cookie cutter? biting doorbell cover?) but has anyone else got any more sensible suggestions?

(Photo by Fugue)

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307 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle … old dentures?”


  1. Dona says:

    My husband died in January 2013, he had a full set of dentures I will donate. If anyone wants them, please email me at: donaandsteve@sbcglobal.net,
    and put DENTURES in the subject line. Thanks!

    • Anonymous says:

      Sorry about your loss.
      My old dentures don’t fit anymore and what happens is that they make a whole new set or repair if possible.

      • Brenda says:

        My husband just his lower teeth pulled and his denture are bad please email me back

    • Kirsty says:

      Sorry to hear of your loss.
      I lost my Mother last year and have a very large amount of her old dentures.
      Did anyone come up with where they could be reused? It seems an awful waste to just dump them!
      Kind regards
      Kirsty

      • Lisa says:

        Hello Kirsty,

        Sorry to hear of your loss even it was a little bit late for my reply.
        Did you still have your mother’s dentures? We are looking for dentures for teaching purpose. If you do please let us know.

        Thank you so much in advance

      • Susan says:

        Hello Kristy,

        Can you forward your information to me? I have 2 pairs of dentures I would like to donate.

        Thank You,

        Susan

    • Chris says:

      My husband passed away suddenly in August. I am on SSDI due to R/A. I am going to have to try and get a part time job, because of the R/A my jaw has moved around, and I have lost a lot of teeth (mostly the front top). If any one can help it would be a Godsend. Please email me if you can help. christyinwa52@gmail.com

  2. Jennifer says:

    Hi, I would love to make use of unwanted dentures – my email address is j.cardno@hotmail.com – if you want to donate dentures for me to use in my work, please send me an email and I’ll give you my address. I posted on here a few years ago and quite regularly receive dentures that people cannot make use of. Many thanks.

    • Bryn Evans says:

      I have two sets of partial dentures of my late wife’s, and as a believer in recycling would love to pass them on. Please advise address to send to.

      • Anonymous says:

        Pamela Coleman 129 west Garrison Drive. TUPELO,Ms. 38801…I need them badly cos I’m on fixed income and can’t afford any ..I would be so thankful…

    • Anonymous says:

      what do you do with the false teeth? Do you use them in art projects?

    • Sue says:

      Jennifer, What do you do with the dentures?

    • nick says:

      Jennifer, what do you do with the used dentures?

      Please forward the address to mail them to.

      Thank you,
      Nick

    • Lyn says:

      Hi Jennifer, I have several sets of unwanted dentures, happy to post to you, please send address.

    • Deepak Chakravarty says:

      I have a few pairs of dentures that does not fit me any more. So, I
      wish to send them to you.
      Thanks

    • M says:

      March 2015: if you still require unwanted dentures, please send me the postal address.

      Are you actually using them – or accumulating them for future used?
      M

      • Tamara says:

        I am interested in receiving your dentures if you still have them. Could you please send them to Tamara Sue 1745 S. 82nd st, mesa, Az 85209. Thank you

    • David James says:

      My sister has dentures kept when we cleared out after our Mother died. Where would you like them sending?

      Regards

    • Cindy says:

      I have a full set of dentures if you want them?

      • Tamara Nuxoll says:

        I am just a mom of 3 boys, almost grown. Have battled my really bad, almost no teeth left smile. Embarrassed to go out, even tried super gluing fake ones in. I would like to get a job, but too self conscious of how awful I look, so can’t even afford to get even one set. If you still have any at all, I would be so grateful. Almost given up hope. God bless

    • Jacqueline says:

      Hi Jennifer if you are still collecting unwanted dentures. Email me your address and I will send you a set. Thank you it did not seem right somehow to just bin them. regards Jacqueline

    • Kathryn says:

      Hi Jennifer,
      I have a set of dentures of a friend who recently passed away. Her mother and I are looking for a place to donate them to. It’s a shame not more individuals recycle in the US of this type of item.
      Please let me know if you still take donations and where I would be able to mail them to.
      Thank you.

  3. Fiona says:

    Sorry to hear of your loss, My Mum died in January this year also and I was only talking to my Dad this evening saying that I’m sure dentures can be recycled. It’s good to know that such expensive dentures will be able to be reused.
    Thanks
    Fiona

  4. Penny Philpott says:

    I’m doing an artwork incorporating used false teeth. I have been collecting them from my relatives for a few decades and they do create a conundrum, as they’re not the sort of thing you throw away, but by the same token, they are interesting, and very varied. If anyone would like to pass on any used dentures, please send me an email.
    Penny

    • David says:

      Hi Penny,
      I have a small box of “no-longer-needed” false teeth. Probably about 6 or 7 pieces and a set of plaster mouldings of an upper and lower.
      I a tried to donate them to another artist but get no reply.
      If you provide an address I can send them.

    • Carol Roberts says:

      Hi penney i have a family member that has 2 sets of dentures of her husbands that passed away and she is looking to find a place for them instead of throwing away. if interested please let me know and we can send to you. I’m a activity director here at a long term care facility. Thanks carol

  5. sylvia turner says:

    i have some old dentures if they are any use to anyone would love it if they could be recycled thanks sylvia

  6. April says:

    We are in desperate need of a few sets of dentures to teach oral care classes to our caregivers. If anyone has any, please email me.

    Thank you,
    April
    azylstra@ccssite.org

    • Connie says:

      I have 2 pair of dentures in excellent condition. Please send me your physical address if you use them. Thanks, Connie

    • Larry Strunk says:

      I have my moms old dentures. Please send your address.

      • Tamara says:

        I would like the dentures if they are still available. I would forever be grateful. God Bless you. Send them to Tammy Sue, 1745 so 82nd st, mesa Az 85209

      • Anonymous says:

        hi my name is ventress i need a upper denture do u have it i cannot eat my food and iam on a fixed income i am 60 yrs old please if u can spare please contact ventress.taylor@yahoo.com

      • Anonymous says:

        Forward unwanted DENTURES

        4620 s. State hwy 19
        Palestine Tx 75801

        Looking for used DENTURES

        Helping hands (teeth)

      • Kevin Austin says:

        Forward unwanted DENTURES

        Kevin Austin
        4620 s. State hwy 19
        Palestine Tx 75801

        Looking for used DENTURES

        Helping hands (teeth)
        Just a way of helping others

    • mary mason says:

      I have my mom’s dentures that I would like to find a good home for, please send me your address iff you still want them.

      • Aimee Hamrick says:

        Need lower dentures! Did not fit well, so would put on plate after eating. Threw the contents of the plate (including my dentures) in the trash and my husband burned the trash! $1400 wasted. Looking for approx. 2.5″ width (in back), 1.8″ width in front and 2″ long. If they are slightly larger, can trim and put reliner to fit. Thank you!

      • Anonymous says:

        I need dentures cos I can’t afford any I’m on fixed income..my address is 129 west Garrison Drive tupelo,ms.38801…I would be so thankful and may God bless you …that’s if I’m not yo late

      • Anonymous says:

        Pamela Coleman 129 west Garrison Drive. TUPELO,MS 38801..I’m disabled and can’t afford any and would truly be thankful call 662-523-0414.. thank you

      • judy fair says:

        hi
        If you still have your Mom’s dentures, I’d love to have them. My dogs ate both the upper and lower of mine. I’m at 603 Bookout Rd Tularosa, New Mexico 88352. Thanks in advance.

      • Rodney G says:

        My friend lost her mom due to illness a few years ago. Does anybody need a set of dentures? Free of charge, minus a postal fee.

    • lynn says:

      my parents are no longer needing their false teeth

      my moms were never uses

      if anyone can make good use of them….yes i will mail..

    • Donna Shawn says:

      My husband recently passed and I have his dentures, made in 2011 by his Prosthodontist. I would like to donate them and would want a charitable donation receipt for tax purposes.

      Thank you and look forward to hearing from you.

  7. Karen Callahan says:

    I am a nurse and teach certified nursing assistant (CNA) and certified medical assistant (CMA) courses in a unique high school program and to adults at a non-profit tech school.

    Dentures are very hard to find used and reasonably priced as a teaching for students.

    If you have dentures that could be donated for students to learn to care for patients I would appreciate it.

    • Andi says:

      Karen, post your email address or mailing address. I have at least 1 set for you. Your program is exactly where I want them to go!

    • Helen Dean says:

      Hi Karen

      I have a couple of sets of dentures that belonged to my dear mum and I can’t bear to throw them away. Are you still wanting them and if so, could you please give me your address?

      Thanks

      Helen

    • Connie says:

      I have 2 sets of dentures in perfect condition. I can donate them to you, if you send me your address. Thank you
      Connie

    • Sue says:

      Karen,
      Never heard from you. Please send or post info of where you would like them sent.

    • Myra Hawkins-Ambler says:

      Karen, do you want any partial dentures. I have just found 5 lots in a drawer I was emptying. Myra.

    • Sue Darling says:

      I have a bottom part denture + plastic container, good condition – short term use only. Please send address if you’re interested. Hate to throw usable/useful things away!

    • Rosemary Warren says:

      Please let me know if you still need dentures , i have at least two sets of my late parents’ which I would like to donate

      Thanks

      • Emily says:

        I have a nursing assistant school and we could really use dentures! Please send me your email and I will give you my address.
        Thank you
        Emily

    • Deb says:

      Send me an address and I will forward you a pair.
      Pantherwood1@me.com

    • Odilia Kirst says:

      Hello,
      I have my late father’s dentures. Can I have your address so I can send them? I have always wanted them to be used for teaching activities. Many thanks Odilia

    • David Johnstone says:

      Hi Karen,
      I found you and your request for unwanted dentures on a website. If you are still able to use them please email me and let me have your postal address. I have a small box of them and will be pleased to post.
      If you can help with postage I would be grateful.

      Looking fwd to your reply

      • PAULA MAGEE says:

        I HAVE SEVERAL DENTURES ARE YOU STILL COLLECTING THEM
        PLEASE LEAVE ADDRESSIF YOU CAN STILL MAKE USE OF THESE

    • Soula says:

      Hi

      I was just looking for somewhere to donate my late aunty’s dentures and saw your message (dated 2013). Are you still collecting dentures for the courses you run? If so, please can you email me with your details (name, address and mobile etc) so I can get in touch?

      Many thanks.

      • Anonymous says:

        I need dentures cos I can’t afford any I’m on fixed income..my address is 129 west Garrison Drive tupelo,ms.38801…I would be so thankful and may God bless you …that’s if I’m not yo late. Call 6625230414

      • judy fair says:

        hi
        If you still have the dentures you mention I could certainly use them as my dogs ate both my upper and lower ones. I’m Judy Fair at 603 Bookout Rd Tularosa NM 88352

    • Anonymous says:

      Hi, I have several sets of dentures that the dentist made that did not fit. If you want them they are yours. Send me your physical address.

      • Anonymous says:

        Pamela Coleman 129 west Garrison Drive. Tupelo,Ms.38801…6625230414…I’m on fixed income disabled and I would be so thankful if you could help me

      • Tamara says:

        I am very much in need of your dentures could you please send them to Tammy Sue, 1745 s. 82nd st., mesa Az 85209 if they are still available. Oh I hope so. God Bless You!!

      • bobby james says:

        6701 pentecost rd cedar grove nc 27231

      • michelle says:

        I would love to have the dentures if you don’t want them. p.o. box 173 columbia tn 38402 michelle driver

    • Anonymous says:

      are you still wanting dentures??? saw date was a while ago. My husband has two sets he just passed away and hate to throw them out. send me address if so and I will send to you, Lois

    • Hank says:

      I have two pairs I could send to you.

      Where would I send them to?

      Hankmbraun68@gmail.com

    • Judy Simonin says:

      Karen plus give me your mailing address if you still need sets of teeth. Have one set for sure, maybe 2 if I can find them.

    • Donna Shawn says:

      My husband recently passed. I have his set of dentures, made by his Prosthodontist. I would require a charitable contribution receipt for tax purposes, as these were very expensive.

      Would love to donate, please let me know if you can accommodate my request for a charitable contribution receipt.

  8. Sue says:

    Karen, please forward where and any instructions of how you would like them packaged and I will send them to you.

  9. Helen Dean says:

    Sorry Karen, I’m not sure if my last e-mail was sent. It’s just that I have a couple of sets of dentures and would like you to have them – could you let me have your address please?

    Thanks

    Helen

  10. Peter says:

    We also have a couple of pairs of dentures if they are of use to anyone for teaching. If so then please send details and an address to the address below
    Peter
    ewormington@btinternet.com

  11. Treasa Lee says:

    I found a place that takes them, Office of Aging, Gosh’d, P O Box 51650, Knoxville, TN 51650-1650

  12. Chris Cully says:

    Looking for an old set of dentures for a theatre production. Please contact if you have a pair to donate.

  13. Suzy says:

    Can anyone use an old no-longer-used partial? It appears Emily has a use for dentures, but, as I said, I only have an old upper partial to donate.

  14. Amanda says:

    I’ve got a full upper set to donate to someone who can use them. Email me at amandajeanhaas@gmail.com.

  15. Rose says:

    There is a denture recycle place in Japan under :used dentures” and someone else suggested a nursing school or dental school for them to practice on teeth

  16. Debra says:

    I am looking for a full set of dentures. I will settle for a full upper denture if available. Please let me know how you can help. Thanks.

  17. Margaret Northmore says:

    Is there a teaching facility or artist in NZ who could use set of dentures made for a late family mamber and never used? If so, please e-mail me. Mgt N
    (mgtnnz@yahoo.co.nz)

  18. Margaret Northmore says:

    Thank you. I shall post dentures to a NZ address if and when contact is made. Mgt N

  19. terry blevins says:

    looking to donate false teeth for a good cause. Pleasee post an address. Terry

  20. Kathy says:

    I read that there is a place in Japan that accepts donation of dentures, I am trying to find out if this is the correct address before sending, dad recently passed, would never wear his ‘new’ dentures, so we buried him with his comfortable dentures, but still have the ‘new’ set So will continue to see if I can get more info on….

    Japan Dentures Recycling Association, 350-8799 Kawagoe Post Office Stop, Japan.

    http://inventorspot.com/articles/false_teeth_collection_boxes_recover_recycle_charity_12174

    More info..
    Japan’s Denture Recycle Association, launched in Dec 2006, has recycled more than 30,000 dentures and generated over £110,000 for many good causes. The association has set up hundreds of false teeth collection boxes in cities across Japan to raise funds for UNICEF. When dentures are recycled, the precious metals are extracted and sold. An average set of false teeth can produce about 3,000 yen (about £22) in saleable metal, an amount equivalent to the cost of around 10 UNICEF blankets, Project leader for the association, Isao Miyoshi, said that if all the 3.6 million dentures with precious metals discarded each year in Japan were recycled, they would be worth over 30 million yen. He said: “Dental implants are a treasure mountain. They use parts made of gold, silver, palladium and other precious metals.”

  21. Uluska3 says:

    Donate them to a sculptor, he might incorporate them into a sculpture.

  22. Vera says:

    Brake nuts with them. :)

  23. Vera3 says:

    Stick them into pumpkin during Halloween for super effect.

  24. Angela williams says:

    Hi I was just looking for sites for used dentures, I have no upper teeth and find it difficult to eat, I work but still can’t afford to buy dentures I was wondering if you could please let me have a set of upper dentures to enable me to smoke and eat, I’m so desperate, it really would change my life thanks for reading this and hope you can help me

  25. Ber says:

    I have a set of dentures to donate does anyone still need .

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes desperate for some mine dont fit!! 0151 638 8834

      • Aimee Hamrick says:

        If the dentures are loose, dental reline works great! You can get it on e-bay for very low cost. Aimee

    • Tamara says:

      I very much have a need and I would like the dentures if they are still available. I would forever be grateful. God Bless you. Send them to Tammy Sue, 1745 so 82nd st, mesa Az 85209

  26. Ber says:

    I have a set of dentures does anyone still need ?

    • Katie Adkins says:

      I need I’m a young mom of an autistic child that had gum disease if you still have please let me know! I would be forever grateful

    • Tamara says:

      I am a 51 year old woman diagnosed with oral cancer. I have a great need for your dentures could you please send them to Tammy Sue 1745 so 82nd st., mesa, Az 85209 if you still have them. I will forever be grateful. Thank you and God Bless your kindness

  27. Aimee Hamrick says:

    Put this post in May and received a response, sent address in response to rely for dentures. Never heard from individual, sent email, silence! Got my hopes up to find dentures, please do not respond unless you can send me dentures! Thank you! Aimee

    Need lower dentures! Did not fit well, so would put on plate after eating. Threw the contents of the plate (including my dentures) in the trash and my husband burned the trash! $1400 wasted. Looking for approx. 2.5″ width (in back), 1.8″ width in front and 2″ long. If they are slightly larger, can trim and put reliner to fit. Thank you!

  28. Wanda says:

    I am in need of dentures and would be so grateful. My address is: 175 Woods Road 42, Munfordville, Kentucky 42765… Blessings

    • Wanda Magruder says:

      My dad recently passed and he never wore them. Tried them in a couple of times but refused to use them. Said he could eat faster without them. I will send them if you still need them. Isn’t this funny my name is Wanda also.

  29. G Hanks says:

    My mother passed away in March a week after getting an entire upper and lower set of dentures. The family came together to save in order for her to be able to afford these. I’m not sure of the process of how or if dentures can be refitted for another person to use. But I would very much like them to go to someone who can actually use them, or at least a teaching program. Please no scams or people seeking scrap metal. Contact me at ghanks88@gmail.com if you have information as to where these can go.

    • Anonymous says:

      I could use these because I am poor if you still have them my name is Toni Oglesby 816 Third ave Berlin N.H. 03570 would go to good use

  30. Fiona Smith says:

    Hi

    I’ve got an old top partial denture with 8 teeth on it. Is it any use to anyone or will I just have to throw it away? I now have a full top denture!

    Fiona

  31. if anyone has any dentures please mail to deborah marmo 428F Krieger Road, Webster, NY 14580 thanks

  32. bobby james says:

    i am in need of dentures .please send to robert 6701 pentecost rd cedar grove nc 27231 i will pay

  33. karen says:

    I have several pairs of my moms dentures…Who can I donate them to. I know there are several on this blog put want to make sure I have an updated address for whoever wants them. Thanks

    • karen says:

      ok Aimee I will get them ready and send them out on Monday

    • BETTY SERRA says:

      Do you by any chance still have a pair ?

      • Lauri says:

        I have my mother’s upper plate that I would send to who ever needs them. email me at las950310@yahoo.com

      • cheryl says:

        I know this is late in the year, but did you get a set of dentures? I have a set of upper and lower if you still are looking.
        When you email me, please make the comment “teeth from Cheryl” in the subject line, so I can identify…I don’t open unsolicited email.
        If I don’t hear back within the week I will assume you have already received dentures.

  34. Cheryl Cooper says:

    I am in Arizona and have a set of dentures from my husband as he has new ones.

    I know they should be fitted to the wearer but I would donated these t someone who is doing an art or animation project and they could be useful.

    Send me your address and I’ll put them in the mail.

    Cheryl

  35. Aimee Hamrick says:

    If the dentures are available, please send them to: 2308 Sweeney Road, Lompoc, CA 93436. Will send cost of postage. Thank you! Aimee

  36. Maisie says:

    Hi I perform comedy acts for varous Military charities and have a show at Christmas I need a set of false teeth can be upper lower or both.
    Please email me should anyone have some that they would like to recycle.
    Many thanks and thanks for reading best wishes Maisie

  37. Billy says:

    If anyone has dentures to donate I have a few needy individuals who may be able to use them. I would gladly pay postage. Please email me if you can help.

    Thanks,

    wvboibilly@gmail.com

    • Deb says:

      Hi Billy

      My Mom passed away in Oct 2015. She had 3 1/2 sets of false teeth we would like to donate. She was a petite lady, therefore, the dentures would fit more into a smaller mouth. Would you still be interested in these?
      Thanks Deb

      • Anonymous says:

        My name is Toni Oglesby I am ill so I don’t want to spend money on dentures so I would like these please help send them to Toni Oglesby 816 Third ave Berlin N.H. 03570 thank you

    • Becka says:

      I have a set of dentures I will gladly donate if you will list you address, I will put them in the mail.

      • Justin R. Luchini says:

        Hi deb, I was wondering if you still had a set of dentures that you could donate? If so my adress is 12662 Jupiter Rd Dallas tx 75238.

  38. Justin R. Luchini says:

    Hi my name is justin im disabled and on a fixed income so I can’t afford to buy dentures. I would b so so grateful if anyone could donate a set of dentures. As it is right now im pretty much a recluse because of my appearance. A set of dentures would literally change my life! My adress is: 12662 Jupiter Rd Dallas tx 75238. Thank u so much justin luchini

  39. Justin R. Luchini says:

    Well thats just my luck! It looks like there were several people willing to donate dentures to someone who really needs them! I guess i just found this site a little bit too late! If by chance theire is someone out there who can help me PLEASE let me know: jrluchini.1@att.net Thanks!

  40. Linda says:

    My husband passed away 2 years ago. He had cancer and there was a hole in his palate so his dentures were fitted to his palate so are very different but if the teeth themselves can be re-used I would be happy to mail them. These dentures were $6,000 and I would hate to just throw them away!

  41. BETTY SERRA says:

    Have gum disease. Teeth are falling out. Please if you have a set of dentures could I have them ? I work . And this is effecting my speech and position at work. Live on fixed income. Husband had stroke.

  42. Molly Grocke says:

    Hello,

    My mother recently passed away. With her passing, my family and I are left with her set of dentures. From doing some research online, we were disappointed to find there are not many options to reuse or recycle them until discovering this site. There are many posts and replies here, so I’m not sure who might still need a set. If you are in need of a set of dentures, please email me at the address below with your name and address. I’d be more than happy to send them to someone who truly needs them.

    crawfordmary@hotmail.com

  43. Laura says:

    I’m trying to get rid of a pair of upper dentures.
    Worn by my husband.

  44. owen phillips says:

    http://peopleof.oureverydaylife.com/donate-dentures-8064.html
    Address the package to: Japan Dentures Recycling Association, 350-8799 Kawagoe Post Office Stop, Japan.

    • Kathryn says:

      Hi Owen,
      Just an FYI. Japan Dentures Recycling Associated ceased operations in July, 2018.
      Sad because they were doing so much by their service.
      Unfortunately, in the US, this is not possible. Our country is a wasteful one!!! All of JDRA’s monies went to UNICEF.
      What a grand idea!!!!!
      Now trying to find somewhere in the US that will recycle, refit for others, something, so my friend who just passed dentures can be put to good use.
      Thank you!
      Kathryn

  45. john says:

    Hi Laura,
    I need dentures for an art project (scuplture).
    Please get in touch if you’d be wiling to part with them!
    Thanks,
    John.

  46. JB says:

    I have an upper denture from my late mother that were only worn once or twice. Is anyone able to use them for training or other project?

  47. Mary Elliott says:

    I would be interested in old dentures. My daughter is in school learning to make and adjust them. This would help her to learn.

    Thank you

    • Teresa says:

      Mary my grandmother had a pair in her freezer. She has passed away and I hat to throw them out. Does your daughter still need them?

  48. Mary Elliott says:

    JB I am very interested, 555 West Goodale Street, Columbus, OH 43215. This is my work address, because I’m Leary about putting home address for all to see.

    I will gladly reimburse shipping cost.

    Thank you,
    Mary Elliott

  49. Teresa says:

    My grandmother passed away and had a full set in the freezer. I am guessing they were the first set after having her teeth pulled. Does your daughter still need them?

  50. Cindy says:

    I have an old set of dentures that I would like to give to someone. I scrolled through the comments here and see several individuals who requested, but due to how long ago the comments were posted I thought I would ask for confirmation. If you still are interested please comment with your address or email address so I can get in contact with you and arrange to mail to you. Thank you!

    • Cheryl says:

      I really need a pair, I’m getting married and can afford any right now, I’m pretty desperate right now.



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