Translation guide
A false tooth is an artificial replacement for a missing tooth. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 入れ歯 (ireba), which refers to dentures or false teeth. For a single false tooth, 差し歯 (sashiba) is used when it is a crown or post-attached tooth. Other terms exist for specific types or contexts.
The most common way to refer to false teeth, including full or partial dentures.
The standard word for dentures or false teeth. Can refer to a full set or partial dentures. Used in everyday conversation.
祖父は入れ歯を使っています。
My grandfather uses false teeth.
入れ歯が合わなくて痛い。
My dentures don't fit and hurt.
A more formal or technical term for false teeth, often used in medical contexts.
義歯の調整が必要です。
Adjustment of the false teeth is necessary.
Specifically a single artificial tooth attached to a remaining root or implant.
Refers to a single false tooth that is attached to a post or remaining tooth root, similar to a crown or post crown. Common in dental contexts.
前歯が折れたので差し歯にしました。
I broke my front tooth, so I got a false tooth (crown).
A removable partial denture that replaces one or more missing teeth.
Literally 'partial denture'. Used when only some teeth are replaced with a removable appliance.
奥歯がないので部分入れ歯を作りました。
I had a partial denture made because I'm missing a back tooth.
A permanent false tooth anchored into the jawbone.
Loanword from English 'implant'. Refers specifically to a dental implant, a titanium post with a crown on top.
インプラント治療は高額です。
Implant treatment is expensive.
A false tooth anchored to adjacent teeth.
Loanword from English 'bridge'. Refers to a fixed dental bridge.
隣の歯を削ってブリッジを入れました。
I had a bridge put in by shaving down the adjacent teeth.
入れ歯 (ireba) is a general term for dentures, which can be full or partial, and are typically removable. 差し歯 (sashiba) is a single false tooth that is cemented or attached to a post, and is not removable by the patient. If you are talking about one false tooth that is fixed, use 差し歯. If you mean a removable plate with one or more teeth, use 入れ歯 or 部分入れ歯.
The direct translation '偽の歯' (nise no ha) means 'fake tooth' but sounds unnatural and is not used in standard Japanese for dental prosthetics. Stick to the terms above.