Try not to toss old dentures in the regular trash. The better options are to recycle them through a dental lab or a denture recycling program, hand them to your dentist so the materials can help others, or keep a usable pair as an emergency backup. The metal and acrylic inside can be put to good use.
One thing to clear up first: another person cannot simply wear your old dentures, since each set is molded to one mouth. So the value is in the materials, not the teeth themselves. Here is how to handle them the right way.
Can You Recycle Old Dentures?
Yes, and this is usually the best choice. Dentures are made of acrylic and often metal clasps, and those metals can be recovered and reused.
- Ask your dentist or a dental lab. Many take back old dentures and send them on for proper recycling.
- Use a denture or dental scrap recycler. Some programs collect old dentures, recover the metals, and donate the proceeds to charity.
- Look for charity drop-offs. Certain dental charities gather old dentures so the recovered value funds dental care for people who cannot afford it.
This is similar to how you would responsibly handle other personal care items, like an old electric toothbrush or old eyeglasses.
Are Old Dentures Worth Any Money?
Sometimes, but only for the metal. Partial dentures often have clasps made with gold, silver, or palladium. A dental scrap buyer may pay for those metals. The pink acrylic and the false teeth have little resale value on their own. If you think your partials have gold clasps, it is worth getting them weighed and tested before you recycle or toss them.
Should You Keep a Spare Pair?
If your old dentures still fit well enough, keep them. A backup pair is a lifesaver if your current set cracks, gets lost, or is away for a repair or reline. Store them clean and dry in a labeled case so you can find them fast. Do not soak a stored pair for months, since standing water can warp them.
Throwing Dentures Away
If recycling is not an option and the dentures are damaged, you can put them in the household trash as a last resort. Seal them in a small bag first for hygiene. Try the recycling and dentist routes before this step, since the materials really can be reused.
Creative Reuse
A broken pair that cannot be recycled can still have a second life as a craft or a Halloween prop. Painted up, old dentures make a creepy, memorable piece for a spooky display. See our old Halloween decorations guide for more ideas. While you are sorting the bathroom drawer, our bathroom decluttering guide can help with the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can old dentures be recycled?
Yes. Your dentist or a dental lab can often take them, or you can use a denture recycling program that recovers the metals and acrylic.
Can you donate used dentures?
You cannot give a fitted pair to another person to wear, but you can donate them to charity programs that recover the metals to fund dental care for people in need.
Are old dentures worth money?
Only the metal parts. Gold, silver, or palladium clasps on partial dentures may be worth something to a dental scrap buyer. The acrylic and teeth are not.
Can I throw dentures in the trash?
You can as a last resort. Seal them in a bag first. Recycling through a dentist or dental program is the better choice when possible.
Should I keep my old dentures?
Keep a pair that still fits as an emergency backup. Store them clean and dry in a labeled case so they are ready if your current set breaks.