Many of my patients have told me that they have contemplated getting boil and bite dentures from Shopee or Taobao because they are a fraction of the cost of dentures done at dental clinics. Popular social platforms like TikTok also promote sellers that promise fuss-free and cheap dentures that you can assemble on your own from the comfort of your home.
While I am a huge advocate of saving costs for patients, it can be dangerous to use such products. DIY dental products (besides professional take-home teeth whitening kits) can cause further oral and systemic health issues to you especially when it is a product that you use for extended periods of time.
I always tell my patients that boil and bite dentures is like putting a toilet seat on a sink. It might fit, but it was not designed to work that way.
This article has been written to help raise awareness and caution for patients who are looking for a quick and affordable way out of their tooth replacement solution. If you are also considering store bought dentures because of the cost, perhaps this article can help you reassess and weigh your options.
What Exactly are Boil and Bite Dentures?
Boil and bite dentures are as the name suggests. You boil a piece of material, usually thermoplastic, and mould them to the shape of your gums.
The appeal of boil and bite dentures are usually the low cost and the ease at which you can purchase and re-shape them. Most boil and bite dentures can be placed into hot water to be immediately remolded to your mouth.
How do boil and bite dentures work?
Boil and bite denture kits typically include a thermoplastic denture base and artificial teeth. The process usually involves:
- Boiling the denture base in hot water until it softens
- Biting down to mould the shape of your gums and teeth
- Letting it cool and “set” into place to create a custom-looking denture at home
While they may resemble traditional dentures in appearance, boil and bite dentures are not custom-made, clinically fitted, or designed for long-term use. They are more like temporary cosmetic props than functional dental prosthetics.
Do immediate heat and fit dentures really work?
The short answer is that although they might work temporarily for cosmetic purposes, they are not designed to replace proper dentures, especially if you are looking to chew, speak or wear them comfortably long-term.
I have seen patients with boil and bite dentures that have completely adhered to their gums and are unable to remove them. Some of these off-the-shelf denture products have a strong suction effect that can be mistaken as a good product because of their high retention. High retention that prevents removal does not mean good dentures. In fact, it is the very opposite!
Dentures are meant to be removed every day before you head to bed and after eating for cleaning. Highly retentive dentures that hurt whenever it is being removed prevents safe daily removal for cleaning and disinfection.
Patients who do not remove their dentures at all trap bacteria between their gums and the dentures. These can cause oral health issues like gum disease or even ulceration of the gums.
There are limitations to what immediate heat and fit dentures can actually do:
- Cover gaps visually (especially for front teeth in photos or casual situations)
- Give you a temporary confidence boost if you are missing teeth and just need something quick for a few hours
- Act as a low-cost aesthetic solution if you’re attending an event or filming a video
What they cannot do:
- Chew or bite without pain or movement as they are too soft and unstable
- Stay in place securely while talking or eating
- Fit accurately to your gums
- Support your gums and bone health
- Last long as the material is not built for long-term versatility.
If you are looking for interim dentures while waiting for a more fixed solution like overdentures or All-on-4 bridges, you can ask your dentist for an immediate denture instead.
Why You Should Not Get Boil and Bite Dentures
You should not get boil and bite dentures because these dentures are not made with medical grade materials or aligned with your bite. While you might be spending a fraction of the cost of dental clinic made dentures, using boil and bite dentures for long-term can be detrimental to your gum and overall dental health.
The materials can contain toxic substances that are not suitable for long-term usage in the mouth
Boil and bite dentures are often made from low-cost thermoplastics that may not meet medical-grade safety standards. Unlike dentures made in dental laboratories which use biocompatible acrylics or resins specifically tested for long-term contact with the human body, store-bought DIY kits often skip important safety checks.
Some of these materials may leach harmful chemicals when exposed to saliva, heat, or friction. They may also contain plasticizers, phthalates, or industrial-grade compounds not intended for intraoral use. These materials can cause oral allergies, burning sensations, or chronic irritation of the gums and soft tissues. They can also break down or degrade faster, especially when cleaned improperly or worn overnight
Because these kits are not regulated or manufactured under medical guidelines, there is no guarantee that the materials are safe for prolonged daily use. You are essentially putting a foreign object in your mouth with unknown chemical composition, for hours each day, and sometimes overnight.
Over time, chronic exposure to these materials may not just harm your oral tissues — it can potentially contribute to systemic issues, especially if ulcers, bleeding, or bacterial infections develop around the poorly fitting prosthesis.
They do not fit properly
These dentures rely on you biting into soft plastic to shape them. But without professional impressions, the result is often loose, uneven, or unstable. That means you might experience your dentures slipping or falling out while you talk, pain or pressure when chewing and ulcers and gum irritation from rubbing.
They can damage your gums and jaw
Poorly fitting dentures can bruise soft tissue, accelerate bone loss, and even cause infections. Many users report inflammation, bleeding gums, and discomfort after just a few uses. If you are creating a partial denture, your dentures might not be aligned with your bite which can cause TMJ.
What seems like a quick and cheap fix can lead to gum disease, further tooth loss, the need for more corrective dental work and delay proper treatment.
They affect speech and chewing
Because they are not aligned to your bite or jaw, you might find that your speech is slurred or that you have a lisp. You might also feel uncomfortable when eating or chewing foods.
They can harbour bacteria
The materials used are often porous and not medical-grade, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. If not cleaned thoroughly or if worn overnight, can lead to oral infections or fungal growth.
Dental Clinic Dentures vs Boil and Bite (Store Bought) Dentures
Not all dentures are created equally!
I have created a simple comparison chart of dentures that are made at a dental clinic versus one that is bought in a store:
| Dental Clinic Made Dentures | Boil and Bite (Store Bought) or DIY Dentures | |
| Fit | Custom-made to the shape of your gums and ridges for maximum fit using professionally taken dental impressions using either physical impressions or 3D scans. | Self-moulded at home using hot water and bite pressure. Might have excess material that can cause discomfort. |
| Comfort | Designed to match your jaw shape, bite and gum anatomy. | Often bulky and loose with uneven edges that can rub against your gums. |
| Materials Used | Medical-grade acrylic or flexible resin. | Low-grade thermoplastics that are often not medically certified. |
| Longevity | Usually up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. | Short-term use which causes rapid degradation when worn daily. |
| Function | Allows for proper chewing, speaking and daily wear. | Limited function. Mostly used for aesthetic purposes. May fall or slip out while talking or eating. |
| Safety | Fabricated and fitted under professional supervision. | No clinical oversight with increased risk of infection or injury. |
| Hygiene | Easy to clean or maintain with proper design. | Porous material can trip bacteria and develop an odour. |
| Cost | Generally higher cost but safe and durable. Intended for long-term use. | Often cheaper than dental clinic dentures but can lead to costly long-term oral health damages later on. |
| Appearance | Natural looking teeth that have been colour-matched to your smile. | Might look artificial or plastic up close. |
| Subsidy Eligibility (For Singaporeans) | CHAS eligible at approved clinics. | Not eligible for any form of healthcare subsidy in Singapore |
How to get affordable and cheaper dentures in Singapore (without compromising on safety)?
Dentures do not have to break the bank.
Here are some ways you find safe yet budget-friendly denture options without having to resort to “cheap dentures” on Shopee or Taobao.
Use CHAS, Merdeka (MG) or Pioneer (PG) subsidies (if you are eligible)
Singaporeans holding Orange/Blue CHAS cards or Merdeka (MG) and Pioneer Generation (PG) cards are eligible for dental subsidies at CHAS-accredited dental clinics. These CHAS subsidies cover a portion of your denture costs.
It is possible to use your subsidies on partial, full dentures and denture repairs.
Opt for acrylic dentures first
If you are on a tight budget, acrylic partial or full dentures are the most affordable option.
- Acrylic partial denture: From $300
- Full acrylic denture: $720 per arch
While they are not as aesthetic or durable as flexible or cobalt chrome options, they still restore function and appearance affordably.
Choose a CHAS-Accredited private clinic (Like toofus™ Dental)
You do not have to go to a polyclinic or public hospital for subsidised dentures. Some private clinics like toofus™ Dental are CHAS-accredited and offer flexible appointment slots, faster turnaround times, and friendly pricing.
At toofus™ Dental, we offer budget-friendly dentures with fast turnaround rates. Our partial dentures are back in 5 to 7 days while our full dentures can be completed in 14 days.
Repair, rebase or reline your existing dentures (if suitable)
If your current dentures are loose but in decent condition, you may not need a full replacement. You can ask for:
- Relining: Reshaping the underside of your dentures to fit your gums better.
- Rebasing: Replacing the base while keeping the existing teeth.
A Quick Fix Should Not Risk Your Smile
Boil and bite dentures may seem like an easy, low-cost solution but what they save in dollars, they often cost in comfort, safety, and long-term oral health.
I understand the financial pressures many patients face when replacing missing teeth. When it comes to something you wear every day in your mouth, a poorly made DIY solution can do more harm than good.
You deserve dentures that are safe, comfortable, and custom-made for your mouth, not a product designed for convenience over care.
At toofus™ Dental, we believe affordability should never come at the expense of your health. Whether you are exploring CHAS-subsidised dentures, low-cost acrylic options, or interim dentures while planning for implants, we can help you find the right solution that fits your budget and long-term well-being.
