Losing a tooth is never fun. Beyond the obvious impact on your smile, missing teeth can make it harder to speak clearly and even chew your food properly. Fortunately, there are several ways to address missing teeth, one of which is a dental flipper.
A dental flipper is a type of removable partial denture that fills in the gaps left by missing teeth. Think of it as a short-term placeholder while you’re figuring out a more permanent solution.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of dental flippers. We’ll explore their benefits and drawbacks, how much they typically cost, how to care for them, and what other options are available to restore your smile.
What is a dental flipper, anyway?
A dental flipper, also known as a tooth flipper or flipper denture, is a temporary, removable partial denture, usually made of an acrylic base with resin or porcelain artificial teeth attached.
Dental flippers are most often used to replace missing front teeth while you’re waiting for a more permanent solution, such as dental implants or a bridge. They can also act as a space maintainer, holding the place of the missing tooth and keeping your remaining teeth from shifting.
The base of a dental flipper is usually made of acrylic, while the artificial tooth or teeth are made of resin or porcelain.
Dental flippers are held in place with clasps or wires that attach to the adjacent teeth. Flippers can also be held in place with simple adhesion and the shape of the gums.
What does a dental flipper look like?
A dental flipper consists of a gum-colored acrylic base attached to one or more artificial teeth. Think of it as a retainer with a tooth (or teeth!) stuck on it.
Compared to dentures or partial dentures, flippers are usually much smaller and less complicated. They’re designed to be lightweight and relatively comfortable for short-term use while you’re waiting for a more permanent tooth replacement.
What are the benefits of a dental flipper?
Dental flippers offer several advantages, especially as a temporary solution:
- Aesthetic improvement: A flipper fills the gap left by a missing tooth, improving your smile and confidence right away.
- Functional support: It helps with chewing and speaking, particularly if you’re missing front teeth. It also keeps your tongue from pushing into the empty space.
- Affordability: Flippers are generally cheaper than other tooth replacement options, like implants or bridges.
- Quick and easy to get: They can be made and fitted pretty quickly, usually in a few days. Plus, you won’t need as many dental appointments compared to more involved procedures.
While flippers are a great short-term fix, it’s worth considering more permanent solutions with your dentist.
What are the drawbacks of a dental flipper?
While dental flippers are an affordable and quick way to replace a missing tooth, they do have some limitations:
- They aren’t durable. Flippers are fragile and break easily. They aren’t meant to be a long-term solution.
- They can be uncomfortable. Some people find them bulky, especially at first. Flippers can also slip or move around in your mouth.
- They can affect your speech. You might develop a lisp or have other speech problems when you first start wearing a flipper.
- They require maintenance. You have to clean your flipper every day and store it properly. You also need to take it out regularly to prevent bacteria from building up.
- They can limit what you eat. It might be hard to eat certain foods, especially hard or sticky things.
- They might not look perfect. The color and shape of the flipper tooth might not be an exact match for your other teeth.
How much does a dental flipper cost?
The cost of a dental flipper depends on where you live, your dentist’s fees, and the materials used to make the appliance. You can generally expect to pay several hundred dollars per tooth, or between $300 and $1,000 for a single flipper.
Flippers made from acrylic tend to be less expensive than those with resin or porcelain teeth. The complexity of your case, such as the number of teeth being replaced, can also affect the price.
Compared to dental implants or bridges, a flipper is almost always the most affordable option. It can serve as a cost-effective temporary solution while you save up for a more permanent tooth replacement.
Are you a good candidate for a dental flipper?
Flippers are a good option for people who:
- need a temporary tooth while they wait for a more permanent solution.
- are recovering from a tooth extraction.
- need an immediate, affordable solution.
A flipper might not be right for you if:
- you want a long-term tooth replacement.
- you have poor oral hygiene or gum disease.
How to care for a dental flipper
Dental flippers are delicate, so it’s important to take good care of them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Clean it every day. Take the flipper out of your mouth and use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean it. Rinse it well with lukewarm water.
- Soak it. When you’re not wearing the flipper, keep it in a denture cleaning solution or a mix of mild soap and water. This will keep it from drying out and getting brittle.
- Handle with care. Be careful not to drop the flipper or handle it roughly. Don’t put it in hot water, which can change its shape.
- Watch what you eat. While you’re wearing the flipper, avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that could damage it.
- Store it properly. When you’re not wearing the flipper, keep it in a denture case filled with water or cleaning solution.
- See your dentist. Get regular checkups to make sure the flipper fits well and that your mouth is healthy.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking can stain the flipper and cause other problems in your mouth.
Flipper tooth alternatives
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution than a dental flipper, here are some other options:
Dental implants
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. After the artificial root is placed, a crown is attached.
Dental implants offer superior chewing strength and can help preserve bone in the jaw. With good care, they can last for 10 years or even a lifetime.
The biggest drawbacks are the price and the fact that you’ll need to have a surgical procedure with several months of healing time.
Dental bridges
Dental bridges are fixed restorations that replace missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to the teeth next to the gap. The adjacent teeth usually need to be altered to support the bridge.
Bridges are more durable and stable than flippers and tend to look more natural. They can last for 10 to 15 years.
However, bridges require altering the adjacent teeth, which some people would prefer to avoid.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are removable appliances that can replace several missing teeth. They can be made of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal.
The advantage of partial dentures is that they’re more affordable than implants or bridges, and they can replace multiple missing teeth.
On the downside, they’re less stable than fixed options and may need adjustments over time.
Other alternatives
There are also a few other alternatives to flippers and the options mentioned above:
- Maryland bridges. A resin-bonded bridge that attaches to the back of adjacent teeth with minimal preparation.
- Removable flexible partial dentures. Made of a flexible material for increased comfort.
- Immediate dentures. Placed immediately after tooth extraction.
- Resin-bonded bridges.
Wrapping Up
Dental flippers offer a quick, convenient, and budget-friendly way to replace missing teeth. They’re a temporary fix that can help you feel more confident while you consider your options.
Keep in mind that flippers aren’t a long-term solution. They aren’t as durable or stable as other types of tooth replacements.
The best way to decide how to deal with a missing tooth is to talk with your dentist. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of different tooth replacement options and find the solution that’s right for your individual needs and circumstances.