Flipper Tooth: What You Need to Know
A flipper tooth, also known as acrylic removable partial denture is an attractive prosthetic tooth option. It rests on your lower jaw or fits along your mouth palate, and usually has one or more prosthetic teeth connected to it.
Flipper Tooth Benefits
It’s one of the best removable temporary tooth replacement options and is also very successful. The following are some of the many advantages of getting a flipper tooth.
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Affordable – The primary benefit of using dental flippers is that they are cheaper when compared to other denture alternatives. The cost of a single flipper is only about 25% of the cost of a dental implant.
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Easy to manufacture – Flippers can be created quickly by your dentist. Their manufacturing process is less time consuming, and in most cases, you can get them the same day or the next day.
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Natural appearance – A flipper tooth appears relatively natural. It beautifully covers the gaps created by the loss of your natural teeth and gives you a full smile.
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Stabilizes your existing teeth – A temporary flipper tooth will help your existing tooth from shifting towards the gap formed by the missing teeth till you get your permanent replacement.
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Convenient – Besides, a flipper tooth is super easy to wear and convenient to remove and replace.
Flipper Tooth Cost
A flipper tooth is one of the least expensive prosthetic tooth choices. However, the prices can vary, depending on how many teeth you will be replacing using the flipper and the materials used to manufacture it. In general, a flipper tooth will cost around $300 and $500. However, you may also need to pay additional charges for its periodic adjustment and repairs.
Can I eat with a flipper tooth?
Yes. Having a flipper tooth makes eating much more comfortable as you can easily chew the food. Ask your dental professional if a flipper is a right solution for you.
How do you take care of a flipper tooth?
Taking care of your flipper tooth is simple. Make sure to follow a regular maintenance schedule.
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Remove the flipper tooth before going to bed every night.
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Clean it thoroughly with a denture brush after every meal. Proper cleaning of your flipper will prevent infection-causing bacteria and bits of food from sticking to it. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, mild soap, and warm water.
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Store your flipper in a glass of water when not in use to prevent them from drying out.
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Avoid shifting your flipper tooth in your mouth with your tongue. Doing so will loosen it.
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It is also preferred to keep your flipper tooth immersed in a denture cleaner overnight 2-3 times a week.
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Avoid dark-colored foods and beverages that can stain your flippers, such as cranberry juice, coffee, and beets.
Alternatives to getting a flipper tooth
Flipper tooth isn’t your only option in case you are missing one or more teeth. Some other options include:
Permanent fixes
Permanent prosthetic fixes to flipper tooth last longer and are expensive as compared to flipper tooth:
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Dental Bridges: Like flippers, dental bridges also improve the tooth’s appearance, shape, alignment, and the ability to bite. Instead of being a part of a denture, these are prosthetic teeth attached directly to your existing teeth or an implant with cement, crowns, and bonds.
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Dental implant: It is a post, similar to a tooth root, which is surgically attached directly to the jawbone to hold a prosthetic tooth. Implants don’t need to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges. Unlike a denture, an implant doesn’t have the tendency to loosen over time. They mimic the look and feel and functionalities of natural human teeth.
Temporary fixes
There are temporary prosthetic tooth fixes that last longer than a flipper tooth and are more economical as compared to permanent fixes. They are more expensive than a flipper tooth. Such alternatives include:
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Fixed partial denture: These are partial dentures attached to your adjoining teeth. These can only be used if you have healthy teeth, roots, or implants to attach the prostheses to.
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Snap-on-smile: This is a customized partial denture that fits over the existing teeth up to the gums without covering the palate. It is non-invasive, cosmetic, removable, and generally painless.
See Also: Partial Dentures/Flippers Vs. Dental Implants: Which One Is Right for You?
FAQs
How long can you wear a dental flipper?
Dental flippers are supposed to be worn temporarily as you wait for your gums to heal before getting an actual implant. Some patients may prefer to wear dental flippers permanently because of the lower cost or because they’re lightweight and easier to adjust with.
Dental flippers may be a long term solution for children under the age of 17 who are missing teeth till they’re old enough to get implants. Since flippers can be broken or damaged easily, they need regular care to keep them clean and remove any plaque and food particles. This will also protect your other teeth and gums.
Can you sleep with a flipper in your mouth?
Wearing flippers day and night can put constant pressure on the tissues below your flipper. This can contribute to bone deterioration and cause receding gums. Wearing dental flippers all day may also cause a painless fungal infection in the gums. Removing dental flippers for a few hours allows your gums time to breathe, so we recommend taking it out for around 8 hours, which you can do while you sleep.
If you need help determining whether a dental flipper is suited for you, visit the European Denture Center today. Our dentists and denturist will help you choose the best treatment for your situation. We have four convenient locations to serve you in Boise, Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho, Ontario, Oregon, and Everett, Washington.
