By Gerald McConway
Also called removable, acrylic partial dentures, flipper dentures are temporary appliances for filling in gaps in a patient's smile. Consisting of a retainer holding any number of prosthetic teeth, flipper dentures are typically used for replacing front teeth. So, for those who have gaps in their smile and want that fixed as soon as possible, check with your dental professional to see if flipper dentures are the right option for you and your oral health.
Getting Dentures
Whether it's due to tooth decay or injury, losing front teeth can leave patients feeling self-conscious, even to the point of hiding their mouth at any given moment, but this style of dentures can fill those gaps immediately. To create these dentures, a dentist must first make an impression of the patient's mouth, which a dental lab will use to make the actual final product.
Regarding cost, this can vary due to certain factors, such as how many teeth are being replaced, a patient's location, and the materials a dentist uses, costing anywhere from $300 and $500. A patient's dentist can let them know beforehand how much they should anticipate paying, but this choice is often the least expensive type of temporary dentures available.
What Patients Should Expect
When patients first get their flipper denture, it might feel awkward or bulky inside the mouth, but most get used to the new appliance in time. At the same time, patients should keep their dentist informed if there is any pressure or pain caused by their dentures. Both pressure and pain aren't things to get used to-it's a sign the dentures don't fit properly and need adjusting.
Also, because flipper dentures are retainers, one can be flipped out of place by the tongue, so patients should avoid using their tongue to keep their dentures in place. They're also susceptible to staining, so it's best to avoid pigmented drinks and foods, such as curries, dark juice, and coffee, to keep the appliance looking good.
For maintenance, they must be cleaned each day to remove food debris and plaque, using a soft-bristle toothbrush but no toothpaste, which may be too rough on dentures. Instead, use mild soap or a dishwashing liquid before thoroughly rinsing the dentures and putting them back in the mouth.
Moving Forward
Oftentimes, these dentures are meant to be temporary, so that, once a wound has fully healed, a more permanent solution, such as a fixed bridge or dental implants, can be used.
As well, give they can be loose fitting and uncomfortable, they aren't a great long-term solution for most patients. At the same time, they offer a viable, permanent teeth replacement solution for some cases, such as when patients aren't good candidates for fixed bridges or dental implants or if patients have budget limitations.
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