The prospect of ordering partial dentures can be daunting, particularly for those with only one or a few missing teeth that aren’t immediately noticeable. You might be asking “do I really need to fix this?” A missing tooth can make it more difficult to chew food and can be aesthetically undesirable, but if it isn’t noticeable, you might be putting off a solution for missing teeth. A flipper tooth can serve as a highly desirable alternative to more extensive partial dentures in these cases.
When should I choose a flipper tooth over other types of dentures, what are the benefits to choosing a flipper tooth, and how do I take care of it? In this blog, we explore everything that goes into this specific type of partial denture alternative.
Distinguishing Types of Dentures
Traditional Complete Full Dentures
Traditional dentures replace all of the teeth in a person’s mouth – it mirrors the appearance of a complete set of teeth. While these can be an excellent option for edentulous populations – people with no teeth remaining in their mouth – it generally requires all of the remaining teeth to be pulled before it can be set in a mouth.
For people with some or many of their teeth remaining, this is no longer necessary. Customized solutions, like partial dentures, keep all of the remaining teeth in place and simply fill in the gaps in a person’s mouth.
Our conception of dentures in popular culture is largely out of date, and isn’t something to be ashamed of. Hundreds of millions of Americans alone are missing at least one tooth. These same groups can keep their teeth while filling gaps where other teeth are missing.
Partial Dentures & Flipper Teeth
As opposed to removing all of a person’s teeth out of their mouth, partial dentures replace any teeth remaining in their mouth.
Several varieties of partial dentures are available, depending on your preferences. Perhaps the best-known example are flexible partial dentures. This type resembles something a bit like a retainer, and comes in metal and metal-free variations. Flexible partial dentures are best for those missing several teeth that need to be filled in.
Flipper teeth, also called Nesbit partial dentures, are a great option when you only have one or two teeth to replace. What makes them so desirable?
What is a Flipper Tooth?
Flipper teeth are a form of removable partial dentures that sits in the gap of a single missing tooth. While it is a partial denture, most partial dentures on the market are meant to replace several missing teeth inside of a mouth. A flipper tooth is smaller, less expensive, and less cumbersome than more extensive partial dentures.
Also called acrylic removable partial dentures, flipper teeth often do not contain metal, connecting to surrounding teeth by a mold that matches the surrounding gum tissue. This can allow for significantly thinner amounts of acrylic used in the construction, which adds increased comfort. However, because less material is used, it can also be more fragile.
Pros
- Cost – A flipper tooth is one of the least expensive options available for a missing tooth. The cost can be further mitigated when you buy Nesbit partial dentures online, skipping out on dentist fees and getting a custom fit delivered right to your door. A dental flipper costs a fraction of the price of getting a dental implant, and requires no surgery.
- Comfort – Because flipper teeth use only a small amount of material, they are the least noticeable type of denture for everyday wear. They are built to fit snugly against your other teeth, allowing you to chew food while wearing them.
- Stabilizes Existing Teeth – When a tooth is missing in your mouth, your remaining teeth will gradually shift to fill the void in your mouth, leading to an uneven smile and even jaw pain. A flipper tooth slows the speed of this process.
- Convenient – Wearing a flipper tooth is as easy as popping it into place and removing it at night. Its size and comfort make it an extremely versatile option for missing teeth.
Cons
- Adjustment – While flipper teeth are some of the most comfortable options available, it takes a bit of time to get used to wearing. However, it should not be painful. If the flipper tooth grows loose over time, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.
- Durability – While the size of flipper teeth makes them extremely convenient, they are also less durable than other options due to the thin layers of acrylic they are composed of. Flipper teeth will need to be replaced if broken.
- Cleaning and Maintenance – Like any kind of denture or mouth guard, a flipper tooth needs to be cleaned and maintained every night. Failing to do so can cause gum disease and tooth decay, which when left untreated can lead to more serious conditions.
Taking Care of a Flipper Tooth
Cleaning and maintaining your flipper teeth should be done alongside normal dental cleaning and care. At night, remove the flipper tooth from your mouth. Run the flipper tooth under warm water that isn’t too hot, and use mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid to remove any debris from the tooth with a toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste, as it contains abrasives that can damage your partial dentures. Avoid using soaps that contain beads or any additional additives.
After cleaning your tooth, keep it moist at night by using a denture cleaning soak that you can buy over the counter.
Wine, coffee, and similar liquids can stain your flipper tooth – you may want to avoid these while wearing your partial dentures. Avoid keeping your flipper tooth in hot environments, as these can warp your tooth and expedite your need for a replacement.
With proper maintenance, your flipper tooth can last years with an excellent fit. This requires a regular schedule of care and maintenance.
Purchasing a Flipper Tooth
If you’re interested in getting a flipper tooth, you can either visit a dentist or order it online. Visiting a dentist can ensure you’re getting the right fit, but tends to be more expensive thanks to premiums that these practices must charge.
Thankfully, ordering a flipper tooth online is easier than ever thanks to Dental Lab Direct. Simply visit our store and find the product that works best for you. You will receive a dental impression kit in the mail that takes only minutes to complete. After following the instructions, mail the kit back, and within only a few weeks a flipper tooth will arrive at your door, fully suited to your needs.
Not sure where to start? Contact us today to learn more about our services.