Everything You Need to Know About a Flipper Tooth

If you only have one or two missing teeth that aren’t immediately noticeable. You might be asking, “Do I really need to fix this?”

The answer is yes.

A missing tooth is not only aesthetically undesirable but it can make it more difficult to chew food.

A flipper tooth can serve as a great alternative to more extensive partial dentures when your missing tooth isn’t noticeable.

What is a Flipper Tooth?

A flipper tooth is a form of removable partial dentures that sit in the gap of a single missing tooth. While it’s classified as a partial denture, most partial dentures on the market are meant to replace more than one tooth. A flipper tooth is smaller, less expensive and less cumbersome than more extensive partial dentures.

They 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 comfort. However, because less material is used, it can also be more fragile.

Pros

Cost – one of the least expensive options available for a missing tooth
Comfort – the least noticeable type of partial denture for everyday wear
Stabilizes Existing Teeth – keeps teeth from shifting around into the space of the missing tooth
Convenient – wearing a flipper tooth is as easy as popping it into place and removing it at night.

Cons

Adjustment period – it takes a bit of time to get used to wearing them
Durability – they are also less durable than other options
Cleaning and Maintenance – like any kind of denture or mouth guard, a flipper tooth needs to be cleaned and maintained every night

Taking Care of a Flipper Tooth

Cleaning and maintaining your flipper teeth should be done alongside normal dental cleaning and care. Each night, you should:

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 with a toothbrush to remove any debris from the tooth.
Do not use toothpaste, as it contains abrasives that can damage your partial dentures.

After cleaning your tooth, keep it moist at night by using a denture cleaning soak.

Wine, coffee, and similar liquids can stain your flipper tooth – you may want to avoid these while wearing your partial dentures.

It’s also important to 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.

The Cost of a Flipper Tooth

The cost of a flipper tooth can vary widely depending on several factors, including the materials used, the geographic location of the dental practice, and the specific dentist or prosthodontist you visit. In general, flipper tooth is more affordable than other tooth replacement options like dental implants or fixed bridges.

With that said, the cost still ranges from around $600 to $1,000.

But when you buy direct from a trusted warehouse, they can cost as little as $400.