When a front tooth suffers trauma, be it from natural decay or from a sports injury, or some other cause, you will need oral surgery to repair them. After the removal of the tooth or teeth, a flipper denture will be put in place to fill in the gap.
What is a flipper denture? It’s basically a partial denture that mimics the look of the patient’s natural teeth and serves as a temporary solution until a permanent dental implant or dental bridge can be made.
To make flipper dentures, impressions of your mouth are used to create a model of your teeth. This model is then used to create a wax replica of your tooth or teeth. The wax replica is then sent to a dental lab where it is used to create the final product out of either 300 or 500 series dental acrylic.
Read further to learn more about flipper dentures and their purpose or schedule an appointment to see the dental professionals at Susquehanna Dental Arts. We offer both general dentistry and more specialized care like amalgam removal, implants, and Invasalign application and maintenance.
What Do Flipper Dentures Do?
Flipper dentures are used to repair the spaces in your smile produced by missing teeth. They’re also useful for keeping the neighboring teeth from shifting position as a result of the empty space. This is particularly essential in youngsters and teenagers, whose mouths are still developing and growing.
Flipper dentures can be taken out and put back in by the wearer. They typically rest on the gums, being held in place by natural suction. Flipper dentures are sometimes rather loose and need more attention to avoid being misplaced because they aren’t permanently secured, as are dental implants or dental bridges.
Flipper dentures are usually worn until permanent replacements are available.
When Would Someone Need a Flipper Tooth?
A flipper tooth is commonly used following the removal of a tooth (or multiple teeth) due to decay or injury. Tooth injuries can occur in athletes who fail to use proper protective gear.
The space left behind can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, which can then lead to more dental problems. When your teeth shift and your bite changes, it puts your dental health in jeopardy. You can experience more dental issues, including dental decay and gum disease.
Flipper teeth are also worn by people who have suffered from periodontal disease. This is because the gum tissue has receded, making it difficult to wear traditional dentures. Flipper teeth are less likely to slip and are more comfortable for people with receding gums.
How Long Must You Wear a Flipper?
Flipper teeth are used on a temporary basis following dental implant surgery. It can take several months for a dental implant to fuse with the jawbone and become permanent. In the meantime, a flipper tooth can be used.
Are Flipper Dentures Right for Me?
If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, flipper dentures may be right for you. They can improve your smile and help keep your remaining teeth from shifting position. However, flipper dentures are not as durable as dental implants or dental bridges and may need to be replaced more frequently.
If you have questions about flipper dentures or any other type of denture, the team at Susquehanna Dental Arts is happy to help. They will be able to advise you on the best solution for your individual needs. Contact us today to learn more.