Permanent tooth replacements are expensive and rarely covered completely by dental insurance. Flipper teeth are an inexpensive tooth replacement that can be used until a permanent tooth replacement can be obtained.
Flipper teeth are an affordable way to replace teeth that were lost due to tooth decay, mouth trauma, or gum disease. Also called a flexible partial denture,flipper teeth are made of plastic or porcelain false teeth secured to a base made from flexible plastic or acrylic resin. Unlike flipper teeth, traditional partial dentures have acrylic over a metal framework to make them stronger.
The dental flippers are cheaper, but they are considered to be a temporary tooth replacement method. Since they are not as sturdy as a traditional denture, some care must be taken when they are handled and used in order to prevent them from breaking. Some dentists do not recommend that patients eat with flipper teeth. However, many people eat while wearing dental flippers. People who eat while wearing a flipper should remove the flipper, rinse it, and brush their teeth to help prevent tooth decay.
Two hundred and five hundred dollars is the typical price range for a flipper tooth. The price will vary depending on how many teeth are being replaced, the dentist and lab fees, and the geographic location. The flipper teeth price is less than half the cost of most tooth replacement methods. Dental flippers often are used while the patient is saving money for a permanent tooth replacement like a dental bridge, implant, or traditional partial denture.
Since dental flippers are cheap compared to other ways to replace teeth, some adults prefer to continue using dental flippers rather than getting a dental bridge, implant, or partial denture. Though the flexible denture is not as durable as a traditional partial denture, some people have used the same one for several years.
For children and adolescents who have lost a permanent tooth, dental flippers are the preferred tooth replacement method. A dental bridge could interfere with the normal growth of the jaw that occurs through childhood. In early adulthood, a permanent tooth replacement method can be used instead of a flipper tooth.
Even if a patient intends to get a traditional denture as soon as possible after having teeth pulled, the dentist may recommend the use of a dental flipper until the swelling subsides and the gums heal. Allowing time for the gums to heal provides a much better chance for designing a denture with a secure fit rather than while there is still swelling. If a denture mold is taken while there is swelling, the denture may be considerably loose once the swelling is gone.
The use of a flipper prevents the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of alignment. Changes in alignment can negatively affect the person's bite. The teeth may begin to develop abnormal wear which can lead to cavities. Flipper teeth can prevent the embarrassment from having gaps from missing teeth which can affect a person's self-esteem and confidence.
