Dental Flipper: Is it right for you?

If you have lost a tooth or have a tooth that needs to be extracted, you may be wondering what to do to replace the tooth especially if it’s in an area in your mouth that can be easily seen. If you’re considering a dental implant to replace your missing tooth, a dental flipper may be the best choice to replace your missing tooth while you’re waiting to have your dental implant placed. Dental flippers are a temporary fix that you would wear in the time between having your tooth extracted and getting your dental implant. The process to get a dental implant can take anywhere from 8 months to 1 year. Up to one year is a long time to go with a missing tooth so a dental flipper is a great choice to wear in the meanwhile.

What is a Dental Flipper?

A dental flipper is a temporary fix to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental flipper is a removable retainer type appliance that consists of 1 or more fake teeth that clasps to your existing natural teeth. It is usually made of acrylic. It is a good way to fill in a gap from a missing tooth while waiting for a permanent fix.

Dental Flipper Pros and Cons

Pros

A dental flipper is one of the most economical and quick fixes to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth. There are a lot of pros to dental flippers. Here’s a list of a few:

• Instantly looks better: A dental flipper fills in the gap where you are missing a tooth. This will immediately improve your smile.
• Cost effective: A dental flipper is one of the most economical ways to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth. Although they are considered temporary, some people choose to wear it for longer due to the cost savings.
• Space holder: A dental flipper prevents your remaining teeth from shifting around once a tooth is lost. Without a dental flipper the teeth surrounding the missing tooth will shift around which can lead to additional tooth loss.
• Easy to make: Dental flippers are generally easy to fabricate. In most cases you can have your new dental flipper made within a week.
• Made in advance: If you know that you’re having a tooth extracted, you can have a dental flipper made in advance. This way you won’t have to leave after an extraction with a gap from your missing tooth.

Cons

While there are many benefits of dental flippers, there are some cons you should be aware of:

• Difficult to speak: It may take some time to get used to speaking with your new dental flipper. This can take a few days, a week or even a month to adjust to.
• Pain or Pressure: You may develop a sore spot with your new dental flipper. This is not a huge problem because they can be easily adjusted.
• Temporary: A dental flipper is meant to be temporary. It is not meant to be worn forever because the material that it is made of is not durable.

Dental Flipper Cost

The cost for a dental flipper is dependent on how many teeth it is replacing and the type of material that is used to make the flipper. For example, if your flipper requires wire clasps rather than acrylic clasps the cost may be more. Some dental insurances may cover a portion or all of the cost of the dental flipper. It is still the most cost effective way to replace 1 or more missing teeth.

Dental Flipper Alternatives

There are a few alternatives to a dental flipper. They do last longer but are much more expensive. Here’s a list of a few:

• Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is a permanent solution to a missing tooth. A dental bridge consists of a fake tooth that is connected permanently to your natural teeth. This is usually made up of porcelain.
• Dental Implant: A dental implant is a permanent post that is surgically placed into the bone to which a porcelain crown is connected to. This is by far the best option but the cost is much more than a dental flipper
• Partial Denture: A partial denture is similar to a dental flipper in that it is removable although it usually has a metal base which makes it stronger and a longer term solution.

How do you clean a dental flipper?

Dental flippers are pretty easy to care for. Follow these simple steps:

• Remove the flipper after every meal.
• Brush with a toothbrush specifically designed for dental flippers.
• Use a mild dish soap or hand soap to clean your dental flipper (many toothpastes may be too harsh).
• Remove the flipper before bedtime and store in a cup of water to prevent it from drying out.
• Do not flip your dental flipper out of your mouth with your tongue. This is a habit that some people develop that may cause the clasps of your dental flipper to loosen.
• Avoid foods or drinks that may stain your dental flipper.

When can I wear a dental flipper after having a dental implant?

A dental flipper may be worn immediately after having a tooth extracted or a dental implant placed. Your dental professional will go over with you how to wear and care for the appliance.

How long can you wear a dental flipper?

Dental flippers are meant to be temporary. They should only be worn while waiting for a permanent solution to a missing tooth. Some people do end up wearing a dental flipper longer, due to its cost savings.

Can you sleep with a dental flipper?

Dental flippers should not be worn for more than 8 hours a day. This will allow time for the tissues to rest without the dental flipper in your mouth. Wearing a dental flipper for more than 8 hours a day may increase your risk of developing a fungal infection.

Eating with a dental flipper

Yes, you may eat with your dental flipper in your mouth. You will need to be careful not to chew hard or crunchy foods with it, since it is made of acrylic.

In conclusion, a dental flipper can be an easy, cost effective way to temporarily replace missing teeth. It is easy to care for and relatively simple to get used to wearing. It looks natural and often will go unnoticed by friends and family. It may be just what you’ve been looking for to temporarily fill the gap of 1 or more missing teeth.

Let Naperville’s top dental professionals assist you today

If you have had a tooth extracted, or need a tooth extracted and think a dental flipper might be the answer for you, let the dental professionals at Living Well Dental Group assist you. Our caring team can answer all of your questions and get you scheduled for your new dental flipper today. Just call (630) 505-1516.