What are flippers for teeth

Aug. 13, 2024

Flipper: a dental appliance or the name of a family dolphin? Technically both - though we’re talking about the former. Flipper denture, dental flipper, flipper tooth. It’s an appliance known by many names. But what exactly is a flipper?

What is a dental flipper

A dental flipper is a temporary, removable, partial denture. Flippers act like partial dentures in that they contain artificial teeth for the upper or lower jaw. Usually, flippers are used for individuals missing one to two teeth. Flippers assure the natural teeth surrounding a space don’t shift - which can be an issue when a missing tooth is not addressed. They also boost patients' confidence because they fill the space in their smile.

Dental flippers are typically made of acrylic material which give them the ability to match natural teeth and gums. They are also usually made the same way as partial dentures - through the use of impressions.

How long can you wear a dental flipper

While flippers are a great temporary solution - they are not something that is recommended long term. It is considered safe to wear dental flippers for about six months. If you’ve had a tooth extracted, a flipper will last for roughly the length of time it will take for your gums to heal.

Can you eat with a dental flipper

Yes! Flippers are designed to mimic your natural teeth so eating is safe. However, taking caution on what you are eating is encouraged. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods such as nuts and candy. Flippers are commonly made from dental acrylic, which could be prone to breakage and fracture under certain stresses.

How to care for your dental flipper

Care is required to keep your flipper intact and to avoid bacteria build up. Flippers should be cleaned with a soft toothbrush, a non abrasive toothpaste, and should not be soaked in mouthwash or any other chemicals. It’s also recommended that a flipper be removed at night to prevent any gum inflammation and give the appliance an opportunity to soak in water which will keep it from drying out and cracking. It’s recommended to clean your flipper several times a week in a denture solution to aid in the breakdown of bacteria.

How much should a flipper tooth cost

Dental flippers cost between $300 - $500 per tooth. A number of factors will go into the cost including materials, location and insurance.

Dental flipper vs. partial dentures

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, flippers and partial dentures differ in that partial dentures can replace more than two teeth and are considered a long term solution. Partial dentures are specifically designed to fit around the natural teeth and are made to be more durable.

There are several types of partial denture, each made to meet specific needs. The two main categories of partial dentures are removable and fixed. Fixed is a more permanent appliance that cannot be taken out at night. For additional information on types of partial dentures, read our guide.

ResetSmile creates affordable, removable, partial dentures that are custom made from Valplast. Valplast partials are considered to be an upgrade from dental flippers since they are generally more comfortable, aesthetic and durable than anything made out of acrylic. They can even be used to replace only one or two teeth and are usually much smaller than a flipper! After purchasing and receiving an impression kit, customers can do their impressions from the comfort of their own home. They will ship their impressions back at no cost to them and receive their partial dentures by mail in about three weeks.

If partial dentures are the right fit for you, get started with ResetSmile.