If you have missing teeth, there are many ways to fill in the gaps in your smile. One way is to use a flipper tooth, also called an acrylic removable partial denture.
A flipper tooth is a removable retainer that fits along the roof of your mouth (palate) or sits on your lower jaw, and has one or more prosthetic teeth attached to it. A removable partial denture usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth.
Removable partial dentures are used when there are wide edentulous spaces in the upper or lower jaw. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance. Plastic partial dentures are very affordable products compared to metal products.
The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, which uses it to make a customized flipper tooth designed to fit your mouth and fill any gaps in your teeth with prosthetic teeth. The flipper tooth is made from acrylic dental-grade resin.
Benefits of Removable Partial Dentures / Flippers
There are some upsides to a flipper tooth that make it an attractive prosthetic tooth option, including affordability, look, quick preparation, easy to wear, and stabilization of your existing teeth.
It can be hard to eat if you are missing one or more teeth. Not only are you able to eat when using a flipper tooth, you will probably be able to chew much better than you could without it.
To clean your dentures, the general rule is to brush and soak every day. Brush your dentures first, to help remove any bits of food. Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner, not toothpaste. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Make sure you brush all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface that fits against your gums.
This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative. Soak your dentures every day in a denture-cleaning solution. This will help remove any plaque and stubborn stains that are left. It will also help to disinfect your dentures, leaving them feeling fresher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t keep your dentures in overnight unless there are specific reasons for you to keep them in.