Replacing a tooth that has been lost to trauma or disease is not a quick process. Often the extraction site will need time to heal, and if the tooth is to be replaced with a dental implant, additional procedures such as bone or soft tissue grafts may be required. This can mean going without a permanent replacement tooth for a few weeks or for several months.
Obviously this isn’t ideal, particularly as the loss of any tooth can affect the position and stability of those remaining and if the missing tooth is highly visible then its loss can be distressing. Flipper teeth are one solution to this problem.
In This Guide
- What is a flipper tooth?
- How much do flipper teeth cost?
- Who are they for? Adults or kids?
- Benefits
- Drawbacks
- What to Read Next
What is a Flipper Tooth?
A flipper tooth can be constructed before the natural tooth is removed. It is made from pink gum-colored denture acrylic that supports the replacement tooth. It may have clasps that fit around existing teeth to help hold it in place. This appliance is easy for the patient to insert and is easily taken out for regular cleaning. A flipper also improves the ability to eat and chew food.
How Much Do Flipper Teeth Cost?
Flipper teeth typically cost between $300 and $500. The price depends on the number of teeth that require replacing and the type of materials used and can vary considerably. A flipper that has wire clasps for example, will cost more than one without.
Who are they for? Adults or Kids?
They can be used by adults who are missing a single tooth, or who have lost several teeth that are not adjacent to each other. Using flipper teeth can restore the appearance of natural teeth in a way that is immediate and inexpensive. While normally used as a temporary measure, some adults will choose flippers as a more permanent solution for tooth loss.
Dentists sometimes recommend flipper teeth for children who may have suffered damage to their front teeth and who are still waiting for their permanent teeth to come through. Wearing them can help restore a child’s self-confidence during this period, which can be an important consideration. They can enable a child with a missing tooth to maintain an appealing and pleasant smile.
Benefits
Affordable
They are inexpensive to make when compared to other options. This can provide valuable time to save up for more permanent and more expensive restorations such as a dental bridge or a dental implant.
Quick Solution
They can be used right after natural teeth are removed and are often pre-made prior to tooth removal.
Fewer Visits to the Dentist
They can often be made very quickly, requiring fewer visits to the dentist compared to a more permanent partial denture that may have a metal alloy substructure.
Lightweight
They are lightweight and some people find them easy to get used to wearing.
Improve Your Smile
They can instantly improve aesthetics, alleviating the embarrassment many people experience when they lose a tooth in a highly visible area in their mouth.
Can Be Modified
The structure of flipper teeth allows some degree of flexibility so if another tooth is lost within the year, the dentist can add this additional tooth to the denture.
Drawbacks
Weak
They are not very strong or stable, which can make it tricky to chew and some people choose to leave their flipper teeth out while eating at home.
Noticeable
The metal clasps sometimes used to hold them in place can be difficult to hide, making it more obvious that a person is missing one or more teeth.
Fragile
They are fragile and easily broken. A broken denture can only be mended by a dentist or by a dental laboratory and this may mean going without the flipper for a day or more while it is mended. Frequent breakages could prove increasingly difficult to mend.
Uncomfortable
The overall weakness of the material used to make them does mean that the base of the denture must be quite thick and broad. This additional thickness can make the denture uncomfortable, especially towards the end of the day after a long period of use.
Unhygienic
The design of a flipper can create unhygienic conditions in the mouth, preventing saliva from having a cleansing effect, particularly on the denture surface closest to the gums. If not meticulously cleaned, flippers can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Can Become Loose
After only a short period of use, they can become increasingly ill-fitting and loose. This may mean they are uncomfortable to wear and will rub on the gums, increasing the risk of bone loss in these areas.
What to Read Next
Over to You
If you have flipper teeth or are considering getting them, I’d love to hear from you! How much did they cost? Were there any complications? Was it painful? Let me know in the comments.
I’ve had my flipper for 19 years. No, that’s not a finger fumble. Nineteen years. I have four teeth on it; two are adjacent. It just recently broke so now I’m reviewing options and found this site. I’ve always been comfortable with my flipper and actually had to have a tooth added 10 years ago. I don’t use it while eating at home with my immediate family and I’m careful what I choose to eat when out at a restaurant or someone’s home so as not too put too much stress on the flipper. I went to a new dentist since mine retired and she was surprised I had this for so long. She told me it should have been temporary for just two or three years. I’m looking at cost of implants now but my flipper has worked well for this long.
Glad to hear your story! I had my 4 front teeth pulled due to cracking and had 2 crowns over 30 yrs old. The plan was to have implants. So the first surgery placed the little bars that was supposed to grow to bone. 3 days later I developed an abscess in one side, spent two days in hospital with IV antibiotics. Then had to have surgery to remove that bar. Now I’m supposed to have it placed again but having second thoughts. I am a diabetic and this may be the issue. I’m thinking of just getting a flipper. Most dental sites discourage flippers. Thanks for your positive story.
Thats true Carol ~ most Dental sites discourage Flippers ~~ I think Flippers are very helpful and the cost of Implants are costly ~~
Some Dentists are only thinking about $$$ FOR THEMSELVES !
Kayla,
she will need it for more than a little while, my son had to have his 2 front teeth pulled, when he was about 4, he just turned 7 and his have yet to grow in but we can see that they should be coming in within the next few months. Since you have a girl, it may bother her more to be without her teeth so long, it does not bother my son he actual stated..aww im goin to look different when my teeth come in he has been without them for so long now. Maybe as she gets a bit older maybe 5, I would think about it, at the age of 3 would it even matter to her if they are missing? Then again boys are different than girls.
My 3 year old recently had horrible trauma to her two front teeth and her dentist said they may have to pull them. I was thinking of getting a flipper for her. She so young and I don’t want any other damage to her teeth. She’d only need it for a little while. Does any one have any thoughts
I had a flipper 2 years it was wonderful it was to say the least “PERFECT” I loved the flipper DO NOT Let ANYONE TELL YOU ANY DIFFERENT. …..
Exactly! I have been wearing a flipper for more than 20 years and although I have had three due to various reasons, it works for me.
I had a dental flipper for 3 years. ( I know that’s a long time to have one). I loved it. It covered my missing teeth. But it started getting to small. Felt right putting it in. My wisdom teeth started coming in and pushing my other teeth into the missing teeth holes. Which made my flipper fit wrong. I cut the clasp off myself. They were uncomfortable. 2 years after I got it. My flipper snapped in half. I also fixed it myself with some super glue and never had another problem with it. Then one day I accidently threw it in the garbage. When I knew what I had done it was to late. In thinking of getting another because I can’t afford implants. Or bridges
I can see how you can call these things comfortable. I can barely talk with the flipper in my mouth. I needed one because I am waiting for a replacement for a front tooth but if I knew it was this much trouble I would have kept the bad tooth. At lease I could talk and eat. I can bare pronounce the letter “S”. I absolutely hate this thing with a capital H.