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 had my first flipper for 25 years. Through out the years I had to have teeth added to. It. I thank the folks in whom made this flipper for me. Was very sad on the 25th year it cracked down the middle and a tooth broke off. Since then I’ve had 3 other flippers. None of them have been durable or as comfortable as that one I regret not taking better care of it when it first cracked as I had no insurance and had super glued it in which it made it no longer comfortable or serve it’s purpose. You would think this many years later flippers would be made better and last longer than they do now a days. As us folks that have to choose this treatment not because we want to but because that’s what we can afford so that we can still have some dignity not looking toothless. They say it’s only temporary and we agree knowing full on we will be wearing our flipper until it breaks. All this said I’m sure they can be made to last and be comfortable but why would a dentist lab want to make it last as my first one did when they can do it poorly and it have to be replaced ever 1 to two years. Very upset that this is a real thing. Good luck to all of you. If you get the right flipper made it can be very comfortable and you should be able to eat with it. Besides to look nice it is supposed to help you eat your food. If it’s not comfortable after a few weeks go back make them redo it until it’s right for you.
I’m getting a denture flipper on Wednesday
I have an acrylic flipper as a temporary while waiting for 4 implants. I cannot use this thing at all. It profoundly affects my speech. I’ve heard that a Nesbit flipper is much smaller, easier to wear and cost less too. Any suggestions on Nesbit or Veriplast flippers and how they do, or don’t affect speech? Thanks, tongue tired guy…
I’ve had my flipper for 5 years because I can’t afford to have the permanent work done. It is difficult to speak clearly with it and keep in for long periods of time. I have to sneak it out of my mouth (and tuck it into my bra or purse) at restaurants, family dinners, picnics, banquets—every time I eat. After my original tooth broke off, I had to have surgery to remove the root of the tooth. Once the gum healed, the flipper tooth no longer touches the gum and there’s a gap. It looks horrible and it’s not fooling anyone. It has broken over a dozen times and I’ve repaired it. Today, my dog got it out of my purse and destroyed it for good. I don’t know what I’m going to do. Just know that flippers are a temporary solution to a permanent problem.
I am struggling with getting a flipper. I have one of my front teeth actually the 2nd one. I have crowns on all or veneers. Dentist said the one that is loose has to come out and wants to use a flipper. I have heard horrible things. I also work in an emergency room…long hours. Ive heard you have to remove it to eat…is this true? I don’t want to go out and eat and have to take it out. I love my dentist he is really good. Thinking about a 2nd opinion..any suggestion or help with this? Thank you