The latest statistics show that 120 million Americans have lost at least one adult tooth. More than that, 36 million people in the United States don’t have teeth at all. It is a serious problem. It doesn’t only create discomfort during eating, it can also lower a person’s self-esteem. There are different options to help yourself after you damage or lose one tooth. You can get a flipper tooth or dental implants.
We are going to discuss the first option today. So once you go to your dentist, you will know what to expect. Here is a list of the pros and cons of having teeth flippers.
What is a dental flipper?
After the dentist extracts your tooth, you will need some time to heal since your site will be sensitive. So, your doctor might recommend a dental flipper for this period of time. Oral surgeons or dentists use dental flipper as a temporary replacement if you have missing teeth.
It is usually made from denture natural-looking acrylic that can resemble a patient’s gums. Some of the dental flippers also have extra claps that attach to the other teeth. In simple terms, flippers can prevent patients from walking with visible gaps in their teeth for a few weeks.
The pros of the dental flipper
The natural-looking acrylic
You probably don’t want to have a huge gap in your smile. Dental flipper can solve this problem. More than that, it will look very natural because flipper tooth can fill in the spaces with dentures. It is better to have dental flipper rather than explaining to everyone what happened to you.
More affordable
The materials are less costly because it is a temporary option. Dental flippers are cheaper than other denture alternatives.
Easier to eat
Have you ever tried to eat with missing teeth? It is nearly impossible. You will probably be able to drink water and eat only soups. It might be a good diet, but you can’t torture yourself for several weeks. Dental flipper can allow you to chew your food. It is only a matter of practice.
Convenient and comfortable
The good thing about dental flippers is that they are simple to wear. Also, they can be easily taken out. It makes daily cleaning possible. Most dental flippers users say that it is the comfiest kind comparing to other temporary replacements. Also, it has a high success rate.
Easy to make
If you want to have a dental flipper, your dentist or lab can manufacture it within two days. In some cases, you will be able to get them even on the same day. You can discuss this with your dentist so that they can order a dental flipper before. It is pretty comfortable especially if you have an important event soon.
The cons of the dental flipper
Puts you at risk
You need to clean it every day. Otherwise, you can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Also, it is designed in the way that it covers your gams and hinders saliva. It can lead to gum recession.
Low-quality materials
A dental flipper is a cheap option, so it is made out of lightweight materials. So, you can easily break it. If you don’t want to visit your dentist on a weekly basis, you should be careful every time you eat your food.
Also, it takes time getting used to having the dental flipper in your mouth. It will look natural. However, you might experience discomfort in the very beginning. There are a few steps you can take to reduce it:
- Clean your dental flipper after every meal
- Remove it from your mouth before going to sleep
- Cut your food into small pieces
- Use denture adhesive or gel so that it will fit better
- Share your experience with your dentist
When it comes to the cost of a flipper tooth, you should budget for about $400. It can also cost more or less depending on the materials your dentist will use. So, before you schedule the appointment with your doctor, you can contact your insurance company to learn how much they can cover. There are also many different alternatives to dental flippers. So, ask your dentist to show you all the options.
