When a tooth becomes so diseased or unhealthy that the only option is extraction, the gums may need time to heal before a permanent cosmetic restoration is possible. No one wants to walk around with a gaping hole in their smile (especially in the front). Enter your temporary tooth solution: a flipper tooth.
What is a flipper tooth?
In the U.S., an estimated 120 million people have lost at least one adult tooth. In addition to potentially creating other dental issues, a missing tooth has a lasting impact on your self-confidence.
A flipper tooth is between one and three artificial teeth that are mounted on a gum-colored, retainer-like base. To keep it more secure, your dentist can add wires with hooked ends that snap onto neighboring teeth. The artificial teeth themselves are made of plastic or porcelain.
Pros and cons of flipper teeth
There are many advantages to a flipper tooth, including:
- More affordable: Because a flipper tooth is temporary, the materials are less costly.
- Quick creation: In some cases, if you know you will be getting a flipper, your dentist can order it ahead of time so you don’t have to go more than a day or two without a tooth.
- A flipper tooth is the standard of care: As a temporary solution to tooth loss or extraction, a flipper tooth is the treatment most dentists trust.
- A flipper can prevent other dental issues: Missing teeth can be a gateway for other dental issues, including misalignment of teeth. It is important to fill the gap left by a missing tooth as soon as possible to maintain oral health.
There is another side of the coin, though. A temporary flipper does have some disadvantages.
- It can be difficult to match natural teeth
- Long-term, they can be unhealthy for the gums unless proper care is taken
- They are not sturdy and can break
As a temporary solution for a missing tooth, a dental flipper is great option. Problems such as a broken flipper tooth or gum disease may arise during long-term use. Otherwise, a flipper is the way to go after a dental emergency.
When would I need a dental flipper?
A dental flipper has very specific applications for cosmetic restoration. Flipper tooth after extraction is one of the most common uses of a flipper tooth. When a tooth is extracted, the gums may be sore and need time to heal. The extraction site can take weeks to heal, and no one wants to go for weeks with a missing tooth. A dental flipper is a gentle solution that protects the gums as they heal while preserving your smile.
As far as a dental flipper vs. implants, they are distinct steps in the process of cosmetic smile restoration. A dental flipper protects the gap in the teeth and preserves the structural integrity of the other teeth while the gums heal, but it is a temporary solution. Dental implants are more permanent and natural-looking.
In many cases, they are used together. For example, when you get a tooth extracted and decide on an implant, your dentist will make a mold of your mouth and order the implant. As there are several steps to the implant process (e.g., inserting the implant post while the tooth is being custom-made), it makes sense to have a temporary flipper in place while this process is ongoing.
Once the implant post is set in the jaw and your more permanent implant arrives, you can stop using the flipper and enjoy the strength, durability, and natural appearance of your dental implant.
What should I expect?
Getting a flipper tooth is a straightforward process. If possible, your dentist will take a mold of your tooth before it is extracted. This helps to ensure the most natural looking replacement. If that is not possible, they will take a mold of your existing teeth and cast a dental flipper from that.
From there, they check size and function and place it in the mouth.
What is it like living with a dental flipper?
There is an adjustment period after a flipper tooth is fitted. Speaking may feel different, as your tongue meets the flipper, and you may be nervous about your flipper falling out. Additionally, there can be some soreness for the first week or so as your gums heal and adjust to the flipper.
These challenges will pass, but if you have concerns, always check in with your dentist. Answers to other FAQs follow.
Can you eat with a flipper tooth?
While it is technically possible to eat with a flipper tooth, in general we advise against it.
Your flipper tooth is temporary and is made of less durable materials. For this reason, it can break easily, especially if you are consuming crunchy or sticky foods. It is best to remove the flipper tooth when you eat.
If you do not want to remove your flipper to eat, it is possible to train yourself to eat with it in. Eat food in small bites, chewing slowly, and avoid hard foods.
How to put in a flipper tooth
A flipper tooth inserts easily, like a retainer for braces. To remove it, grasp the tooth of the flipper firmly and pull straight down (do not twist!).
Flippers can be challenging to remove due to their precise fit, so be persistent and try it a few times with your dentist if you’re not comfortable doing it alone.
What to do if a flipper breaks
If your flipper breaks, call your dentist. This is not the same level of emergency as a broken natural tooth, but it will make you feel better to get a replacement as soon as possible.
If you have had no trouble with your flipper, it is possible that your dentist can simply order a replacement that is available in a day or two.
How do I care for my flipper and my gums?
You should not sleep with your flipper, as gums need time to rest and breathe. Remove your flipper every night and rinse with warm water, then store in a glass of water. You can periodically brush your flipper with denture toothpaste or soak it in denture cleaning solution.
Brush and floss your natural teeth as normal, and carefully clean your gums under the flipper as directed by your dentist.
AZ Dentist is your Phoenix area cosmetic dentist. We can help with all of your restorative dental needs from a temporary flipper tooth to solutions that are more permanent. Get in touch today!