Better Tooth Choices Than Dental Flippers
Are you looking for something better than a dental flipper? A flipper is a fake tooth that you can take out. But many people want something else. This big guide will help you find what is best for you.
Why Look for Something Better Than Flippers?
Flippers are fake teeth that you can take out. They are not made to last long. Here are the big problems with flippers:
- They break easy
- They feel bad in your mouth
- They look fake
- They don't last long
Most people (63%) have to get a new flipper in 1-2 years because they break or don't fit right.
5 Better Choices Than Dental Flippers
Let's look at all the good choices you can get!
1. Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs)
These are better than flippers and last longer.
What they are made of:
- Hard pink plastic
- Flexible plastic that bends
Good things about them:
- Cost less than other choices
- Don't hurt your other teeth
- Can be fixed if they break
Not so good things:
- Can move when you eat or talk
RPDs cost about $300-$2,500. That's a bit more than flippers ($300-$500) but they last much longer.
Kids can use these until they can get implants when they grow up.
2. Resin-Bonded Bridges (Maryland Bridges)
These stick to the teeth next to the empty spot.
Good for:
- Front teeth
- When you don't want to cut down good teeth
Maryland bridges stay good for 10 years in 90% of people. They need very little cutting of your teeth (just 0.5-1mm).
3. Implant-Supported Bridges
These are fake teeth that sit on top of posts put in your jaw bone.
Facts to know:
- Cost: $3,000-$15,000 for a row
- Last a very long time (95% still good after 15 years)
- Feel most like real teeth
People with diabetes who keep their sugar under control have 89% success with these, much better than the 73% success with flippers.
You can learn more about dental implant tools if you want to know how they are put in.
4. Flexible Partials (Valplast®)
These are made of a bendy plastic that looks more like your gums.
Why people like them:
- 68% of people like them better than flippers
- They last 2 times longer than flippers
- They look more like real gums
People who had cancer treatment like these because they don't hurt their gums as much.
You can see how these look with a dental intraoral camera at your dentist's office.
5. Snap-In Dentures
These click onto posts in your jaw bone.
Good things to know:
- 80% more steady than flippers
- Cost: $12,000-$25,000 for a full row
- Don't slip when you eat or talk
When all teeth are gone, 92% of people are happy with snap-ins but only 45% like flippers.
How to Pick the Right Choice?
Here are the big things to think about:
Money
| Choice | Cost | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Flippers | $300-$500 | 1-2 years |
| RPDs | $300-$2,500 | 5-7 years |
| Maryland Bridges | $1,500-$3,500 | 10+ years |
| Implant Bridges | $3,000-$15,000 | 15+ years |
| Flexible Partials | $700-$2,000 | 5-8 years |
| Snap-In Dentures | $12,000-$25,000 | 10-20 years |
Bridges cost 50% less to start than implants, but need to be changed every 7-15 years. Implants can last your whole life!
Jaw Bone Health
If you have lost jaw bone, you have less choices:
- Good bone: Any choice works
- Some bone loss: Snap-in dentures work well
- Lots of bone loss: RPDs or flexible partials
How it Looks
- 78% of people care most about how front teeth look (Maryland bridges are best)
- 65% care most about back teeth staying in place (snap-ins work best)
How Fast You Need Teeth
- Need teeth today: Flippers or RPDs
- Can wait 2-4 weeks: Flexible partials or Maryland bridges
- Can wait 3-6 months: Implants
Special Cases: Help for Special Needs
Kids
Kids who lose teeth too soon can get:
- Space holders to keep room for adult teeth
- Kid-friendly partials that can be made bigger as they grow
After Cancer Treatment
If you had radiation for cancer:
- Flexible materials like Valplast® won't hurt sore gums
- Snap-in dentures might work if your doctor says it's OK
People with Diabetes
If you have diabetes:
- Implants can work if your sugar is under control (89% success rate)
- Flexible partials are good if implants won't work
- Talk to your doctor about what is best for you
Tips to Avoid Big Problems
Why Flippers Don't Last
Flippers stop fitting well because:
- Your jaw bone gets smaller where teeth are missing
- The plastic gets weak from being in your mouth
- They can break when you eat hard food
How to Move from Flippers to Better Teeth
- First step: Get your flipper
- Save money: Put away money each month
- See a special dentist: Ask about a "prosthodontist"
- Make a plan: Decide what you want as your final teeth
Ask a Tooth Expert
A prosthodontist is a dentist who is extra good at making false teeth. They can help you find the best choice for you.
Questions People Ask A Lot
Can I eat normal food with flexible partials?
Yes! You can eat most foods. Just be careful with very sticky candy or very hard nuts.
Can Maryland bridges be taken off if needed?
Yes. These bridges are stuck on with special glue. A dentist can take them off without hurting your teeth.
How long do snap-in dentures last?
Most last 10-20 years. The teeth part might need to be fixed or changed every few years.
What is the cheapest good choice instead of flippers?
Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are the most low-cost choice that still lasts longer than flippers.
Do I need to take out my new teeth at night?
- RPDs: Yes, take out at night
- Flexible partials: Yes, take out at night
- Maryland bridges: No, they stay in
- Implants: No, they stay in
- Snap-ins: Most dentists say to take out at night
What to Do Next
- Talk to your dentist about what choices might work for you
- Ask about cost and if your insurance helps pay
- Think about how long you need your new teeth to last
- Look at before/after pictures of each kind of tooth replacement
Remember: The best choice depends on what you need, how much bone you have in your jaw, and how much money you can spend.
Flippers are just the start. There are many better choices that can help you smile, talk, and eat better for years to come!
