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 is a removable, lightweight partial denture that is used as a temporary replacement for one or more missing teeth. It fills in any visible gaps so you don’t have to go without a tooth while waiting for a more permanent replacement.
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 lost my two front tooth in an accident. I broke my nose and had a destroyed lip which made me cry whenever I looked at the mirror. I lost all my self-confidence and my whole family were deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. My dentist suggested me to perform a missing tooth replacement surgery. I was reluctant at first on hearing about the surgery because the very thought of blood, scissors and knifes made me scary. Finally, I had done my surgery at Centenary Dental Clinic in Scarborough. It was fine, and did not felt that scary as it appeared. I recommend having the proper treatment at the right time because it is the case of your teeth. Your smile is an important factor that determines your personality. So, smile beautifully because it is the prettiest thing you can wear. 🙂
I’ve had a flipper so far for almost 5 months, I had to get one of my front teeth extracted (long story short, the tooth was damaged in an accident years ago, had a root canal, eventually it caused an infection in my gums) so i’ve been wearing the flipper since the extraction, this flipper cost me over $700, I couldn’t believe it. I can’t wait to get rid of it for several reasons: my dentist shaved it down while my gum was still swollen the day after the extraction, so now this flipper tooth is shorter than my other front tooth. It becomes loose easily at times and I find that sometimes it moves out of place when I’m talking to someone, I also have to watch when I sneeze because it has come out at times, thankfully not in front of anyone just yet. I always eat without it in while at home because it’s just easier that way. Finally the most embarrassing thing was someone dropped a package off at my house close to 10pm and I was ready for bed, I answered the door forgetting I had the flipper out, how embarrassing! I can only imagine what they thought when I answered the door with a missing front tooth! I am getting an implant in about 3 weeks and then have to wait another 4 months after that to get a permanent crown, I can’t wait and could not imagine if I had to be stuck with this for years.
I’ve had my flipper for two years and absolutely love it. I requested it after an implant on an upper right molar failed and had to be removed. Both dentists involved tried to talk me out of getting it saying I wouldn’t like it, but I had done my research and knew I didn’t want to chance another implant rejection, and I also didn’t want a bridge that would compromise the two adjoining healthy teeth. I wear it every day and take it out at night, cleaning it with my toothbrush and occasionally soaking it in a denture cleaning solution. I eat anything I want with no problems. It was made well and fits perfectly with no slippage and it looks very natural. My dentist (who is a friend) still laughs at me because I love it so much. I only wish I had chosen it in the beginning instead of going through the arduous implant ordeal. Don’t let anyone try to talk you out of it! If it doesn’t work, you can always go the implant or bridge route, but it’s definitely worth trying.
Thank you Joanna! I’m panicking over getting a flipper for 4 of my bottom (middle) teeth. You put my mind at ease! Glad you are not having any problems!
My home made flipper is much better than the $500 flipper a dentist made. I lost the $500 flipper, so I read reviews on Amazon for Temptooth. My home made flipper is more comfortable than the $500 one, so I can eat with it in. When I lose it, I just make a new one. You can make about 30 teeth with the super cheap Temptooth kit. I’ve made teeth for a few friends and family. There are hundreds of great tips on Amazon, so it’s really easy to do.
thank you so much for recommending this route. a substantially more economical solution while waiting or deciding on what to do about your situation.
I have had my flipper (one front tooth) for 23 years. Yes..Twenty-three. I have never had any issues except for the tooth popping off of the flipper (No break or cracks) I just reattached it with Krazy Glue. And as for moving or falling… FIXODENT and forget it. I know what I can and cannot eat. Cut your fruits and veggies. Don’t eat things that are very hard on your teeth. Mine does not have the horrible metal that I see on here. I cannot imagine having metal in my mouth all the time. I sleep with mine in and it is not as uncomfortable as waking up next to someone and having to go put my teeth in.