A flipper tooth may be just the thing for those looking for an affordable and easy way to fill in a missing space. These faux teeth can be ordered through your dentist, and they are beneficial to many though they do have a few drawbacks. Read on to find out more so you can make the best decision when it comes to filling in that missing space in your mouth.
Removable But Natural-looking
Flippers are made of a material that can be colored to perfectly match the surrounding teeth and are attached to a piece that is meant to adhere and blend in with your gums. The fit is key and the pink gum portion of the flipper should fit flush to the top or bottom of your mouth. You can eat with a flipper, but it has to be removed every day for cleaning. Failing to do so might mean the growth of bacteria and that might lead to gum diseases. Flippers can be made to fit anywhere in your mouth and do more than just improve the appearance of your smile.
What to Know About a Flipper Tooth
- Flippers present a relatively fast way to mask a missing tooth. Once your dentist measures for a perfect fit, the flipper could be ready to go as quickly as a day or two later. That means your dentist could remove a damaged tooth and you could have a flipper ready to fill in the gap in no time at all.
- Flippers can create a filler that fools your gums. When your underlying gum and bone tissue perceive a tooth is missing, the bone can deteriorate beneath that area. That can lead to a sunken appearance in your lower jaw area and make it more difficult if want a more permanent solution later, like an implant.
- Flippers look great and feel natural in your mouth, but they are not as long-lasting as an implant, bridge or denture. More care is needed along with the avoidance of hard candy and other tough, sticky foods. You can, however, remove the flipper easily if needed while you eat.
- Flippers are undoubtedly the least-expensive option for filling a missing tooth. While costs vary, they often cost less than about $500. Many people opt for a flipper, at least temporarily, while getting ready for a more permanent dental solution.
When a missing tooth causes you embarrassment, a flipper might be just the thing. Speak to your dentist to find out more about a flipper.
Our oral surgery and general dental website offers important information on how to prevent dry socket following a tooth extraction. After getting your tooth pulled, a protective blood clot develops over the extraction site. Many of our blog posts explain how this protective clot helps promote healing after an extraction.
You'll learn that if the clot is accidentally dislodged, dry socket may occur, which can raise your risk for infection and heavy bleeding. We'll provide you with important tips on how to prevent this by avoiding smoking and drinking through a straw. You'll also learn that swishing water around your mouth should be avoided for a couple of days following your extraction because doing so creates a suction that may dislodge your clot, leading to dry socket.