3 Questions About Dental Flippers
Has your dentist recently recommended that you get a dental flipper, but you don't know much about it? Here are some questions you are likely to have about dental flippers.
What Exactly Are Dental Flippers?
A dental flipper is essentially a temporary removable partial denture. The device is called a flipper because the entire device can be removed from your mouth by flipping it out with your tongue. The purpose of the dental flipper is to improve the looks of your teeth so that the gap is filled in while you wait for another dental solution that is more permanent.
Dental flippers are also used to fill in the gap between your teeth so that the teeth do not shift. You may have a tooth extracted with a plan to put in a dental implant at a later date. The flipper preserves the gap so that you can get the dental implant when you are ready for it. Without the flipper, the teeth will drift into the open space.
Can You Use A Dental Flipper To Eat?
A dental flipper is easy to remove, so it is not going to stay in your mouth very well. That is why people will remove their dental flipper when they are eating. Most flippers are not designed to withstand the amount of pressure needed to chew food, since they are there purely for aesthetic reasons.
However, technology is always advancing when it comes to dental appliances, and flippers are now being made that are strong enough to be used for eating. These flippers are made out of a flexible nylon material, with a clasp that grips onto your surrounding teeth so that it does not move. This type of flipper does cost more money, though, and you may not want it if the flipper is only a temporary solution to your dental problem.
How Long Are Flippers Meant To Be Used?
A dental flipper is not meant to be used as a long-term solution for a missing tooth. It is common to use a flipper after a tooth extraction during the time where the jawbone is healing. This means that you only need a temporary solution for a few weeks, rather than a solution that will last for years. That's where a dental flipper comes into play, because it is affordable for the length of time that it is meant to be used.
Reach out to your dentist for more information about dental flippers.
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