Flexible dentures are in trend these days. Dentists believe they are cosmetically pleasing options compared to traditional acrylic ones. These new dentures are flexible and impart a more natural look.

These modern-world dentures are removable appliances and a boon for those who miss their teeth a lot. They are softer and more flexible than your traditional acrylic dentures, making them a go-to option for your next teeth replacement. But before you step into your dentist’s clinic, here is a quick overview of all that you need to know about them.

What are Flexible Dentures?

Flexible dentures or flexible partial denture are specifically design to replace a few of your missing teeth. Remember, you cannot use them to replace your complete arch. It is usually carv out of a flexible thermoplastic material, such as nylon or a similar resin. 

The choice of material ensures that your new dentures provide the desired sense of comfort and fit better with the shape of your teeth and gums. 

What Do Flexible Dentures Look Like?

Flexible dentures look more or less like your traditional acrylic ones. The key difference lies in the material they are made from. 

While the latter is carve from acrylic material, flexible denture are based on thin and flexible thermoplastic material. 

These dentures have thin extensions that make their way into your natural concavities around your gumline. These extensions mean that you don’t need metal clasps. 

As a result, you can flaunt your smile proudly because now you do not need to hide your metal clasps from others. 

The Benefits of Flexible Dentures

Flexible dentures have the following advantages:

• Comfort: These dentures are construct using soft material. Accordingly, they are less likely to hurt your gums and irritate them. There is also a lower possibility that you might develop sores. Traditional acrylic dentures have irritation and sores as one of their disadvantages. 
• Aesthetics: The base of your new dentures perfectly twins with the natural colour of your gum. This is what makes the flexible partial dentures more attractive to patients and dentists. 
• No Metal Clasps: The problem with your traditional acrylic dentures is that they need metal clasps to hold them in the right place. Flexible dentures can do this with the help of their material only. You do not need additional support from the metal clasps. 
• Hypoallergenic: These dentures are the perfect pick for patients who are allergic to metal and acrylic dentures. 
• Convenience: The frequency of your dentist visits to get dentures reline may be reduce.

The Potential Disadvantages of Flexible Dentures

The following are a few of the drawbacks of flexible dentures:

• Cost: These dentures are more expensive than traditional ones. The high cost follows the use of advanced materials and fabrication techniques. 
• Maintenance: The more high-cost material is involve in constructing your dentures, the more you need to invest in their maintenance.
• Durability: While they are design to be better than your traditional ones in durability, they may not be at times, as they lack the rigidity of metal clasps. 
• Adjustment and Repairs: As these dentures are more flexible, you may have a harder time adjusting and repairing them if they are damage. 
• Biting Strength: Due to their built-up soft material, these dentures may not offer the same level of strength as your traditional acrylic dentures or implant-supported dentures. 
• Gum Strippers: Many users label them as gum strippers, resulting in soreness, irritation, and gum recession. Always consult your dentist if it gets worse.

Are You Eligible for Flexible Dentures?

Flexible dentures work best for people with certain oral health characteristics and lifestyle needs. Here’s who might find them most suitable:

• People with healthy gums and remaining teeth make excellent candidates, as active gum disease or untreated decay needs addressing before denture fitting.
• These dentures are specifically design for those missing several teeth rather than most or all teeth—if you’re in the latter situation, full dentures or other options might serve you better.
• Your jawbone structure matters too. Having enough bone density helps ensure your dentures fit securely and comfortably.
• Age can play a role as well. Younger patients who’ve lost teeth through injury or disease often do well with flexible partials, while older individuals with age-related oral changes might face more adaptation challenges.
• Your lifestyle should factor into your decision. If you take part in high-impact activities or sports, be aware that these dentures might shift during intense movement.
• It’s worth noting that flexible partial dentures aren’t right for everyone. Those with limited mouth mobility or who’ve found traditional acrylic dentures uncomfortable might encounter similar issues with flexible options.

Consulting with your dentist about whether flexible partial dentures match your specific situation is always the best approach to finding the right tooth replacement solution.

How Flexible Dentures are Made?

There is a 3-stage process that your dentist will ask you to undergo:

• Impressions: Once your need for replacement is confirm, your dentist will first take an impression of your upper and lower teeth and gums. This impression serves as a base for crafting a custom-made mold for you.
• Selection of Materials: The choice of material for your flexible dentures is made on the basis of your needs. 
• Final Fitting: Finally, your dentist will carefully fit your new dentures, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. 

The Cost of Flexible Dentures

Flexible dentures can cost anywhere between $700 to $3,000 per arch. This variation depends on factors like the number of teeth being replace, the materials used, and the dental provider’s fees.

Takeaway

Flexible dentures are the best alternative to your traditional acrylic ones. They are usually thinner and lightweight. Their flexibility makes them the user’s first choice for comfort and ease. These dentures are ideal for those who find it difficult to adjust to the traditional acrylic dentures’ fit and feel. Moreover, they are popular for imparting a more natural look. 

However, you cannot simply overlook their cons. As they are made from advance materials to offer a soft touch, they are expensive and require careful cleaning and maintenance. Their softer material is more prone to becoming a harboring ground for oral bacteria. Talk to your dentist now to decide if you’re the right fit.

Norwood Dental is your trusted destination for complete oral health solutions, including preventive and restorative dentistry. Whether you’re looking for general Norwood dental care treatments or advice on advanced procedures, our skilled team takes a patient-centric approach to oral wellness. 

If looking for a reliable dentist in norwood, our clinic is here to help restore and maintain your smile.

To book an appointment, visit Norwood Dental.

Our address: 77 Broadway, Norwood, MA 02062.