Losing your teeth doesn’t need to be a death sentence for an attractive smile. When you need to replace missing teeth, you can opt for various options, including flexible partial dentures.
These specialized dentures promise to restore your beautiful smile and the functionality of your teeth with their softer thermoplastic materials like nylon.
In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about flexible partial dentures to see how they work, how much they cost, and if they are a better option than regular dentures.
Flexible dentures are manufactured from softer, thermoplastic materials like nylon.
They naturally adapt to the unique shape of your gums and teeth, settling into position when inserted.
They look realistic as the material used is transparent, enabling the natural color of your gum to show through.
Flexible dentures are much less likely to break if they’re dropped compared to the more rigid, traditional dentures.
Since they are more prone to plaque and bacterial buildup, they require regular cleaning.
People with gingival recession, titled teeth, or cleft palate are suitable for flexible dentures.
They are a good option for patients allergic to acrylic or metal.
If you are new to replacement teeth, flexible dentures are better as they have a more comfortable fit than regular dentures.
Flexible dentures are made from nylon or other thin thermoplastic, flexible material. They are softer than the thicker, rigid acrylic used in regular dentures. Since they are made from more delicate materials, they are bendable and flexible, hence the name flexible dentures. [1]
This type of false teeth are also more comfortable to wear because they don’t need a metal clasp to keep them in place. They naturally adapt to the shape of your teeth and gums. Flexible partial dentures replace a few missing teeth, and anyone can use them because of their comfort. You can remove them and put them back in place whenever you want.
Since they are made of a translucent material, they look much more realistic than other regular dentures, giving you a natural and pleasing smile.
Flexible dentures go by several different names:
In addition to these, they are often referred to as their brand name. Popular brands include Snap-On Sunflex, Flexite, and Ultraflex.
Flexible dentures are made of a soft, thermoplastic material that can replace a few missing teeth by naturally adapting to your gum and tooth contours.
Flexible dentures are a suitable tooth replacement option for patients who are:
Flexible dentures can come in handy for those with a few teeth missing who want a comfortable solution instead of traditional, hard dentures. Patients who don’t like extensive dental implants and surgeries can also opt for flexible dentures as they offer a far less-invasive alternative.
Similarly, some may be allergic to acrylic or nickel, so choosing flexible nylon dentures is better. In addition, since flexible partial dentures are bendable and easier to insert, they can benefit patients with tilted teeth.
Those with a limited mouth opening in diseases, including microstomia, and scleroderma, can also benefit from such dentures. Moreover, flexible dentures can retain patients with irregular bone ridges better. [2]
Flexible dentures are a suitable alternative for people who are conscious of the aesthetics of using metal clasps on their front teeth. Lastly, flexible dentures are a cheaper dental treatment for patients who cannot afford expensive tooth replacement options such as bridges and implant-supported dentures. [3]
Flexible dentures are suitable for patients with a limited mouth opening, titled teeth, and irregular bony ridges and people looking for a cheaper, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and minimally invasive solution to missing teeth.
Flexible dentures cost varies based on the clinic and the different procedures involved. They will set you some $700-$1500 back if you get them without additional costs. However, if you also want teeth removal along with the dentures, the initial fee will go up by $75-$400 for simple single tooth extraction and $200-$600 for surgical extraction.
So, getting the best partial dentures will come to around $1000 to $8000, depending upon your requirements. Medical insurance usually covers full or at least partial costs.
In addition, loss or damage of a flexible denture also costs something, although not as much as a new denture. Similarly, a quality denture cleaner will set you back $30 to $60 a year.
>>Check the best prices for flexible dentures
There are many reasons why you may prefer flexible dentures over regular dentures. Let us compare the two tooth replacement options to see which one is on top.
For starters, regular dentures are acrylic and held in place by a metal wire. On the other hand, flexible dentures are made from durable materials such as nylon.
While traditional dentures are hefty, flexible dentures are lightweight and fit your mouth easily. No metal is involved in their build. You can hardly even notice that you are wearing flexible dentures.
Since regular dentures are made from stiffer materials such as acrylic resin, they are easily prone to cracking and other problems. If you drop your acrylic dentures, they have a greater chance of damage. And this means higher repair costs.
Comparatively, flexible partial dentures have better durability and can withstand shocks as they are manufactured with thin thermoplastic materials.
Unlike regular dentures, flexible partial dentures give you a more natural appearance. The thermoplastic material is translucent, making your gums easily visible, resulting in excellent aesthetics.
Moreover, in flexible dentures, there are no metal clasps at all. The clasps used in flexible dentures are manufactured out of thermoplastic nylons. You can wear them on the front teeth without compromising aesthetics.
While largely stain-resistant, they may yellow over time. So, It’s useful to learn how to whiten dentures to keep a fresh appearance.
Dentures differ in levels of comfort as well. Flexible dentures are undoubtedly more comfortable than traditional dentures as they are softer. You can wear them all day without feeling any discomfort.
On the flip side, regular dentures are super rigid and can constantly rub against your gums, causing irritation and pain.
Similarly, traditional dentures contain a metal clasp that can irritate the soft tissues of your mouth. Conversely, flexible dentures have no such metal materials, so there is no chance of irritation.
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The process for custom designing flexible dentures requires less preparation time than regular dentures.
Moreover, no invasive procedure is involved like in dental implants, and you do not have to visit the doctor as often. At the same time, regular dentures require at least four visits to the dentist and nearly 4-6 weeks of preparation.
In addition to that, if you need to go through tooth extraction and other related procedures, the calendar can reach up to ten weeks.
Soft and flexible partial dentures can lead to bacterial growth in your mouth, causing gingivitis and other gum diseases. [4]
So, you need to take your oral hygiene seriously and learn how to clean dentures regularly to avoid any issues. Conversely, normal dentures face fewer hygiene issues, so you can be more relaxed while using them.
Flexible dentures are much more durable than their normal alternatives. However, if you somehow break them, repairing them becomes a headache. Partial solutions may not work properly as you sometimes have to replace the whole set.
Flexible dentures are more comfortable, natural-looking, and cost-effective than normal dentures. Also, they have a shorter preparation process to manufacture a perfect fit and don’t break easily. However, they need more regular maintenance and are harder to repair if they break.
The type of flexible denture depends on the number and distribution of the remaining teeth on the dental arches or their total absence, and are named based on their make i.e. TCS, Polyon, Biodentaplast, etc. [8]
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Customers have given mostly positive reviews about flexible partial dentures on the internet. Let us discuss common themes found in those reviews and see what people think.
Flexible partial dentures are comfortable and easy to use for people new to dentures. There is nothing complex about their fit as they are a grab-and-go product.
Since they are custom-made for your mouth, lightweight, and flexible, the adjustment period is more straightforward. Some say they are so comfortable they have even slept with them in their mouth.
Flexible partial dentures seem to restore people’s smiles and make them confident. Nobody wants to smile when some of their teeth are missing, so having a complete set of teeth back helps you feel better.
Many patients have also praised the affordability of flexible partial dentures because they fit their budget well. When you compare flexible dentures vs implants, flexible dentures are much more affordable.
In addition, the costs of regular visits to the dentist are also cut down significantly.
Since the material for flexible dentures is pink and translucent, the underlying tissue appears more natural than regular dentures. Also, there’s no metal clasp to worry about being visible. It also means people with metal allergies can use flexible dentures safely. [5]
Customers love partial dentures, bringing back their confidence while being affordable and more natural-looking. [6]
>>Check the best prices for flexible dentures
Flexible dentures are comfortable, affordable, durable, and don’t require surgical procedures or denture adhesives. Additionally, they look more like your natural teeth.
Flexible dentures need to be frequently replaced, are only suitable for a few missing teeth, and aren’t a viable option for patients with oral diseases.
>>Check the best prices for flexible dentures
Check with your current dentist if they offer flexible partial dentures. And if they don’t, ask them to suggest some quality dentists in your locality. Similarly, your friends & family may also know a dentist offering flexible partial dentures near you.
If you are still out of luck, search the internet for a quality dentist offering flexible partial dentures. You will find multiple clinics with hundreds of reviews, which you can use to make an informed decision.
Ask your dentist or search the internet for quality flexible dentures. Alternatively, you can ask your friends or family for a dentist that offers flexible dentures near you.
What are the most important things to know about flexible dentures?
Flexible dentures are an affordable alternative to traditional options. They are not only natural-looking, but also more durable for day-to-day usage. Some concerns, such as regular cleaning, are not a big deal if you maintain a hygienic routine.
Always choose a reputable dental team who can do a thorough checkup, especially if you have a medical condition. Ask your dentist to recommend you a reputable brand. Weigh everything carefully and decide whether flexible dentures are worth it for you.
>>Check the best prices for flexible dentures
