Losing your teeth can be difficult. Not only will you lose your self-esteem and confidence, but you will also find it challenging to do your everyday activities, like eating, talking, and smiling. Fortunately, with all the technological advancements in dentistry, you don’t have to wave goodbye to all these.
There are many restorative dentistry options that can get you your smile back, and one of them is the use of flexible dentures.
This post takes you through the nitty-gritty of flexible dentures, looking at what they are, what they are made of, their pros & cons, and much more to help you decide if they are right for you.
What are Flexible Dentures?
Flexible dentures are a type of partial dentures. They are made from softer and suppler materials than traditional dentures. This makes them more bendable and flexible, hence their popular name.
Flexible dentures are designed to look and function like your natural teeth and can be used to replace missing or lost teeth. They may also be removed whenever you feel like and are sometimes used as placeholders as you gear up to getting dental implant surgery.
Who is a Good Candidate for Flexible Dentures?
Ideally, the best candidates for flexible dentures are those that are missing two or more teeth from the same area of their mouth. They are also recommended for those searching for a more comfortable and less invasive alternative to traditional dentures and implants.
Here are some other considerations that you can make to identify if you are the right candidate for flexible dentures:
- You have thin gums: patients with thin gums are best considered for flexible dentures, as the heavier acrylic dentures can exert significant amounts of force onto the gums, which can be highly uncomfortable.
- You have allergic reactions to metal or acrylic: studies reveal that 2% of the population are allergic to acrylic resin, while 3% are allergic to metal dentures. To cater to this population, flexible dentures are one of the best solutions.
- Poorly aligned natural teeth: flexible dentures do not require metal hooks to hold the dentures in place, so if you have misaligned natural teeth, you do not have to worry about how they will be held.
- Patients with limited mouth opening: a medical condition known as microstomia can make it challenging to insert dentures in place. Thanks to their flexibility, you can quickly get flexible dentures in place if you’re experiencing limited mouth opening.
- Presence of tilted teeth: patients with tilted teeth can benefit from flexible dentures due to their easy insertion and flexibility.
First, it would be prudent to discuss with a qualified dentist to determine your candidacy for flexible dentures. These may not be the right option for you if you have loose teeth or a poor prognosis.
Moreover, it should be noted that you can’t add teeth to a flexible partial denture. If there’s a chance that you may (have to) lose some extra teeth in the future, flexible dentures may be put away from the equation.
What are Flexible Dentures Made Of?
Flexible dentures are typically constructed of nylon or other thin thermoplastics. They differ from the thick, more rigid acrylic used in traditional dentures, making them more bendable and flexible. Since they are made from softer materials, many people can be good candidates. However, it is best to consult with your dentist before settling on flexible dentures.
Pros and Cons of Flexible Dentures
There are countless benefits that come with wearing flexible dentures. Principally, flexible dentures are preferred because they are flexible and more comfortable than traditional dentures.
Just like immediate dentures, flexible dentures take a short (or even shorter) period to make. This makes them better adapt to the shape of your teeth and gums. Here are some notable pros of flexible dentures.
Advantages of Flexible Dentures
- They are quicker to make and fix.
- Thin, and bendable.
- More comfortable, thanks to their soft material.
- It doesn’t absorb stains and smell.
- Offers a natural look.
- They strongly adhere to your gums without requiring hooks or adhesives.
Disadvantages of Flexible Dentures
- They are more prone to bacterial buildup.
- Although they are less likely to break compared to regular dentures, flexible dentures may prove to be beyond repair once damaged and you may be forced to purchase a new set.
Flexible Partial Dentures vs Metal
Flexible partial dentures are the perfect solution to those avoiding the discomfort and downsides presented by traditional dentures which are made from acrylic resin with a metal base. Although the latter is considered a sturdy option, they are often uncomfortable and cause irritation and soreness, especially during the first few days of wear.
The other challenge posed by traditional dentures is that they can easily break.
On the other hand, flexible dentures are made from thinner and softer materials, meaning there are few chances of getting irritations. Furthermore, the material used is quite flexible and rarely ever breaks.
Although flexible dentures were made to address some of the challenges seen on traditional dentures, the latter still have an upper hand over the former in various aspects. For instance, standard dentures are ideal for replacing a full arch of missing teeth while flexibles are simply partial.
Here’s a quick comparison of flexible partial dentures vs metal dentures:
Flexible dentures
- More flexible, soft materials
- Partial denture
- Less irritation and soreness
- Looks natural but doesn’t feel natural
- Made from nylon and thin thermoplastics
Traditional dentures
- Sturdy, and less flexible (rigid) materials
- Full denture
- May cause irritation and soreness
- The heavy weight makes them look and feel natural
- Made from acrylic resin and metal
How Much do Flexible Dentures Cost?
Flexible dentures cost between $700 and $3,000. However, just like the general cost of dentures, the total cost depends on various factors, including the procedures involved, the number of teeth to be replaced, the dentist, and the location.
The types of flexible dentures used, based on the brands, is also a significant consideration on their total cost. Regardless of your condition or location, you can always find affordable dentures and implants to match your budget.
Are Flexible Dentures Really Good?
Flexible dentures will only be good for you if you are the right candidate. If you are not the ideal candidate, you may not get the results that you hoping to get from these dentures. As a rule of thumb, it is crucial first to discuss these options with your dentist to help you determine if you are a good candidate.
You should also go through some flexible partial dentures before and after images to see how you’d be should you go for them.
Nevertheless, flexible dentures are good as they are durable, flexible, and made from soft materials that cause little to no irritation or soreness.
Conclusion
Flexible dentures are a perfect fit for many, thanks to their flexibility, comfort, and efficiency. On the other hand, they also have their shortcomings. If you’re considering them as a choice, ensure first to consult with your dentist.
