A fixed dental bridge has many advantages over removable prosthetics such as dental flippers. While the former is a permanent solution and provides stability of the bite, the latter can be a good temporary answer when waiting for permanent dental work to be finished.
Flippers
Acrylic, removable, partial dentures, or flippers, are temporary and economical. A lab can make them quickly and inexpensively. Some of the more apparent problems with flippers are that they are unstable and provide an unreliable bite. Other complications are possible irritation and long term damage to gum tissue.
There are certain situations where use of a removable partial denture is appropriate.
- For temporary use while waiting for an implant or fixed bridge to be completed
- If affordability is the main concern
When waiting up to six months for an implant to heal before having a crown placed, a temporary prosthetic can be a good solution. If financial restrictions mean this is only alternative to no tooth at all, temporary acrylic partials are most inexpensive way to replace missing teeth.
What are some of the problems with flippers?
- They are brittle and break easily
- They become loose easily
- The design of dental flippers makes them somewhat unhygienic - part of the gum tissue and palate are covered by the appliance, and saliva cannot effectively clean the common bacteria that exists in the mouth. If not cared for properly, flippers can cause gum disease and further tooth decay.
Fixed Bridges
A permanent, or fixed, bridge is an appliance consisting of pontics (replacement teeth) held in place by crowns that are placed on adjacent, healthy teeth. They are manufactured by a lab from a customized impression of your teeth and gums made by the dentist.
The number one benefit of course, is that it is cemented in and is therefore stable and cannot be removed except by the dentist. This gives the patient a better, more stable bite so they can chew and speak confidently. While some follow up and maintenance appointments are necessary, fixed bridges are a convenient and economical alternative to dental implants.
What are some other alternatives to flipper teeth?
Removable metal partial dentures: These are made from Cobalt-Chrome and have many advantages over acrylic dentures.
Dental Implants: Implants are the ideal method of tooth replacement and provide the best natural feeling bite for chewing and speaking, as well as creating an aesthetically pleasing result.
Fixed Bridges and more in Scottsdale, AZ
If you are in the Scottsdale area, call Dr. Michael Kelly. He is experienced and offers several quality solutions for your dental concerns from basic cleaning and exams to fixed bridges and full dental implantations.