What are flexible dentures?
Missing some of your teeth can be particularly distressing, and not just because of aesthetics or difficulties in chewing; missing teeth can lead to other problems in the long run, like tipping of adjacent teeth, changing the ‘bite’ and causing wear of remaining teeth or jaw joint disorders.
“Partial” dentures are a common way of replacing missing teeth, and can be either “fixed” or “removable.” While fixed partial dentures or “bridges” need sound support teeth that are reduced in size for capping and are expensive, the removable partial dentures are most non-invasive and economical method of missing teeth replacement. These are also suitable for those who have multiple teeth missing and lack healthy surrounding teeth suitable for supporting a bridge.
Removable partial dentures have traditionally been made of either acrylic alone (called ‘flippers’) or, more permanently, with a metal framework supporting the acrylic denture base. In spite of their popularity, a lot of people find these partials uncomfortable to adapt to. The metal framework and acrylic are made to be rigid, as it has long been believed that a rigid denture base is important for denture to be stable in use. However, these rigid denture bases can feel unnatural or cause sore spots. Also, as the gum ridge beneath the denture changes shape over a few years, these dentures become ill-fitting and require frequent re-lining or remaking.
“Flexible dentures” like “Valplast” are newer options that, while being much cheaper than fixed partials, do away with a lot of problems with regular removable dentures. These are made of lightweight but very strong special hypoallergenic nylon material, so they can be designed as very thin non-bulky denture bases that have unmatched comfort. The thin denture base allows the natural shade of the gums to show through, making the denture very aesthetic, especially because no metal clasps are needed. The best quality of these materials is that they are flexible while being strong, which makes the denture flex along with gum tissue during use; this is a huge advantage not just in terms of comfort but also in reducing sore spots and the bone loss that occurs below a rigid denture base.
Caring for flexible dentures is very simple. They can be easily removed for daily cleansing with a regular denture cleanser and stored overnight in water.
“More of my patients are switching to flexible dentures and finding them longer lasting, aesthetic and very comfortable. They are definitely an excellent alternative for those not suitable for implants or bridges because of clinical or economical reasons,” said a family dentist in Frisco who routinely offers flexible dentures as a treatment alternative for missing teeth.
