One of the best things about modern dentistry is that you have plenty of options for false teeth. When it comes time to make a decision though, this may feel a bit more frustrating than expected. How do you decide on the best fake teeth option for your smile? For replacing a few missing teeth, some of your best options are dental implants, traditional partial dentures, and flexible dentures.
At Rockville Dental Arts, our team is ready to answer all the questions you may have to help you make the right false teeth decision for you. With a thorough exam and consultation, we can take a closer look at how the pros and cons of your different fake teeth options will apply to the help of your smile and create a personalized solution. It’s important to speak with your dentist before making a decision about flexible partial dentures, as professional advice ensures you choose the best option for your needs.
To better help you understand your choices, in this article we’ll take a closer look at an option you may not have heard of: flexible dentures. We’ll also discuss the process required to prepare dentures, which can involve multiple visits and some waiting time. What are they? Who are they best for? And will they make your smile look natural?
Let’s dive in.
Introduction to Flexible Partial Dentures
Flexible partial dentures are an excellent option for patients looking for a comfortable and functional way to replace missing teeth. Unlike traditional partial dentures, which often use rigid materials and metal clasps, a flexible partial denture is crafted from a softer, biocompatible material that adapts naturally to the shape of your mouth. This makes flexible partials a great alternative to traditional dentures, especially for those who experience irritation or discomfort from stiffer materials.
One of the standout features of flexible partial dentures is that they are made from materials like Valplast, which are resistant to staining and odors. This means your denture will continue to look and feel fresh, even with daily wear. Because they are metal-free, flexible partial dentures are also an excellent option for patients with allergies or sensitivities to metal clasps. The gentle, flexible material is kind to your gums and helps reduce the risk of irritation, making them a comfortable choice for long-term use.
If you’re considering your options for addressing tooth loss, a consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a flexible partial denture is right for you. Your dentist can review your oral health, discuss your preferences, and help you choose the denture option that will restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
The Difference Between Traditional And Flexible Dentures
Traditional false teeth are made from stiff materials. The partial traditional dentures are made from a pink acrylic for the gums with fake teeth attached and metal to help hold them in place. They are designed to attempt to stay discreet. However, they do have metal inside of them, which both makes them stiffer and can create a small problem toward keeping them unseen when you smile. An experienced dentist will help work with this to make sure they stay as natural looking and feeling as possible.
Traditional partial dentures are still a strong option that are convenient and affordable. They also offer the traditional benefits of fake teeth, like filling in the gaps in your smile, making it more natural to eat, and keeping your natural teeth in place.
The difference between more modern flexible dentures and traditional options is that the flexible version is made from softer, thin thermoplastic materials. These thin materials provide a comfortable fit and help minimize visibility inside the mouth, enhancing esthetics. This gives a number of benefits many patients prefer over the traditional option, but also some new challenges.
Types of Flexible Partial Dentures
When it comes to flexible partial dentures, patients have several excellent options to choose from, each designed to provide a comfortable fit and natural appearance. Two of the most popular types are Valplast and DuraFlex partial dentures.
Valplast partial dentures are especially well-known for their comfortable fit and lifelike aesthetics. Made from a biocompatible material, Valplast flexible partial dentures are resistant to staining and odors, ensuring your denture remains fresh and attractive over time. The flexible nature of Valplast allows the partial denture to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and gums, making it an excellent option for patients who want a discreet and durable solution.
DuraFlex is another flexible partial denture material that offers similar benefits, providing a lightweight and comfortable alternative to traditional partial dentures. Both Valplast flexible partials and other flexible options are designed to be gentle on the gums and suitable for patients with allergies or sensitivities to metal.
Choosing the best type of flexible partial denture depends on your individual needs and preferences. A consultation with your dentist will help you explore the available materials and find the perfect fit for your smile, ensuring you enjoy both comfort and confidence with your new dentures.
The Advantages of Flexible Dentures
They’re comfortable. For people new to dentures, these are a more comfortable option for false teeth. They are custom made for your mouth, lightweight, and flexible. This can make the adjustment period a lot easier. Flexible partial dentures allow for comfortable eating and natural movement, and wearing them is more comfortable since they do not require adhesives that could cause irritation.
They are a durable solution. Traditional dentures are more prone to cracking and other problems, as they are made from stiffer materials. Flexible partial dentures are more resistant to break and damage from falls compared to traditional dentures.
The flexible material makes for more natural looking fake teeth. There is no metal to worry about being seen and the pink material for the gums tends to appear more natural than traditional partial dentures.
There is no metal. Again, this makes them appear more natural. It also means people with metal allergies can use flexible dentures safely.
They are easy to custom design for the patient. The process for designing custom flexible dentures takes less time at the dentist for the patient to get a great fit that works well. The complete process of getting flexible partial dentures can take up to ten weeks from start to finish.
Flexible partial dentures are typically more affordable and offer several advantages over traditional options. Valplast offers comfort, aesthetics, and affordability, making it a preferred choice for many patients.
The Disadvantages of Flexible Dentures
The biggest disadvantage to these partial false teeth for patients is that the flexible material is more prone to growing bacteria on the surface. If not cleaned properly, this bacterial buildup can lead to gum disease, which may result in tooth loss and other systemic health problems. It is essential to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing, to prevent bacterial buildup and maintain oral health. While flexible partial dentures are durable, they can be more difficult to repair if damaged, sometimes requiring complete replacement. This can be overcome with thorough and proper care for the partial dentures.
Our dental team at Rockville Dental Arts will go over how to clean the fake teeth thoroughly and answer any questions you may have to ensure you can properly care for them in the long term.
Or maybe you should consider dental implants…
Making The Right Decision For Your False Teeth
Are you convinced of the right solution for your partial tooth replacement? It’s natural to waver on what the right decision is for your smile. That’s why our team is always ready to answer any questions you may have.
We see patients with a variety of backgrounds and needs every day. It’s important to have a team you can trust at your back to help you make the right decision for your needs.
Flexible dentures are an excellent decision for many people with missing teeth. They’ll keep your smile looking natural, help you feel more confident, and keep your remaining teeth from moving in your mouth.
Do you have more questions? Please contact us using the form on this website or by calling our office and we’ll be happy to help you. You can also read our patient reviews to learn about other patients’ experiences.