Flexible Dentures: Everything you wanted to know

Losing your teeth does not mean that you have to bid farewell to your beautiful smile. When it comes to restoring lost teeth, the two most common options that we present to patients are dental implants and dentures. 

Dental implants are undoubtedly the best treatment modality when it comes to replacing lost teeth. They are stronger, slow down bone loss, and, most importantly, are permanent. Dental implants, however, are costly. Dentures, thus, are an excellent economical alternative solution. Flexible dentures are a specialised variant of conventional dentures that are recommended depending on the patient’s need. 

Flexible dentures: How are they different from conventional dentures? 

Conventional dentures feature a metal base plate, acrylic gums, and resin or porcelain crowns. Although sturdy and durable, traditional dentures can be uncomfortable and contribute to irritation and soreness during the initial days of wear. They are also prone to breakage if dropped. Flexible dentures are a softer and more flexible type of partial denture. They are made with a thin thermoplastic material that bends and flexes to fit the mouth. While standard dentures may be used to replace the entire dentition, flexible dentures are partial and thus can only be used to replace a few missing teeth.

Also Read: 5 Tips for Preparing Your Children for the Dentist Visit 

Flexible Dentures: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Aesthetically pleasing due to the absence of unsightly metal parts
• More comfortable to wear because they are made with soft and flexible material
• Less likely to cause irritation owing to the absence of hard surfaces
• No adhesive required because the denture bends according to the mouth’s shape
• Biocompatible as some patients can be allergic to acrylic, nickel, etc.
• Stain and odor resistant

Cons:

• Not as durable and long-lasting as standard dentures
• Not as strong as regular dentures because they are flexible
• Cannot replace the entire dentition as they are partial dentures
• Much harder to adjust
• More prone to bacteria buildup if not cleaned properly and regularly.

Caring for flexible dentures is comparable to caring for regular dentures. You are required to soak them in denture cleaner tablet solution and brushing them free of any debris. You must then rinse the denture under running water to remove any remaining denture cleaning solution from the denture’s surface. At the Dental Clinic, have a team of experienced professionals to help you with your dentures treatment needs. Book an appointment with our experts today to find the best dental solution for you.