Affordable, Flexible Options to Fill the Gaps in Your Smile
Flippers & Removable Partial Dentures in Palo Alto
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you’re not alone — and you have options. At Beckstead Dental Group, we offer flippers and removable partial dentures to restore your smile with comfort, function, and affordability in mind. Whether you’re looking for a short-term solution or a removable long-term replacement, our team is here to guide you through the best option for your lifestyle and goals.
With gentle care and personalized treatment, we provide the dentures Palo Alto patients rely on for renewed confidence and oral health.
What Are Removable Partial Dentures?
Removable partial dentures are dental prosthetics used to replace one or more missing teeth when some natural teeth still remain. These appliances typically consist of a metal or acrylic base that supports artificial teeth and clasps onto nearby natural teeth for support. They are custom-made to fit securely and comfortably in your mouth, improving your ability to chew, speak, and smile with ease.
Removable partial dentures are an ideal choice for patients who are not ready or suitable for dental implants or bridges. They can be removed for cleaning and while sleeping, which makes them easy to maintain and adjust over time.
What Is a Flipper?
A flipper is a specific type of removable partial denture, generally used as a temporary solution while you’re waiting for a more permanent option like an implant or bridge. Flippers are lightweight, made from acrylic, and usually replace just one or two teeth. They are popular because of their low cost, quick fabrication time, and simplicity.
While not as durable as traditional removable partial dentures, flippers offer an aesthetic solution that restores your smile and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting during your treatment timeline. For patients healing from surgery or undergoing orthodontic treatment, flippers are often a great in-between choice.
When Are Flippers the Right Choice?
Flippers may be recommended in situations where:
- You’ve recently had a tooth extracted and are waiting for healing to complete before implant placement.
- You need a fast, cosmetic solution for a missing front tooth.
- You are not ready to commit to a more permanent restoration.
- You’re undergoing orthodontic or implant-related procedures and need a temporary filler.
While flippers are not designed for long-term use, they are a valuable tool in phased treatment plans and provide an immediate improvement in appearance and function.
Benefits of Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures offer many benefits for patients looking to restore their smile:
- Cost-Effective: Less expensive than implants or fixed bridges.
- Non-Invasive: No surgery required, unlike with implants.
- Aesthetic Improvement: Artificial teeth are custom-shaded to match your natural teeth.
- Preserves Alignment: Helps prevent surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap.
- Customizable Fit: Designed to fit your mouth and adjusted as needed over time.
Our team will walk you through the entire process, from impressions to final fitting, to ensure your removable partial dentures provide a secure and natural feel.
The Process of Getting Flippers or Removable Partial Dentures
When you visit Beckstead Dental Group, your dentist will first perform a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. We’ll discuss your medical and dental history, assess the number and location of missing teeth, and review your goals for comfort, appearance, and cost.
If a flipper is the right fit for your current needs, we’ll take impressions of your mouth to fabricate a custom piece. These are usually ready within a few days to a couple of weeks. If you’re getting removable partial dentures for long-term use, we may also take digital scans, perform adjustments for fit, and provide guidance on using and caring for your appliance.
Both flippers and removable partial dentures are fully removable, making them easy to clean and adjust as needed. We’ll make sure you understand how to insert, remove, and maintain your appliance before you leave our office.
How to Care for Your Flippers and Removable Partial Dentures
To keep your appliance looking and functioning its best, follow these care tips:
- Daily Cleaning: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or denture brush to clean your appliance each day. Avoid abrasive toothpaste, as it can damage the material.
- Soak Overnight: Store your flipper or denture in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water while you sleep. Never let it dry out.
- Handle Gently: Avoid dropping your appliance, as acrylic components can crack or warp.
- Oral Hygiene: Keep your natural teeth and gums healthy by brushing and flossing daily. A clean mouth supports the longevity of your prosthetic.
- Regular Checkups: Visit us every six months so we can ensure your flipper or denture continues to fit properly and examine your overall oral health.
Our team is always available to help if your appliance feels loose, becomes damaged, or needs a professional cleaning.
Are There Alternatives?
Depending on your needs, we may also recommend other tooth replacement options, such as:
- Dental Implants: A permanent and highly durable solution.
- Fixed Bridges: Ideal if you have healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
- Complete Dentures: Used when all teeth in an arch are missing.
At Beckstead Dental Group, we’ll help you understand all your options before starting any treatment.
Restore Your Smile with the Dentures Palo Alto Relies On
Flippers and removable partial dentures are simple yet powerful tools to restore your smile, boost your confidence, and protect your oral health. Whether you need a short-term solution or a removable option for daily use, our experienced team is here to help.
Contact Beckstead Dental Group today to learn more about your options and schedule a consultation. Let us help you find the smile solution that fits your needs, your timeline, and your life.