715-845-3200Missing teeth can be a problem. They can make it difficult for you to eat or speak effectively, and you may become self-conscious in social situations. And if you are missing your front teeth, the discomfort may be even greater, and most of the time, you would just as soon not smile and keep your mouth closed. There are different options for replacing your front teeth. You may benefit from a bridge, and dental implants are also very popular for solving this particular problem. However, a bridge or implants may be a little cost-prohibitive for some, and if that is the case for you, you might want to consider a flipper denture.
A flipper is not exactly a true denture. It is a retainer with prosthetic teeth mounted on the front. In most cases, a flipper is used as a temporary measure while permanent dentures are made or you are preparing for implants or a bridge, but because a flipper is an inexpensive option, many people choose to wear one permanently. A flipper gets its name from the fact that it can be easily moved, or flipped out of place with your tongue. This is not advised, since a flipper is not as strong as a true denture. You should also be careful when biting and eating.
You should clean your flipper with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that has been made for dentures, or dish or hand soap. The abrasives found regular toothpaste can damage the acrylic in your flipper. You need to place it in a denture- soaking solution overnight, and whenever you aren’t wearing it.
If you have missing front teeth and would like to learn more about a flipper, dentures, or implants, our dentists, Dr. Paul Szmanda, Dr. Jim Soblewski, Dr. Kim Kutzler and Dr. Yvonne Schmitz will be glad to give you an exam and discuss your options with you. If you live in the Wausau, Wisconsin, area and would like to make an appointment at Szmanda Dental, call 715-845-3200 today. Let’s get started on repairing your smile!