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A dental flipper is a temporary, removable prosthetic used to fill the space left by a missing tooth. It is lightweight, made of acrylic material, and shaped like a retainer with prosthetic teeth attached.
Most patients receive a flipper when they are in between steps of a permanent tooth replacement, after dental implant surgery but before the final dental crown can be attached.
In this blog, we explain what dental flippers are and what other prosthetic tooth replacement options exist if you want a more comfortable or stable solution during the implant healing period.
Table of Contents
- Why You Might Be Given a Flipper
- Alternatives to a Flipper While You Wait for Your Implant
- What Happens After Healing?
- Schedule A Consultation With Our Oral Surgeons In Boulder, CO
A dental flipper is a short-term fix, not a permanent solution. If you need a more stable and comfortable option during implant healing, consider alternatives like an Essix retainer, Maryland bridge, or partial denture, each offering better function while you wait for your final restoration.
Why You Might Be Given a Flipper
When you have a dental implant placed, the titanium post needs time to integrate with your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, usually takes 3–6 months. During that time, the implant cannot support a ceramic tooth or permanent crown yet.
A flipper denture is used in this interim period to:
- Fill the visible gap from a missing front tooth
- Improve appearance and speech
- Prevent adjacent teeth from shifting
Dental flipper teeth are an affordable option and easy to make, but they are not meant to be worn forever.
Problems With Wearing a Flipper Long-Term
While dental flippers are helpful for a few months, most patients find they become frustrating if worn too long.
- They break easily: Flippers are made from soft acrylic material that can crack.
- They shift during speaking or eating: They are not as secure as fixed tooth replacement options.
- They can irritate the gums: Prolonged use may lead to sore spots, inflammation, or damage to gum tissue.
For these reasons, many patients ask about alternatives, especially if they want something more stable during healing.
Alternatives to a Flipper While You Wait for Your Implant
Here are some alternatives to flippers:
1. No Temporary Tooth at All
Some patients choose to go without a temporary tooth, especially if the missing tooth is not visible.
- Pros: No risk of damaging the surgical site, no added cost
- Cons: Visible gap in the smile
This option works best when the missing tooth is not in the smile zone or when protecting your dental health during healing is the top priority.
2. Essix Retainer With a Tooth
An Essix retainer is a clear plastic aligner with a replacement tooth built into it. It covers all the teeth in one arch, similar to Invisalign.
- Pros: More discreet than a flipper, snug fit
- Cons: Less durable, can affect your bite temporarily
Essix retainers are ideal for replacing a single tooth in the front and are considered a temporary prosthetic tooth option.
3. Temporary Maryland Bridge
A resin-bonded bridge (Maryland bridge) uses small wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth to hold a false tooth in place. It is not a removable appliance.
- Pros: No metal clasps, fixed in place, better aesthetics than flippers
- Cons: May loosen over time, not suitable for back teeth or deep bites
This is a good option when you need a longer-term but non-permanent fix that avoids placing dental crowns on healthy adjacent teeth.
4. Stayplate or Acrylic Partial Denture
A stayplate is similar to a flipper but includes more support. It may replace several missing teeth or be made from reinforced materials.
- Pros: Easy to adjust, affordable option for short-term wear
- Cons: Still removable, still not ideal for chewing or long-term function
This is closer to a basic form of partial dentures and offers more stability than a basic flipper tooth.
What Happens After Healing?
Once the implant is fully integrated with your jaw, your dentist will place an abutment and permanent crown. This creates a fully functional, fixed restoration that looks and feels like a natural tooth.
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, we specialize in:
- Precise dental implant surgery for single tooth or multiple tooth loss
- Bone grafting and surgical procedure planning when needed
- Working closely with your dentist to complete permanent restorations with natural aesthetics and proper bite alignment
Learn more about our dental implant services.
Choosing the Right Temporary Option
Your choice depends on:
- Location of the missing teeth
- Your bite and speech needs
- Healing timeline
- Budget and insurance coverage
Our team will walk you through what works best for your oral health and long-term outcome. We offer transparent guidance, whether you are considering a complete denture, dental bridge, or other tooth replacement options.
Schedule A Consultation With Our Oral Surgeons In Boulder, CO
Ready to explore long-term tooth replacement options?
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
