Filling the Gaps in Patients’ Teeth
What Is a Flipper?
A dental flipper is a removable, temporary prosthetic used to replace a missing tooth while a patient awaits a permanent implant, typically following tooth loss from disease or injury. Because flippers can be taken in and out with ease, cleaning them is a straightforward process. They are also designed to allow comfortable eating while in place.
Common Types of Dental Flippers
There are four basic types of removable flippers:
- Removable dental flipper or retainer. This type of flipper looks just like an orthodontic retainer, except that it has a tooth or teeth attached to fill in the gaps of your natural teeth.
- Delineator. This type is very similar to a removable retainer type, but it’s made of more pliable material and is only suitable for some patients.
- Essix style retainer. This type is basically an invisible aligner tray that has a tooth or teeth in it.
- Snap-on smile. This type covers multiple teeth and resembles a removable bridge.
Am I a Candidate for a Flipper?
If you’re looking for a way to fill in those gaps while you wait for a dental implant, call our Sunnyvale office at (408) 774-1200 or our San Jose office at (408) 300-0767 or email us. Dr. Khatibian will be able to determine which type of flipper will be best for your situation so that you can have your complete smile back!
