For those who are missing teeth, dentures have been a popular solution for centuries. False teeth provide patients with the ability to eat comfortably and enjoy the smile they had before they lost their teeth. Over time, medical advances have created better-fitting, higher quality dentures, and the progress has continued with flexible partial dentures. These are models made of softer material that provide a more natural look and feel to those who need dentures.
Flexible partial dentures are a great option to consider if you are in need of false teeth for part or all of your mouth. Doctors can mold them to perfectly fit your mouth and they can be modeled for partial or full dentures. Speak to one of our dentists today to see if flexible partial dentures are right for you.
For decades, nearly all forms of dentures were made of rigid materials. Most dentures are comprised of metal materials and feature porcelain teeth. While these materials provided the functionality of easier eating, they did not look very natural and often didn’t feel natural, either. Over time, technology has advanced, making it easier for engineers to invent better options.
Today’s dentures feature a blend of metal, plastic and acrylic materials. These softer materials make for a more comfortable fit and a stronger bite. As technology has developed further, flexible partial dentures have now arrived. These models have a base made of softer nylon material, making for the easiest fit yet. Many patients say that flexible dentures feel much more comfortable and allow for a much more natural bite.
The benefits of flexible partial dentures are leaps and bounds better than traditional dentures. The newer technology and advanced design make them unique compared to the older styles of dentures. Some benefits include:
Easy adjustment
Hard dentures can be tough to get used to. Flexible models are made of a softer base, making it easier for you to adjust to the new feel. This allows for the feeling of natural teeth much faster.
Tighter grip
Traditional dentures require adhesive to hold them in place, but flexible partial dentures naturally hug the gum line so there is no need for extra adhesive or reapplying of adhesive on a regular basis. Many denture patients complain about the need for adhesive, which is not a problem for users of flexible models.
Clear material
Flexible dentures made of nylon material offer a clear gum line so your dentures look more natural compared to other rigid models. The material can hug the gum line tighter, and the clear material allows the natural gum color to shine through.
Quicker manufacturing
Due to the harder materials and extra craftsmanship, traditional dentures take longer to engineer and fix. With flexible partial dentures, your false teeth are ready quicker and can be repaired quicker, too.
Stronger construction
Due to their flexibility and nylon base, removable partial dentures are less susceptible to cracks and breaks, especially if dropped. This means you can worry less about breaking them easily, needing costly repairs and not having them available for days or weeks.
Easier chewing
Many denture patients complain about difficulty chewing and opening their mouth fully. Flexible partial dentures make it much easier to do both. The material is much more malleable, making it easy to maneuver your mouth more easily.
There is a wealth of benefits associated with flexible dentures. The only slight disadvantage that some patients report is that the material needs better cleaning than traditional denture material. Due to the flexible material and it’s closer adhesion to the gum line, flexible dentures tend to absorb more bacteria. They need to be regularly brushed and flossed on a daily basis to ensure cleanliness.
When it comes to choosing dentures, a flexible partial denture is the best choice for most patients. Speak to our dentist today to learn more about flexible partial dentures and how they can help you improve your smile.