Most people have a pretty clear idea of what dentures look like – replica teeth on a rigid framework that fits against your gums and the roof of your mouth.
Flexible dentures are a little different. As the name suggests, they are made of more flexible materials, which creates a thinner, lighter, flexible framework.
There are several benefits to wearing flexible dentures:
- They can be more comfortable for people who find rigid dentures uncomfortable to wear.
- Many wearers find them more aesthetically appealing because of how the flexible framework hides well inside the mouth.
- They are an affordable option for wearers on a wide range of budgets.
We would be happy to discuss flexible dentures with you if you’d like to talk to one of our consultants about the differences and whether flexible dentures are right for you.
More benefits of flexible dentures
Some of the benefits of flexible dentures come from the way they fit alongside your existing natural teeth.
There are several characteristics that wearers often find preferable with flexible dentures:
- No need for metal clasps to hold flexible dentures in place.
- No need to alter or drill your natural teeth to make room for a metal framework.
- Aesthetically more pleasing clasps
Again, these come down to the aesthetics and comfort of your new flexible dentures, and can have a big impact on peace of mind for the wearer.
Common Myths
The biggest myth about flexible dentures is that they are less effective than rigid full or partial dentures.
In practice, this is not necessarily the case. The flexible materials can adapt well to the shape and movement of your mouth.
Because of this, flexible dentures may be more effective if there are any irregularities in the shape of the inside of your mouth.
They can also be much more comfortable because of the quality of fit that you get from the flexible framework, while still holding your false teeth firmly in place.
How to decide about flexible dentures
All patients having partial dentures made must first agree on a treatment plan, which we will work with your dentist to compile.
It’s a way to not only give you the partial dentures you need to restore your smile, but also to ensure the long-term health of your surrounding teeth and gums.
As part of this process, we can all decide together if flexible dentures are right for you, based on expert advice and the condition of your mouth to give you the best possible partial dentures for your needs.