What Are Flexible Dentures?

January 9, 2023. 3 min read

Dentures Overview

These helpful appliances can improve your appearance, ability to speak, and ease of chewing. Dentures are removable and are used to replace or cover missing or damaged teeth in your mouth. They have the added benefits of keeping any of your remaining teeth in place and preventing your face from sagging.

Dentures can either replace all or some of your teeth (full or partial) and are constructed from porcelain, acrylic resin, metal, plastic, or a combination therein. Those made from plastic (typically partials) are called flexible dentures, thanks to their bendable quality.

Flexible dentures are most commonly made from thermoplastics like nylon, according to Spear Education. This use of advanced materials allows this variety of dentures to boast different qualities than conventional dentures.

Advantages of Flexible Dentures

Even though dentures provide a wealth of benefits, they can offer challenges for some when choosing the right material.

Flexible dentures are considered to be:

Thin and bendable
Comfortable, thanks to their soft material
Unlikely to cause allergic reaction and BPA-free
Unabsorbent of stains and smell
Aesthetically pleasing and offering a natural look
Strongly adherent to your gums (typically don’t require denture adhesive or metal clasps)
Quicker to manufacture than other varieties
Convenient as they don’t require multiple appointments to try on

A variety of companies fabricates flexible dentures. If you think they could be the perfect fit for your needs, consult your dental professional for their recommendation and expertise.

Disadvantages of Flexible Denture

You may find that the downsides of flexible dentures are very reasonable compared with their numerous benefits.

It's a common worry that flexible dentures may sacrifice durability, though this is unfounded (one brand even offers a lifetime guarantee). According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your dentures carefully to avoid harming plastic material.

Downsides of flexible dentures include:

Cost may be higher due to complicated fabrication
Can be difficult for dental professionals to fit or adjust
More prone to bacterial buildup

Flexible dentures are a perfect fit for many, thanks to the comfort and safety they offer. If you're considering them as a choice, it's a great idea to consult with your dental professional for their recommendation. You're now prepared to make an informed choice for your success in the future.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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