What Is a Dental Flipper?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
Patients often ask me, “What is a dental flipper?” A dental flipper is a type of temporary denture used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is lightweight, removable, and designed to fill in gaps while you wait for a more permanent solution such as a bridge, denture, or dental implant.
A dental flipper is usually made of acrylic resin and has a false tooth, or several teeth, attached to a small pink base that blends with your gums. It often uses small clasps or rests on the natural contours of your mouth to stay in place. Because it is easy to make, a flipper is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to replace a missing tooth temporarily.
Patients like dental flippers because they are simple and can quickly restore the look of their smile. They also help with basic functions like speaking and chewing soft foods. For someone waiting to heal after an extraction or preparing for a dental implant, a flipper can be a convenient short-term option.
However, it is important to understand that a flipper is not meant to be permanent. Because it is thin and not as strong as other options, it can break more easily. It also does not prevent bone loss in the jaw the way implants do. Some patients may find it feels less stable than a bridge or full denture.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, I sometimes recommend a flipper as a temporary solution while we plan for a more durable treatment. For long-term results, options like dental implants, bridges, or hybrid dentures are usually better choices. With my advanced training in implant dentistry and the use of custom healing abutments and zero bone loss principles, I help patients move from temporary fixes to solutions that last for decades.
I also want you to know that my office is a no judgment zone. Whether you’ve lost a tooth recently or years ago, my job is not to lecture—it’s to help you move forward with confidence.
So, what is a dental flipper? It is a temporary, removable denture that fills gaps in your smile while you prepare for a permanent replacement. If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation with me at Summerbrook Dental & Implants in Fort Worth.