What Is a Flipper Tooth?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
A question I often hear is, “What is a flipper tooth?” A flipper tooth is a type of temporary denture used to replace a missing tooth. It is designed to be lightweight, removable, and easy to wear until a more permanent option, such as a dental implant, bridge, or full denture, can be placed.
A flipper tooth is made from acrylic resin with a false tooth attached to a small base that matches the color of your gums. Some flippers use little clasps to stay in place, while others simply rest along your natural teeth. Because they are simple to make, flipper teeth are one of the most affordable and quickest ways to fill in a gap in your smile.
Patients often choose flipper teeth for cosmetic reasons. Missing a tooth, especially in the front, can make you feel self-conscious. A flipper tooth gives you back the appearance of a complete smile almost immediately. It can also help with speech and make it easier to chew softer foods. For many patients, a flipper is used while healing from an extraction or while waiting for a permanent solution like an implant.
It is important to remember that a flipper is only a temporary solution. It is not as strong or stable as an implant or bridge and may break if too much pressure is placed on it. Flippers also do not stop bone loss in the jaw, which is something only dental implants can do.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, I sometimes recommend a flipper tooth as a short-term option while we prepare for a more durable treatment. My goal is always to help patients transition from temporary fixes to long-lasting solutions. With my advanced training in implants, and techniques such as zero bone loss principles and custom healing abutments, I help patients achieve results that look natural and last for decades.
And please know, my office is a no judgment zone. Whether you’ve lost a tooth from injury, decay, or it has been missing for years, I’m here to guide you—not to lecture you.
So, what is a flipper tooth? It’s a removable, temporary tooth replacement that restores your smile while you prepare for something permanent. If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation with me at Summerbrook Dental & Implants in Fort Worth.