Flexible Dentures: Partial, Upper, Full

Those who wear traditional dentures due to multiple missing teeth or complete edentulism are particularly uncomfortable with the disadvantages of a traditional denture, which are hard and sometimes irritating to the gums.

Actually, this problem is very easy to solve. How? The solution is to switch to a flexible denture. Flexible dentures provide great comfort and self-confidence to patients with their flexible, lightweight, and non-irritating structure. It also aesthetically complements your smile design. In this blog post, you will find everything you wonder about flexible dentures.

What are flexible dentures?

Flexible dentures are a type of denture designed for people with one or more missing teeth and manufactured from a thin nylon thermoplastic resin. Flexible dentures differ from partial dentures in the type of material used in their construction. That is, since flexible dentures are designed for long-term use, they are made of nylon thermoplastic, which can provide durability and comfort.

What is the material from which flexible dentures are made?

Base material

The main material from which flexible dentures are made is thermoplastic nylon resin. This material has high flexibility and is not brittle like traditional rigid acrylic materials.

Dependent material

If flexible denture needs additional strength or support for the denture, small metal retainers can be used. However, the use of metal in flexible dentures is not common.

In which cases is a flexible denture preferable?

If several teeth are missing on the jaw, and these missing teeth are to be filled with a flexible denture,
If the patient is allergic to acrylic,
If the patient is reluctant to undergo invasive procedures,
In patients with inclined teeth, if an undercut has developed in which it is difficult to fit hard partial dentures,
If there are ridges where bilateral undercuts are present,
If you have a microstomy or have a reduced mouth opening for any other reason,
If the soft tissue condition is poor,
If the quality of periodontal tissue is poor,
Less than 3 mm inter-occlusal clearance,
If there are deep maxillary protrusions (4 mm or more), in which the front teeth can be displaced in case of incomplete movements,
If there are few teeth left with minimal undercuts for retention,
If there are bilateral free-ended distal appendages with knife-edge protrusions.

Acrylic dentures vs. flexible dentures

Both dentures have their advantages according to the patient's needs, oral structure, and budget. To help you make a decision, we have compared dentures made of acrylic, which we call rigid, and flexible dentures made of thermoplastic according to the following criteria:

What it is made of

Acrylic dentures are made of rigid acrylic resin. Flexible dentures are made of flexible and lightweight materials such as thermoplastic nylon resin.

Appearance

Acrylic dentures usually offer an appearance that resembles natural gums and teeth. Flexible dentures, on the other hand, offer a more natural appearance that adapts to the gums.

Durability and lifespan

Acrylic dentures are heavier and harder than flexible dentures due to the material they are made of and can last longer, but are more likely to break. Flexible dentures, on the other hand, are lighter, more resistant to breakage, and provide comfort during chewing thanks to their flexible structure.

Situations where use is appropriate

Acrylic dentures are commonly used for full dentures or partial dentures. Flexible dentures are ideal for patients with particularly sensitive gums or metal allergies.

Price

Acrylic dentures are more affordable. Flexible dentures are more expensive than acrylic dentures.

Benefits of flexible dentures

Provides a solution to the pain and discomfort caused by hard acrylic rubbing against the soft tissue of your gums
It is thinner and lighter than traditional acrylic dentures, which provides greater comfort and confidence to the patient.
The material used provides translucency that blends with tooth and gum tone for a more natural look. It makes the natural gum invisible with its translucency, allowing the natural gum to be seen
Provides better aesthetics, is indistinguishable from gums and looks realistic
It stays securely in place and is more comfortable to wear.
With its soft structure, it has natural flexibility. With its low modulus of elasticity, it does not bend and does not become brittle.
Instead of metal clasps, they have thin finger-like extensions that fit into the natural indentations in the crowns of the teeth near the gum line.
It has the ability to enter the undercuts for retention. The clasp does not need to be adjusted periodically to keep it tight.
Provides an option for cosmetic enhancement of adjacent teeth that appear elongated due to gum recession:
Simplifies design and allows the flexible nylon resin to act as a built-in stress breaker, providing superior function and stress distribution.
Biocompatible as it is free of monomers and metals.
Does not cause gingivitis
Provides better chewing efficiency

Disadvantages of flexible dentures

When flexible dentures are broken or damaged, they are more difficult to repair than acrylic dentures.
Flexible dentures are less resistant to chewing force than traditional They do not conduct heat and cold like metal. Therefore, the patient may not feel some foods, such as hot soup or ice cream.
Patients with periodontal problems may have several mobile teeth due to bone loss. Therefore, the entire area continues to flex, causing unwanted forces, which leads to further bone loss.
The price is higher than traditional dentures.

What are types of flexible dentures?

Flexible dentures are produced in many different types in terms of aesthetics and patient comfort. You can find the types of flexible dentures below:

Full flexible dentures

Full flexible dentures can be preferred in cases where all teeth are missing, in patients at risk of allergic reactions, or in people with sensitive gums. They are lighter than traditional full dentures and put less pressure on the gums.

Flexible partial dentures

It is especially preferred in patients who have lost front teeth or have several missing teeth in the mouth. are prostheses used in the case. It contains flexible hooks instead of metal retainers, which provides a more aesthetic appearance.

Flexible denture single tooth

In cases of single tooth deficiency, it is mostly used in the absence of front teeth or molars. It is preferred as a temporary alternative for patients waiting for implant treatment.

Full upper flexible dentures

It is used when all teeth in the upper jaw are missing

Full lower flexible dentures

Used in cases where all lower jaw teeth are missing

Flexible dentures with studs

These are flexible dentures made for patients who have complete tooth loss but want a more fixed prosthesis and fit over implants.

Combination dentures

These are dentures in which flexible materials and metal supports are used together. They are preferred in cases of larger tooth loss or in cases where stability and durability are needed.

Temporary flexible dentures

These are temporary dentures used before permanent treatment in patients waiting for implant or permanent prosthesis treatment.

How to care for and clean your flexible dentures?

In order for your flexible denture to last longer and have a positive effect on your oral hygiene, you should consider the following recommendations:

Clean your flexible denture every day. After eating, rinse the denture under warm, running water to remove food residues. This prevents bacteria, food residues, and bad odours from accumulating.
Avoid hot water during cleaning and use lukewarm water. Because hot water can distort the shape of the denture.
Use cleaner for flexible dentures. These can be solutions or tablets and are specially designed for cleaning flexible dentures. These special cleaners are used because the materials that flexible dentures are made of, such as thermoplastic nylon resin, can be damaged by standard denture cleaners. These products do not damage the material and provide hygiene while safely cleaning the denture.
Remove your denture while you sleep and let your gums rest. Soak your denture overnight in a cleaning solution suitable for flexible dentures. Remove and rinse thoroughly according to the instructions for use.
Brush gently with a denture brush.Hard brushes may damage the surface of the denture.
Even if you wear a flexible denture, brush and floss regularly to maintain the health of your natural teeth and gums.
Avoid hard foods. Hard or sticky foods can damage your flexible denture.
Don't leave your flexible denture dry Keeping your denture moist helps it maintain its flexibility and durability.
Consult your dentist regularly to check that your denture is working properly.

F.A.Q

How long do flexi dentures last?

On average, flexible dentures can last between 5 and 8 years, depending on the quality of the material from which they are made, regular maintenance, and careful handling.

Can I replace my normal denture with a flexible denture?

If you are looking for a more comfortable, aesthetic solution, you can replace your regular denture with a flexible denture.

Who may not be suitable for flexible dentures?

They may not be suitable for people who consume mostly hard foods. Flexible dentures are usually used for partial dentures and may not be suitable for those who need full dentures.

Should I have flexible prosthesis, normal prosthesis or implant treatment?

To determine which method is most suitable for you, you can consult your dentist to assess your oral structure and needs. However, we can make a generalisation as follows to help you decide.

Flexible prosthesis: suitable for patients with sensitive gums who want an aesthetic solution.
Regular dentures are more economical and ideal for patients with extensive tooth loss.
Implant treatment in Turkey is the best choice for patients looking for a long-term and natural solution.Today, thanks to implant treatments, patients regain the function of their natural teeth. Implant treatments are a much better option than dentures. However, dentures may be recommended to patients for some health reasons.

You can read our articles about dental implants, All on 4 and All on 6. If you are undecided or planning to receive dental treatment in Turkey, please contact us.

Can I use a normal denture for the upper jaw and a flexible denture for the lower jaw in the case of complete edentulism?

Yes, it is possible to use a normal denture for the upper jaw and a flexible denture for the lower jaw in case of complete edentulism.

We wish you a healthy day.