What are flexible dentures?

Dentures and dental implants have resolved the issue of losing teeth or gaps in your smile. Dentures have been the remedy for people with missing teeth for years. However, new specialized dentures have been introduced, known as ‘flexible dentures’. These provide a more comfortable experience whilst wearing, due to the softer material that they are made of. In this blog, we will explore both the benefits and negatives surrounding flexible dentures, so you can make a more informed choice should you need dentures.

What are dentures made from?

Dentures are usually comprised from a variety of different materials, consisting of acrylic resin, chrome cobalt and nylon. Recently, resin has taken over from porcelain as the preferred material to manufacture dentures with, due to it being lighter and cheaper to make. The material also sticks a lot better with the base of the dentures.

The base of the dentures are usually made from acrylic resin or chrome cobalt metal. Acrylic metal can be easily dyed In order for it to match up with the patients gum, however the metal is sturdier and less likely to break if the dentures have been dropped. Flexible dentures are made from nylon, and are becoming more popular, especially over the past few years.

Issues with having regular dentures

Dentures comprised of a rigid metal base can be quite uncomfortable to wear, and take a while to get used to. You need to learn how to carry your dentures in your mouth with your cheeks and gums, which can be quite a long and painful process to perfect. They also require a lot of maintenance in terms of cleaning, so that they don’t break easily.

Why choose flexible dentures?

Flexible dentures are ideal for those who don’t require the use of regular dentures. They aren’t as brittle as the standard dentures, so are less inclined to break upon impact. They also don’t require any dental adhesive or metal clasps to keep them in place on the gums, as they cling to them naturally. The material they’re made out of is clear, so they don’t need to be dyed in order to match the gums natural colour, as well as needing less time to manufacture.

Comfort is a very important factor when it comes to producing dentures, as they are designed to be worn frequently, so the less pain one is in whilst using them, the better. Flexible dentures have the edge over other types in this respect, as they are simple to put in, wear, and to take out of the mouth, without causing discomfort.

Flexible dentures are also a great alternative for those who are allergic to the materials inside of standard dentures, such as acrylic resin and nickel.

Problems with flexible dentures

Although flexible dentures can be more convenient, they aren’t without their own problems in some circumstances. The material in the flexible base is prone to harbouring a lot more bacteria on it than regular dentures, meaning they require a lot of cleaning to avoid a build up of germs on your dentures. The dentures should be removed every day and brushed with a toothbrush all over with warm water. Following this, swill in mouthwash to prevent gingivitis.

If you are looking for further advice on choosing the right dentures or proper denture care, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Tamworth today, to see how we can help you!

Looking for more information?

Require a dental appointment, or are looking for cosmetic treatment such as teeth whitening in Tamworth, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Tamworth today, for a tailored and friendly service.