Flexible Dentures

Flexible dentures are becoming very popular nowadays. They are marketed as permanent, unbreakable and retentive restorations. Flexible dentures cost is higher than traditional removable partial dentures, but many patients pay that extra because of esthetics. Dentures with flexible framework are undeniably more esthetically pleasing than dentures with metal framework. Another property of Flexible partial denture is it follows or flexes with the contour of your arch even when it’s ill fitting.

Lower Flexible Removable Partial Denture Occlusal - Case #4

Advantages of Flexible Dentures
1. Flexible denture looks good. It is esthetically pleasing. The denture base and clasps are made with the same flexible material which is colored pink like the gums making the clasps very indistinguishable.
2. Flexible dentures are adaptable. You will not notice if the denture is ill-fitting, the first time you wear your prosthesis. This is because the denture is “flexible”.

Disadvantages of Flexible Dentures
1. It is not color stable. Its color will change from pink to brown after 3-6 months.
2. Flexible dentures can not be relined. What the dental laboratory will do is rebase the denture. This will be an additional cost for the patient. Reline is necessary for all removable dentures every 1 to 2 years. This is because your bone that supports the dentures undergoes resorption. After 1 year, space forms between the base of the denture and the denture bearing soft tissues that it rests on. Not having them relined will further enhance the bone resorption and cause more problems like flabby tissue.
3. Flexible denture is difficult to adjust. Your dentist needs special skill and experience to adjust it.
4. Flexible dentures are difficult to repair chairside. A longer wait is needed to get them repaired because what your dentist will do is send the dentures to the dental lab.
5. Recurrent sore spots are common. Flexible denture is not tooth borne; it is supported by denture bearing soft oral tissues. Its flexible framework will not resist movement from forces applied to the denture.
6. You should not chew hard food with your flexible dentures. It is also not indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms of TMJ, or who are known bruxers.
7. Its denture base rests only on the gums. As the bone resorbs, the dental prosthesis will sink below their original level. Its flexibility also enhances the rate of bone resorption.