• Flexible dentures are partial dentures made of thermoplastic material or nylon. This gives them a more natural appearance and makes them more comfortable than traditional dentures.
  • Flexible dentures take less time to fabricate, but they are more challenging to repair. Such dentures are also susceptible to plaque.
  • If your flexible dentures do not fit you, you may not be able to reline them.

  • Use Authority Dental to find a low-cost denture dentist near you, or get a dental plan and save big on all dental procedures, including dentures.

Which dentures are better for you: flexible or traditional? Here's everything you need to know.

Flexible partial denture: definition

Flipper for back tooth

Picture by Authority Dental under CC 2.0 license

Flexible partial dentures are one type of partial dentures. Traditional dentures are made of a hard acrylic material, which makes them inflexible. As their name implies, a flexible partial can bend slightly. This is because they are made of nylon or other thermoplastics.

A “thermoplastic” is a substance that becomes plastic when heated and then hardens when it cools. The substance can repeat the process multiple times. Synthetic resins are common thermoplastics.

Flexible partials look similar to traditional particles, but are much thinner. They also do not have metal clasps that hook around adjacent teeth for support. If there are clasps present, they are made of the same thin thermoplastic as the rest of the partial.

Harry Lee

Harry Lee, DMD

When patients first hear about flexible partial dentures, they sound like a miracle. They are comfortable, have no visible metal clasps, and look incredibly natural. In my experience, patients are thrilled with them for the first year or two. The problem is that the very feature that makes them so comfortable—their flexibility—is also their biggest long-term weakness.

Benefits and disadvantages of flexible dentures

There are always advantages and disadvantages to every type of tooth replacement option. Flexible partials are no different.

  • Natural appearance

  • Quick fabrication

  • Durable

  • Comfortable

  • Difficult to repair

  • Susceptible to build up

  • Not permanent

Harry Lee

Harry Lee, DMD

I often explain the weakness of flexible partial dentures with a simple analogy: a traditional partial denture with a metal framework is like a snowshoe. It is rigid and distributes the force of your bite evenly across your gums and remaining teeth, which helps preserve the underlying jawbone. A flexible partial, on the other hand, is more like a soft-soled slipper. It is very comfortable, but it concentrates all the chewing pressure onto the gums right under the fake teeth. This focused pressure can accelerate bone loss in those areas. As the bone shrinks, the flexible partial no longer fits snugly. Moreover, here is the crucial issue: unlike a rigid partial, you cannot reline or adjust a flexible one. Once it stops fitting, its useful life is over.

Flexible partial dentures cost

A flexible partial may cost between $700 and $ 3,000, depending on the dental lab and the severity of your dental condition.

A significant determining cost factor is your location. Areas with higher costs of living often charge more for flexible partials. The cost will also depend on the brand of the partial and how many teeth need to be replaced.

Traditional partial dentures vs. flexible partial dentures

Different types of partial dentures

Picture by Authority Dental under CC 2.0 license

Both traditional and flexible partial dentures serve the same purpose: replacing missing teeth. They both function the same way, but have some noticeable differences.

A traditional partial denture is more bulky and less comfortable than a flexible partial denture. It will also be more prone to breaking if dropped. However, a traditional partial can be repaired if broken and relined if it becomes loose.

A flexible partial denture is thinner, so patients often find that it is much more comfortable. Since it is thin and lacks metal clasps, it is also less noticeable to others. While a flexible partial is more durable if dropped, it typically cannot be repaired if they do break. They also cannot be relined, nor can their plastic clasps be adjusted. This means that if a flexible partial no longer fits, you will have to get a new one.

"While flexible partial dentures are a fantastic cosmetic and comfortable option, I often frame them as a great short-term or transitional solution rather than a permanent one," Lee emphasizes.

  • TRADITIONAL PARTIALS

  • Less comfortable

  • Prone to breaking

  • Can be fixed and relined

  • More noticeable

  • FLLEXIBLE PARTIALS

  • More comfortable

  • Durable

  • Cannot be fixed or relined

  • Less noticeable

FAQ

Are flexible dentures comfortable?

Flexible dentures are more comfortable than traditional dentures. The thermoplastic material allows them to be thinner compared to bulky traditional dentures. Since the material is flexible, it can be more comfortable on the gum tissue as well.

Keep in mind that other tooth replacement options may be even more comfortable. Bridges and implants feel like natural teeth and do not require as much material as partials do.

How long do flexible partial dentures last?

A flexible partial denture can last for many years if properly cared for. As long as the partial does not break and you do not lose any more teeth, a flexible denture can last five or more years.

How to clean flexible dentures?

You will need to be very careful when cleaning your flexible partial. You can rinse it with warm water or use a sonic cleaner that gently vibrates the appliance. You can soak your partial in a denture cleaner when you are not wearing it.

Are flexible dentures suitable for front teeth?

Yes, you can use a flexible partial to replace a front tooth. Their thin nature makes them ideal for replacing anterior (front) teeth. In fact, they are a more aesthetic alternative to traditional dentures, as they blend with the underlying gum tissue.

What are the most popular brands of flexible dentures?

The four most popular brands of flexible partial dentures are Valplast, Flexites, Sunflex, and Flexilyts.