There are several reasons people use retainer with fake tooth. Millions of Americans suffer tooth loss, mostly due to tooth decay, periodontal diseases, or a serious injury, and this could affect one’s self-confidence. Therefore, it could be said that people wear retainers with fake tooth to improve their self-confidence and hide the gap made between their teeth as a result of a missing tooth. Retainers are dental devices that keep your teeth from moving out of place after they have been straightened with braces.
They are basically of 2 types: Removable and Permanent retainers. Depending on your needs, your orthodontist may recommend one or both types, the removable retainer for your top teeth and the permanent retainer for your bottom teeth. Fake tooth (a.k.a dentures) on the other hand, are dental prosthesis made of acrylic, nylon, or metal that fits snugly over your gums. They are used to replace a missing tooth, or several, depending on the number of teeth missing.
There are very few retainers with fake tooth, and whatever your reason for wanting retainers with fake tooth may be, it is important to consider the shape, size, and color of your teeth in comparison with that of the retainer with fake tooth you wish to get. Let’s introduce you to some of the different types of retainers with fake tooth, their pros, cons, and cost in this article.
TYPES OF FAKE TOOTH
Fake tooth ranges from partial dentures to flexible dentures, all of which require fitting to see that it matches your teeth shape, size, and color. The fitting is done by either your dentist or a specialist called a prosthodontist.
1. Partial Dentures
This type of fake tooth is often clipped around your remaining healthy teeth, and the clips may be seen when you talk.
2. Full Dentures
Due to an injury, infection, periodontitis, or any other medical condition, people could lose all their teeth. In such a case, the full dentures are the perfect fake tooth needed. They are attached to a plate that sits against your gums. To be sure that they remain in place, you could use false tooth adhesive to keep them in place.
3. Removable Dentures
Removable dentures are the traditional model of fake tooth. They are easy to clean and can last for about 5 years before needing replacement. However, they are very likely to slip out of place while you are talking or eating, but with the help of false teeth adhesive, this can be fixed.
4. Flexible Dentures
This type of false tooth is made with flexible and durable materials that make wearing it comfortable, hence the name. Unlike partial dentures, this type of false tooth does not require visible clips so they fit perfectly and looks natural. They are, however, more expensive than other types of dentures.
RETAINER WITH FAKE TOOTH
A retainer with fake tooth is a temporary partial denture that fits along the roof of your mouth or sits on your lower jaw, with one or more fake tooth attached to it. You can get a retainer with fake tooth through your dentist. First, an impression of your mouth is made with a soft material and then sent to a dental laboratory, where a customized retainer with fake tooth will be designed to fit your mouth and fill any gaps in your teeth.
BENEFITS OF RETAINER WITH FAKE TOOTH
- Stabilizes your existing teeth. Not only will you be replacing a missing tooth, or teeth as the case may be, but you will also be stabilizing your other existing teeth with the help of the retainer.
- They blend more with your natural teeth’ color, shape and size as they appear relatively natural.
- They are easy to use and you can even eat with them.
TYPES OF RETAINER WITH FAKE TOOTH
1. Flipper Tooth
Flipper tooth is a removable retainer and a partial denture. It is a solid affordable option for temporarily replacing your missing tooth. Basically, they are orthodontic retainers with a tooth or teeth on them. They are made from acrylic dental-grade resin. Flipper tooth is customized to fit your mouth perfectly, and you don’t have to wait for long once your dentist has taken an impression of your mouth.
Although you can eat while wearing a flipper tooth, it is advised not to chew on hard foods, and to chew gently as they are made with less durable materials, so they can crack easily.
Pros And Cons Of Flipper Tooth
There are some upsides and downsides to a flipper tooth. Some of its upsides include:
- It is quick to make, so you won’t have to wait for long before using it.
- It is less expensive compared to other types of partial dentures.
- It is very easy to wear; all you have to do is pop the flipper tooth in your mouth.
Meanwhile, some of the downsides to a flipper tooth are:
- You risk having a receding gum line with a flipper tooth because it covers your gums and stops the flow of saliva in that area.
- It may loosen over time with constant use, and so won’t be able to hold firmly to your existing teeth. This may cause some discomfort when you wear it, or it may even slip off from your mouth. This can be fixed though, with a visit to your dentist to make some adjustments so it could fit perfectly again.
- You may be allergic to the material used in making it. Ensure to discuss this with your dentist when you book an appointment to get a flipper tooth.
- It is made with less expensive and less durable materials, therefore, they crack a lot easier.
- It is designed for replacing just one or two teeth.
Cost Of A Flipper Tooth
We’ve stated that as an upside, flipper tooth is less expensive, however, the cost varies depending on the material used in making it and how many teeth need replacing. Generally, though, the cost for a flipper tooth could range between $300-$500 for a front tooth. If you have dental insurance, it will likely cover the cost.
2. Essix Retainer
Essix is a brand that offers removable retainers that are made completely out of transparent plastic. Unlike the flipper tooth, the Essix retainer with fake tooth is not actually an artificial tooth attached to the retainer. With Essix retainers with fake tooth, the tooth that needs replacing is painted on the exact spot on the retainer, so although there isn’t an exact replacement in that area, the tooth looks replaced when the retainer is worn.
The retainer covers all teeth just as Invisalign, with a fake tooth, painted onto the plastic. Like the flipper tooth, an impression is made and sent to a dental laboratory so that they can get the right shape and size of your mouth and know where to paint the tooth that is to replace your missing one.
Pros And Cons Of Essix Retainer
Pros:
- It is probably the most comfortable retainer with fake tooth
- It is also made quickly and should be ready for use in a day or two
- There is no risk of gum recession
- It protects any area of implants if you have one, and does not put on pressure on gum surgery or bone-grafted areas
- They are made with strong durable materials
- It is nearly invisible
Cons:
- At first, they may be difficult to talk with, but with time, you’ll get adapted
- It doesn’t allow natural contact between the upper and lower teeth
- It requires that you replace them every 1-3 years
- Cleaning can be difficult due to its molded grooves
Cost Of An Essix Retainer
The price for an Essix retainer with fake tooth could range from $75-$100. If you have dental insurance, it may cover the cost.
3. Snap-On Smile
Snap-On Smile is another brand, like essix that offers removable retainers. And other removable products that cover and fix several front teeth problems, such as a missing tooth.
Pros And Cons Of Snap-On Smile
Pros:
- They are the strongest choice for a retainer with fake tooth, so you can eat comfortably while wearing them.
- Just like the Essix retainer, they also protect areas of your mouth where you may have had a dental implant and applies no pressure on the gum surgery or bone-grafted areas.
Cons:
- It takes time to adjust to getting comfortable talking with them
- They are bulky and will impact your bite, so you cannot wear it all the time.
- They are a more expensive option.
Cost Of A Snap-On Smile
The cost of a Snap-On Smile ranges approximately with the number of teeth that needs replacing but could cost between $650-$1200.
CONCLUSION
You could opt for a dental implant to replace your missing tooth, however, retainers with fake tooth will give you similar benefits. Although they are temporary replacements and can only last for as long as 5 years and you will need to get new ones, they are, however, easy to use, more affordable and no dental procedure is required.
Before you start using a retainer with fake tooth, be sure to consult with your dentist to know which option is best for you and also to go through the fitting process, so the right impression of your mouth is made to get the perfect fitting.