What are flexible dentures? Flexible dentures: prices, reviews, photos How to choose soft dentures

Teeth are normal Dental prosthetics Flexible dentures, advantages and disadvantages

Flexible dentures, unlike, are removable and can replace the lack of several teeth and their complete absence. All removable dentures differ in their functionality and composition of the material. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Varieties of modern removable dentures

In modern dentistry, there are several options for removable dentures:

Plastic dentures. Made from acrylic, the main advantages are low price and ease of manufacture. Disadvantages - fragility, cause allergies, shrink over time, high moisture permeability. The material can be ordered in Russia, Ukraine, Poland.
. Produced on a metal frame. The main advantages are high resistance to stress and reliability; this type of prosthesis does not cover the palate. The main disadvantage is unaesthetic, that is, the hooks are visible when you smile.
Flexible. Made from nylon (a type of silicone). The main advantages are strength, flexibility and hypoallergenicity. Cons - shrinks, does not withstand heavy chewing loads. The material is produced in the USA, Italy, Israel.
Polyurethane prostheses. Made from polyurethane. The main advantages are hypoallergenic, durable, affordable, a small percentage of shrinkage. The main disadvantage is that it does not withstand heavy loads. The material is produced in Russia.
Removable dentures on mini-implants. To do this, several mini-implants are implanted into the bone tissue, on which a flexible prosthesis sits. Such a prosthesis is made only to improve fixation and the basis is a flexible prosthesis.

They differ in their aesthetics - the material is flexible, translucent, invisible and can be easily adjusted in the oral cavity, imitating the mucous membrane. You can perform such a prosthesis with a shortage of several teeth, as well. Flexible dentures are either partially removable or fully removable. The difference is in the way they are fixed.

If a removable prosthesis replaces the entire dentition, then it is completely removable, and fixation occurs due to the effect of "wet glasses" or its suction to the gum. If there are several teeth in the mouth, then fixation is carried out with the help of hooks and clasps to the teeth. Sometimes one suction is not enough, and in these cases, special glue is used for fixation (“President”, “Korega”).

Removable polyurethane flexible prostheses have become a worthy replacement for nylon prostheses. They are fixed with the help of hooks, special locks or clasps to their teeth, as well as with the help of a telescopic crown. Such a crown is located half on your tooth, half on the prosthesis. A complete removable denture for the entire jaw is fixed mainly on the gum.

Benefits of flexible dentures

Aesthetics and flexibility (these prostheses are invisible in the mouth).
Sufficient strength for the load.
Lightweight and precise fit.
No allergies and irritation when using.
Rapid adaptation of patients.
There is no need to grind healthy teeth and install crowns, read the article:.
Does not absorb foreign odors and moisture.
Can be worn for a long time without removing at night.
Easy to use and maintain (correct).

The price of flexible nylon prostheses depends on the number of teeth and varies from 8,000 to 36,000 rubles if a prosthesis is made for the entire jaw. The price is higher compared to acrylic prostheses due to the fact that the base is produced abroad. Since polyurethane was developed in Russia, the prices for such a prosthesis are somewhat cheaper than nylon prostheses.
Video about how reliable removable dentures are:

Prosthetics is a necessary procedure for the loss of one or more natural teeth in a row. Flexible removable dentures are used frequently and have several advantages over other types of structures that replace lost molars and incisors. A soft prosthesis is made of nylon or silicone. Outwardly, it is almost impossible to distinguish it from natural bone tissue. Due to the high flexibility and structure, the design is convenient to use.

The second name - invisible prostheses - flexible structures received precisely because only a specialist can distinguish them from natural teeth. Fixation of a soft prosthesis occurs due to clasps made of the same materials. An important advantage of the soft clasp design is 100% reliability. When attaching a soft part, the patient remains confident that it will not slip off. At the same time, it is not necessary to use an additional gel for fixation, as was the case with removable dentures of the old generation.

Turning to the clinic, patients are often sure that silicone and nylon flexible prostheses are the same structures. But for the manufacture of the first and second types, different materials are used: they differ in chemical properties, composition and characteristics. Silicone is considered to be softer and more pliable than nylon.

Flexible removable dentures made of nylon or silicone have the same design:

basis- the main part, repeating the structure of the gums, is made to order;
dental elements- are attached to the base in places where there are no native molars, incisors;
clasps- soft fixators of the prosthesis, made of the base material.

Silicone dentures adhere more securely to the gums and fit better. However, both materials are characterized by increased comfort compared to outdated acrylic.

Types of structures

Removable flexible prostheses are of several types. Full are used with complete loss of teeth in a row. Installed with glue. The presence of supporting molars in a row is allowed, then glue is not required. Implants can replace the natural support.

Partial removable structures are used if 2-3 or more teeth are lost in a row. This option is considered more suitable for the use of flexible prostheses than the first one. In the absence of teeth, a soft prosthesis does not provide a qualitative distribution of the load, and also causes psychological discomfort for the patient during wearing (fear that the part may fall out).

Removable dentures made of nylon or silicone are characterized by several advantages:

soft base helps to quickly get used to wearing a flexible prosthesis;
in the first 2-3 weeks, this design completely takes the form of the gums, any discomfort goes away;
strong fixation- unlike first generation systems, flexible prostheses are installed using the suction cup method, which eliminates the risk of accidental loss;
aesthetics- the material, the shade of the gums and teeth are so natural that they cannot be distinguished with the naked eye;
ease- parts are simply removed, have a low weight, do not require removal for the night;
hypoallergenicity- nylon and silicone cause adverse reactions in only 1% of cases, while metal prostheses cause inflammation of the gums and allergies much more often;
ease of care- flexible structures are cleaned 2 times a day with ordinary toothpaste, and 2 times a week are treated with a disinfectant solution;
no trauma- prosthetics with veneers, implants and crowns require some intervention in the structure of the gums or teeth, soft prostheses are installed without any effect on the bone tissue;
a very important advantage of flexible products is a minimum of discomfort when making errors at the time of prosthesis production;
affordable price– a soft prosthesis will cost ten times cheaper than a full implantation.

Among the tangible disadvantages of flexible dentures are: fragility, improper distribution of the load on the jaw due to high elasticity, a rough surface and the need for constant adjustment due to shrinkage. Strength has nothing to do with the fact that prostheses wear out within 7 years. This is caused by strong shrinkage and hard food that breaks the structure of nylon or silicone.

Due to the uneven load on the jaw, the deformation of the remaining teeth increases, which can lead to their loss, and inflammation of the gums also develops. Due to such exposure, multiple caries often develops, and tooth enamel is destroyed.

The more teeth restored with a removable prosthesis, the more often it needs dental correction. In the absence of 2-3 incisors or molars, you will have to visit a doctor once every 5-7 months.

Sometimes patients come to clinics with a desire to install flexible nylon dentures on a permanent basis. However, these designs have too many disadvantages to replace a full row of teeth, and one of them is the cost-increasing design tending to cost, as with implants.

Choose nylon if you need to replace no more than 4 teeth in a row.

To restore a greater number of lost bone elements, other methods of prosthetics should be used.

While eating, a person with a flexible nylon prosthesis will feel some discomfort. The load falls mainly on the gums, with regular exposure, bleeding begins, pain develops.

There are many gels and creams for fixing removable nylon, but they do not give 100% reliability. Because of this, psychological discomfort develops. Despite the stated service life of 7 years, flexible prostheses need to be completely replaced about once every 2-3 years, due to their strong shrinkage.

The cost of soft goods

Removable structures made of soft materials cost from 13 to 40 thousand rubles, which is associated with the quality of products, the status of the dental clinic. However, the popularity of a medical institution does not always affect the quality of manufactured dental substitutes.

It is important to pay attention to reviews specifically about dental technicians who take measurements, make casts and make an artificial structure. Often they work immediately for several dental clinics in separate laboratories.

Features of the care of flexible products

Care is the main factor that affects the service life. Flexible dentures need regular cleaning. You also need to take extra care and rules when handling them:

after eating, the mouth is thoroughly rinsed, decoctions of medicinal herbs, chlorhexidine products or other disinfectants can be used;

you can not eat too hot food, which affects removable dental parts, leads to their deformation;
do not treat dentures with too hot water;
every day removable tooth substitutes are detached and brushed and do it 2 times a day;

to soak the dental part, use a special disinfectant solution that matches the material;
once every six months, a removable tooth substitute is sent to a technical laboratory for professional cleaning;
when choosing a toothpaste, give preference to ordinary products without a whitening effect - they contain special granules that harm the artificial material;
within 2-4 weeks after installing a new one, eat soft warm food: pears, bananas, boiled cereals and vegetables, tender fish instead of hard meat;

to speed up getting used to flexible dentures, read aloud, pronouncing each word, but take your time;
you can also say tongue twisters to speed up the process.

Removable dentures do not need to be removed from the gums every night, but doctors advise removing them in the first month of use. To prevent the material from drying out, be sure to soak the part in the solution.

The use of flexible removable dentures for a long time will be in demand among different categories of patients in dental clinics. Removable prosthetics significantly outperforms most other methods in that it does not require serious intervention in the tissues, grinding of teeth. But removable products need very high-quality, attentive care, because their designs are sensitive and often deteriorate from stuck pieces of food, too coarse food.

Flexible prostheses for teeth have been actively used in restorative dentistry for more than 40 years, having managed to win back their niche from more rigid counterparts made of hard plastics. With a number of advantages in the field of dental prosthetics, they are not a universal solution, as they have several controversial characteristics.

Overview characteristic

Removable dentures can be flexible or rigid, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The development of the dental branch of medicine initially assumed the existence of only rigid products, which corresponded to the general ability of the industry to make elastic, strong and biocompatible polymers. In the 1970s, the ability to produce flexible dental structures reached a new level, allowing these models to compete with their rigid counterparts.

Flexible nylon prostheses

Today's dentistry offers a choice of products made of various polymeric plastics belonging to a common raw material group, there are no significant differences between them:

A flexible silicone prosthesis is included in a separate category, since this material (polyorganosiloxane) is produced in a different way, but such designs have almost fallen into disuse due to worse characteristics compared to polymers.

Important! Silicone finds its use in the creation of special impression masses necessary for obtaining casts when modeling removable and non-removable prostheses.

Advantages

Each plastic dental prosthesis consists of a base, artificial crowns and fasteners. The main difference from competitors - acrylic and clasp (arc) structures - is the use of one elastic material for both the base and its clasps, which are curved hooks wound behind the supporting crowns. Thanks to this, the entire system is not subject to the formation of defects during sudden loads such as injuries, as it simply bends and dampens the impact. The absence of hard plastics or metal parts gives the polymer product an aesthetic appearance that is as close as possible to the natural color and texture of the gums.

Prostheses made of nylon, polyurethane or polypropylene do not require additional procedures before fixation, such as grinding healthy abutment teeth or anesthesia: soft clasps gently wrap around the crowns without causing discomfort. This factor also contributes to the absence of the risk of damage to the tongue or oral mucosa by solid structural elements, which means that the adaptation process will be quick and painless.

How is a flexible prosthesis attached?

Unlike acrylic or metal, nylon and its analogues are completely hypoallergenic materials, while their fixing abilities allow you to leave the upper palate open, which reduces the area and weight of the base at times. This is important both in terms of habituation and because of the taste and smell receptors in the sky, which remain open and can perform their functions.

Note! When casting a flexible nylon prosthesis for the fully edentulous lower jaw, two separate structures can be created - on the left and right sides, which will be attached to the alveolar process independently of each other. Models made of rigid materials do not have such an opportunity, which makes it necessary to additionally strengthen them with plastic.

Flaws

The elasticity of flexible prostheses determines their disadvantages - for example, a soft arch under the influence of chewing can effectively distribute only a horizontal load, but not a vertical one: the design bends and springs, causing pressure on limited areas of the gum. Over the years, this leads to atrophy of the alveolar process, including gingival and bone tissue. Such a process, as well as natural changes in the relief of the gums, causes subsidence of the prosthesis, which causes severe discomfort to the patient and can injure the mucosa.

Other design and operational deficiencies include:

unsuitable for repair: despite the resistance to abrasion and curvature, over time the configuration of nylon changes, as does the underlying gum, but despite the need for correction of the prosthesis, it cannot be changed. In practice, this leads to a complete replacement of the product with a new one in case of any deviation from the norm;
weak fixation in the absence of supporting extreme teeth needed for attaching clasps (which is not a problem for designs with attachment locks or byugel);
worse retention of artificial crowns in the base, which are attached mechanically due to the inability to chemically combine soft polymers and ceramics (metal ceramics);
visual shortening of the front teeth when insufficiently transparent clasps are attached to them;
difficulty in polishing the material, which determines the impossibility of creating palatal arches with a thickness of less than two millimeters.

Flexible prosthesis is not without drawbacks

Indications for use

The rationality of using a soft dental structure is determined individually in each case. Adentia in the amount of one to three crowns is preferably eliminated with crowns, bridges or inlays, although the best option is complex and expensive implant placement.

Nylon and similar polymers, unlike solid prostheses, can restore the lost dentition only on one side of the jaw, without requiring the casting of a massive base or its strengthening. But for this, a prerequisite is the presence of the last supporting tooth, which is necessary for fixing the hook, the absence of which will lead to the presence of only one attachment point - on the front teeth. This is not the best scenario, as the probability of mobility of the entire system will be too high.

The absence of all crowns in the bottom row, except for the two extreme ones, is a good indication for the use of flexible prostheses, because they can be made two-piece, not interconnected. Rigid types need an additional reinforcing bar that runs behind the front teeth, which adds to articulation inconvenience.

For the upper jaw, the presence of extreme molars is especially important, otherwise it will be necessary to cover the entire sky with the basis for reliable fixation, and this deprives nylon of one of the main advantages over acrylic.

Additional Information. Unlike acrylic or clasp types, elastic polymer prosthetics cannot be combined with implant or mini-implant fixation for additional reinforcement.

Another example of a flexible prosthesis

The main contraindication is the presence of inflammatory diseases in the oral cavity - periodontitis, gingivitis, pulpitis, glossitis and others. It will also be necessary to get rid of carious deposits on the enamel. Abutment teeth must be healthy and not loose, with sufficient crown height. The developed atrophy of the gingival row will need to be cured by one of the invasive bone grafting methods.

Caring for flexible dentures is no different from caring for other similar structures: regular cleaning with regular toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, as well as preventive examination of the product in the laboratory for possible defects. The service life of nylon prostheses rarely exceeds several years, after which their effectiveness begins to decline, which requires a complete replacement.

Removable dentures: how to choose soft dentures

Removable prosthetics has not lost its relevance even with the advent of fixed structures and implants. Soft models allow you to achieve a flawless smile at a budget price with minimal tissue trauma. Removable dentures are produced single (replace 1 tooth in a row), partial (restore several teeth in a row), complete (made for the entire jaw). The models also differ in material, and the most modern of them are acrylic, silicone and nylon. Let us consider in more detail what soft dentures are and what is better to choose from the existing options.

acrylic models

These prostheses are the most common due to their budgetary cost and lightness, but are used mainly as a temporary measure. Acrylic, in fact, is a type of plastic, so choosing a color for natural enamel is not difficult.

Complete acrylic denture

Basically, acrylic options are chosen by elderly patients as a permanent and budgetary system. But as a temporary measure, for example, to replace the entire dentition or several teeth in a row, acrylic crowns are also installed for young people. Acrylic is also used for children's prosthetics during the period of changing milk teeth to molars. This helps to prevent pathologies of the formation of the dentition or bite.

All such models can be either partially removable or completely, depending on the design chosen by the client.

Let's look at the advantages of plastic products.

Budget price. It is not for nothing that older people choose acrylic models, because you can buy a beautiful smile with snow-white teeth for up to 15 thousand rubles. This is the lowest cost for dental prosthetics on the market.
Lightweight material. Acrylic plastic is a hard, but fairly light component, due to which getting used to wearing the product occurs in a matter of days. And the care of the structure is not burdensome.
Reliability and structural strength. The material is really dense, which allows the prosthesis to keep its shape over time. By the way, the service life of plastic products ranges from 3 to 6-7 years, depending on the quality of care, operating conditions (everyday life, extreme sports, etc.), the manufacturer of the model and the doctor who installed it.

The service life of acrylic products ranges from 3 to 6-7 years

Let's look at the cons of such products.

Injury. Plastic prostheses are quite rigid and rough, which often leads to damage to the oral cavity (rubbing, microcracks). Mucosal wounds, in turn, are a breeding ground for bacteria, as a result of which stomatitis, herpes, fungal infections and other inflammatory processes can occur.
Damage to healthy teeth. Despite the lightness, the design is still attached to healthy teeth with metal elements that can seriously damage the enamel and lead to the slow destruction of a healthy tooth.
component toxicity.

Acrylic contains methyl ether, which over time begins to be released from the product and enters the patient's bloodstream, causing poisoning or severe allergies.

Porous surface. The pores inside the plastic contribute to the settling of food residues, waste products of bacteria, food dyes and pigments. This point makes plastic systems undesirable for long-term prosthetics.

Silicone prostheses

Silicone soft dentures (photos and reviews of specialists can be viewed below) imitate the oral cavity as much as possible. The translucent flexible component allows you to match the natural color of the gums and crowns.

Silicone denture

The system is a silicone base where plastic crowns are installed.

Micro gaps remain between artificial materials, where food debris, tartar and bacteria fall. Therefore, dentists do not recommend the use of silicone material for long-term prosthetics. As a rule, they are installed for 1-2 years.

There are other disadvantages besides the short lifespan.

Softness as minus. The elasticity and flexibility of the material will not allow the patient to actively chew solid foods. A person will have difficulty cracking seeds, apples, crackers, nuts, etc.
The gums are falling. Long-term use of silicone models leads to a decrease in the level of the gums, which is due to an uneven load on the individual elements of the system. Often this leads to unpleasant pain, inflammation and bleeding.
The tissue of the jaw bone is atrophied. The entire load on the silicone system falls on the bone, as a result of which it loses strength over time and sags and becomes thinner.
Painstaking care. Silicone models should always be left before going to bed in a special solution (by the way, not cheap), and in the morning they should be additionally cleaned with a soft-bristled brush. Other models may be left on the surface and simply rinsed before use.

Silicone dentures are rather capricious in care.

There are also many advantages to a removable soft silicone denture.

Aesthetics. Silicone models are chosen mainly because of the maximum reproduction of the natural jaw with all the elements.
Safety for your teeth. Installation of the structure does not require grinding of abutment teeth.
Ease. Silicone prostheses are even lighter than plastic ones, while being less massive and thinner.
Hypoallergenic. Silicone is classified as an inert component suitable for a maximum of consumers.
Reliable fixation. The prosthesis is qualitatively placed in the oral cavity, adjacent to the palate and fixed with the help of clasps.
Softness. One of the softest designs, due to which the pressure on the gums and healthy teeth is minimal.

Nylon removable dentures

Nylon is a material that is different from silicone, but retains many of its positive properties. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, nylon prostheses have 2 more positive qualities:

the most aesthetic- when fixing in the oral cavity, no metal elements are used, but only pink clasps, absolutely invisible to others;
softest and most flexible which makes wearing almost invisible.

The disadvantages of nylon products, unfortunately, are much greater.

Extreme gums are damaged. The nylon construction, in addition to the base, has a supporting elastic clasp for attachment to healthy teeth. The soft material from which the fastener is made passes pressure during chewing directly onto the mucous and jaw bone, which leads to its atrophy and a decrease in the gum level. Also, as a result, the prosthesis sags.
Deformation.

The soft frame of nylon models leads to an uneven redistribution of masticatory pressure, which leads to a gradual deformation of the structure.

As a result, pain occurs during biting and chewing.

Uncomfortable product surface. The fact is that nylon is difficult to polish and grind, so the surface remains rough and inhomogeneous. This is especially noticeable in the area where the structure is adjacent to the mucosa. Also, in the absence of regular hygiene, bacterial plaque, lime deposits and stone settle in the pores. This, in turn, leads to bad breath and the development of inflammatory processes.

Cheap pleasure. The price of installing a nylon model is almost 5 times higher than the cost of plastic counterparts.

The price of installing a nylon model is almost 5 times higher than the cost of plastic counterparts

We examined how to choose soft dentures among removable dentures, what advantages and disadvantages they have.

When choosing an individual prosthesis, it is important to pay attention not to the price of the product, but to the quality, durability and, most importantly, wearing comfort. There are people who are ideally suited for short-lived plastic constructions, but at the same time uncomfortable in nylon prostheses. Consult with your doctor and choose the right material together, because the health and life of your own teeth depends on it!

Nylon denture

Flexible dentures is a modern technology of dental prosthetics, which has been successfully used abroad for more than 20 years. Flexible soft dentures are an excellent alternative to other types of dental prosthetics.

Prices for a flexible nylon prosthesis (including the promotion)

Elastic (nylon) removable prosthesis (up to 3 teeth).

Elastic (nylon) removable prosthesis (from 4 teeth).

* Prices are based on the currently ongoing "half price" promotion.

Detailed calculation of the cost of the prosthesis (from 4 teeth) per jaw

1. Flexible prosthesis Valplast - 18,990 rubles.
2. Taking impressions - 700 rubles.
3. Bite registration - 250 rubles.
+ optional sets of imported teeth Ivokril (domestic sets are put in the standard, and imported ones are a little more aesthetic and made of more durable plastic) - 2300 rubles.
Total: 19 940 (22 240) rubles.

Please note - the average price in the city in other dental clinics will be more than 30,000 rubles! Why it will cost us less, read on this page.

Production time - 5-7 working days.
You can make an appointment by phone here.

Nylon dentures

Nylon dentures were first used for the treatment of diseases of the mandibular joint and for the manufacture of mouth guards for athletes, as well as people with traumatic professions working in extreme situations. Their installation does not require preliminary turning of neighboring teeth, they are fixed due to a snug fit to the gums and special clasps. Experts lovingly call them "soft teeth" or "invisible prostheses." In fact, they are quite hard and highly functional, while their transparent base with a pink tint, almost merges with the gum and is held by fastenings that are invisible to others. They do not rub the mucous membrane and are firmly fixed in the oral cavity. Their nylon base is soft and elastic, it physiologically adheres to the oral mucosa. They are recommended for patients who do not have abutment teeth for fixed dentures.

Advantages of nylon dentures

Removable dentures made of nylon have a number of undeniable advantages:

1. They do not have metal structures in their structure, so galvanic currents do not occur in the mouth even if there are other fixed dentures and crowns.

2. A unique feature is that when replacing missing teeth, neighboring teeth do not need to be ground - they are completely preserved.

3. They are strong and withstand the heaviest load - they are extremely difficult to break. At the same time, they are plastic, thin and weightless, which eliminates the feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the mouth.

4. A soft nylon prosthesis does not contain metal structures (which are contained, for example, in metal-ceramic, clasp, implant) - fastening to the abutment teeth is carried out using flexible nylon alveolorigital clasps, which are an integral continuation of the prosthesis and are not visible when smiling. This allows it to be used in the most aesthetically difficult areas.

5. In soft dentures, the shade of the base of the prosthesis and the clasp is matched to the color of the gums, moreover, dental nylon is an almost transparent material, and the color has several options. The shape and design are also selected in accordance with the structure of the gums. All this allows you to make it almost invisible.

6. Very light, almost not felt in the mouth - you can sleep with them, play sports and lead a normal life without experiencing the slightest inconvenience.

7. They evenly distribute chewing loads, do not put pressure on the remaining teeth, therefore it is recommended for those who suffer from periodontal diseases, as one of the types of medical construction.

8. Nylon Valplast is a hypoallergenic material, it does not cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to such chemical compounds as acrylic, vinyl, latex and various metals. Sometimes, this is the only way out for those who suffer from allergies, and a great choice for those who want to prevent the accumulation of allergens in their bodies in the future. In addition, the holding moment of Valplast is significantly better than that of acrylic resins.

9. Nylon is absolutely non-hygroscopic material - it does not absorb moisture or odors, which means it is protected from pathogens that cause inflammation in the mouth.

10. Flexible and elastic, they cannot be broken. With an uneven chewing load, they do not change and do not deform.

11. Reviews of flexible nylon prostheses indicate that such prostheses are more comfortable for the patient than conventional acrylic (plastic), and getting used to prostheses is faster and easier.

In our dental clinics, for their manufacture, we use the Valplast system (Valplast, USA) using the highest quality imported teeth Ivoclar (Ivoclar, Liechtenstein) today.

However, like any removable dentures, nylon ones require adjustment or replacement with new ones over time due to changes in the relief of the oral mucosa.

Caring for them is simple and consists in their timely cleaning (with a soft brush) and rinsing of both the prosthesis and the oral cavity. In addition, we recommend using special soluble tablets (for example, Corega) for removable dentures - they perfectly clean the denture and eliminate the appearance of plaque in case of poor-quality or untimely cleaning.

Flexible dentures: pros and cons

Flexible dentures are another step towards excellence in dentistry. Made of elastic material, they do not have a negative effect on the oral mucosa and are firmly attached according to the “wet glass” principle. The main material for the manufacture of such prostheses is nylon, produced in the USA, Italy and Israel, but relatively recently a cheaper novelty has appeared on the market, completely developed by Russian specialists - polyurethane prostheses, which are not much more expensive than acrylic counterparts.

Peculiarities

Any removable prosthesis is a base plate with artificial teeth fixed in it:

Plastic ones are made of acrylic - a hard and durable material that can provoke inflammation of the gums and palate. In addition, it takes a long time to get used to plastic prostheses: they do not have a good fixation ability and require the presence of preserved teeth.
Clasp prostheses are made on a metal arc, which has tremendous strength, but also the corresponding pressure on the gums, the ability to provoke allergies.
Artificial teeth on nylon prostheses are located on a thin, flexible base, which easily and accurately takes the shape of the gums and palate, is firmly glued and held throughout the day.

Flexible nylon prostheses can be used both in the complete absence of the dentition, and if it is necessary to replace 2-3 teeth - in the form of overlays fixed with clasps. The main advantage of dental prosthetics using a flexible base is its softness, which allows you to quickly get used to updates in the oral cavity. But it is this property that simultaneously reveals the shortcomings of the prosthesis - the lack of strength and fragility.

Advantages

Flexibility and softness are properties that ensure quick adaptation to the prosthesis, adjustment to the individual characteristics of the gums and strong attachment even without fixing devices.
Strong fixation even in the complete absence of the dentition, which is provided by the principle of "wet glass" - the prosthesis simply sticks to the gum. Much less often, the use of adhesive agents, such as Korega, is required.
High aesthetics. If hard plates with artificial teeth are attached to preserved or extended crowns by means of metal clasps, then nylon prostheses have thin and completely invisible flexible hooks. Thin silicone pads firmly stick to the gums and become invisible.
Ease of use. Nylon and polyurethane prostheses, unlike all the others, do not need to be removed at night - they can be used indefinitely. There are only two basic rules of care: they must be cleaned at least once a day with toothpaste and removed once a week for treatment in a disinfectant solution.
Hypoallergenic. If an allergy to metal components is observed quite often, then nylon has a high affinity for the oral mucosa, which guarantees the absence of an inadequate reaction of the body.
Soft silicone clasps make it possible to attach remaining teeth to crowns without grinding them down, a procedure that scares many patients.
Relatively low cost. Prices for the manufacture of prostheses vary depending on the number of teeth, individual characteristics, the origin of the material and, of course, the region. But the price for the manufacture of the entire dentition does not exceed 50 thousand rubles, while the implantation of one tooth costs an average of about 9-10 thousand rubles.

In the complete absence of the dentition, flexible dentures are perhaps the best solution - they do not often have to be removed, leaving them in a glass by the bed, and you can not be afraid of the prosthesis falling out when smiling, talking and eating.

Flaws

Along with numerous advantages, flexible prostheses also have a number of disadvantages that should be borne in mind when choosing:

fragility. Apparent flexural strength does not prevent the prosthesis from shrinking fast enough and being damaged by food pressure. The maximum service life of polyurethane and nylon plates is stipulated for a period of 5-6 years.
Elasticity, which is the main advantage, also becomes the leading disadvantage - when chewing, uneven pressure is exerted on the prosthesis, which can lead to chronic gingivitis.
Soft materials are difficult to grind - the inner surface at the junction of artificial teeth and a soft plate is rough, which creates a requirement for weekly disinfection and regular, thorough cleaning of the prosthesis. Over time, food and salt residues can accumulate on it, forming tartar, which creates a danger to natural teeth adjacent to the plate.
Pressure drops, soft attachments and a rough surface pose a significant threat to the teeth for which the prosthesis is attached - over time, the gums at their roots are injured, the enamel is destroyed, which first leads to increased sensitivity of the teeth, and then to caries.
A sufficiently rapid shrinkage of the prosthesis leads to the need for frequent adjustments. Moreover, the more teeth are prosthetized with a flexible plate, the more often you will have to visit the dentist.

Flexible false dentures are best used in the absence of 2-3 teeth in a row in a row - in this case, the negative aspects are minimized, and the service life can stretch up to ten years. The choice of a flexible material is also taken in the absence of dentition, because the softness and high attachment capacity create optimal conditions for rapid adaptation and patient comfort.

Features of flexible dentures

Dentistry took another step forward when flexible dentures were created, but few people know what it is.

This device, which replaces lost bone formations in the mouth, is made from elastic raw materials - nylon or polyurethane.

It does not harm the mucous membrane on the inside of the cheeks and lips and is securely fixed in place according to the “wet glass” principle.

Flexible design features

The prosthesis, for the creation of which nylon is used, is a lamellar structure.

It is in close contact with the jaw and palate and is fixed in that part of the oral cavity where at least two bone formations were removed.

Often, a flexible prosthesis is installed on jaws that are completely devoid of teeth.

The nylon structure, which replaces the torn out bone formations, consists of several elements:

the base part, that is, a plate that copies the contours of the gums and does not differ in color from the shade of the soft tissues in the oral cavity;
clamps, also made of elastic material.

A complete, flexible, full-jaw denture looks like a curved plate to which artificial teeth are attached.

It is put on the gums and is fixed due to the suction effect. Such a prosthesis is well attached to the upper jaw. At the bottom, the fixation of the structure can be much weaker.

Removable dentures, made of elastic material, get dirty during the day. Therefore, in the evening they must be carefully removed from the mouth and cleaned with a soft brush from plaque formed from small particles of food.

The nylon structure should be disinfected, for which it must be immersed in a glass with a solution prepared from a special tablet.

When less than 10 bone formations have been removed from a person who has applied for dental prosthetics, a partial nylon denture is made for him.

Such a design can be installed in the oral cavity only if most of the gums are not empty. It is customary to use both permanently and temporarily.

Nylon prostheses are best ordered at the clinic, where there is a dental technician's office. If it is not there, then the orthodontist gives casts to a third-party laboratory for the manufacture of the structure.

As a result, the patient has to wait a long time for the next stage of prosthetics of bone formations - trying on the finished product.

When a specialist who creates artificial teeth works in an office next to a doctor, interaction between them is possible.

This is a guarantee that flexible dentures will be of high quality, and most importantly, not too expensive.

The manufacture of flexible dentures should not take a lot of time. To install a structure with artificial teeth in the oral cavity, you will need to go to the orthodontist at least 3 times.

At the first appointment, the doctor makes an impression, at the second, he tries on the finished prosthesis, and at the third, he fixes it to the sky and gums.

Nylon is not the only material that flexible dentures are made from, and prices for this product can vary.

The cost of the structure is also affected by the number of missing bone formations.

But, despite all these factors, a plate with attached artificial teeth is relatively inexpensive, unlike an implant that is installed in place of only one removed bone formation.

Advantages and disadvantages of a nylon prosthesis

The most important advantage of flexible dentures is elasticity and softness. Thanks to these properties, adaptation to the product is quick and painless.

In addition, a flexible design that replaces extracted teeth is attached to the gums without the use of fixing devices.

Moreover, even full nylon dentures hold just as well in their place, because they stick close to the soft tissues that cover the edges of the jaws.

Those who use such a product rarely have a desire to lubricate it with an adhesive agent in order to improve fixation.

The process of creating a flexible design is easy, because nylon or other elastic material adapts well to the individual size and shape of the gums.

In addition, this raw material allows you to achieve high aesthetics of the prosthesis. Unlike hard plates with ceramic teeth attached to crowns with metal staples, a flexible product for replacing fallen bone formations is fixed using inconspicuous soft hooks.

Nylon or polyurethane dentures do not cause discomfort during use. You can even fall asleep with them, which cannot be done with any other structure that replaces lost bone formations.

To prevent deterioration of the flexible prosthesis, it needs to be washed in a disinfectant solution only once a week.

There are no special requirements for cleaning this product with toothpaste and a brush. The main thing is to do this at least once a day.

Dental prosthetics made of nylon or polyurethane do not cause allergic phenomena. Only those who have installed a structure with metal elements in the oral cavity can face them.

The elastic material used in the manufacture of flexible prostheses is similar in properties to the oral mucosa, and therefore cannot provoke an inadequate reaction of the body.

In addition, soft hooks of nylon or polyurethane products can be attached to the crowns of unprepared teeth.

Despite the huge list of advantages, flexible prostheses can also have some disadvantages.

First of all, they should include the fragility of the product, which quickly shrinks and is damaged by food, although at first it seems to be strong in bending.

It will be possible to use a prosthesis made of nylon for no more than 6 years. In addition, the elasticity of the structure is at the same time not only an advantage, but also a significant disadvantage.

Because of it, pieces of food press unevenly on the product, as a result of which chronic inflammation of the gums can develop.

Since nylon and polyurethane are soft materials, they do not sand well. As a result, the surface at the junction of artificially created teeth and a flexible plate remains rough and requires thorough cleaning with a toothbrush.

After some time, food and salt residues can accumulate in this place, which threatens the formation of tartar, which will harm natural teeth.

So it will be possible to avoid negative consequences and increase the time of using a soft structure up to 10 years.

It is more expedient to choose a nylon or polyurethane denture for a person who has already lost all bone formations in the oral cavity. You will get used to such a replacement of teeth very quickly.

Dentistry took another step forward when they were created, but few people know what it is.