Flexible Dentures

Flexible dentures offer several significant advantages over traditional rigid dentures for many patients. The innovative nylon-based materials used in flexible partial dentures provide greater comfort by adapting naturally to the contours of your mouth while chewing and speaking. Without metal clasps, they're more aesthetically pleasing, with no visible metal when you smile. The flexible nature reduces pressure points and gum irritation that can sometimes occur with rigid dentures.

However, "better" depends on your specific dental situation. Traditional acrylic or metal dentures may be more suitable for full-mouth restorations or when maximum chewing strength is required. For partial tooth replacement with emphasis on comfort and aesthetics, flexible partial dentures often provide superior results. During your consultation at Northern Rivers Denture Clinic, our experienced prosthetists will assess your unique needs, considering factors like the number of missing teeth, jaw bone structure, and lifestyle requirements to determine the ideal solution for you.

With proper care and maintenance, flexible partial dentures using the Vertex ThermoSens system typically last 3-5 years. While this lifespan is shorter than traditional acrylic dentures, many patients find the superior comfort and aesthetics of flexible dentures worth the trade-off.

Several factors influence longevity, including your daily care routine, changes in oral structure, and how frequently you wear your dentures. Regular professional check-ups at our clinic—we recommend every 6-12 months—allow us to identify and address minor issues before they affect fit or function. During these appointments, we can make adjustments to accommodate natural changes in your gum tissue and bone structure that occur over time.

Proper daily cleaning, avoiding exposure to high temperatures, and removing your flexible dentures during sleep can all contribute to maximising their functional lifespan. With optimal care and regular professional maintenance, some patients may extend the usable life of their ThermoSens flexible dentures toward the upper end of the typical range.

Our ThermoSens flexible partial dentures start from $1,550, with the exact cost depending on the number of teeth required and treatment complexity. We offer flexible payment options including $100/fortnight interest-free plans through National Dental Plan, plus Afterpay, Humm, and ZipMoney. The investment includes our exclusive ThermoSens technology, free consultation, professional fitting, and follow-up care. Book a free consultation for your personalised quote.

Yes, flexible partial dentures are significantly more comfortable than traditional rigid dentures. ThermoSens flexible dentures are lightweight, have no metal clasps that can irritate gums, and the flexible material adapts better to your mouth's natural movements. The monomer-free construction also eliminates potential allergic reactions that some patients experience with conventional dentures. Most patients report improved comfort within days of receiving their ThermoSens dentures.

ThermoSens technology offers five key advantages over other flexible denture materials: it's monomer and acrylic-free (reducing allergies), non-porous (more hygienic), offers 15 colour options with superior colour stability, and is virtually unbreakable. As the exclusive ThermoSens provider in the region, we're the only clinic offering this advanced technology locally. The comparison shows ThermoSens superior in 4 out of 5 categories compared to standard Valplast flexible dentures.

Proper maintenance is essential for extending the life of your flexible dentures and maintaining oral health. Follow these specialised care guidelines for Vertex ThermoSens dentures:

Daily Cleaning Routine:

• Rinse after every meal to remove food particles
  Clean at least once daily using a soft denture brush (never use stiff-bristled brushes that could scratch the surface)
• Use mild soap or non-abrasive denture cleaner specifically formulated for flexible materials

What to Avoid:

• Never use bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, or abrasive toothpastes
• Avoid soaking in hot water, which can potentially warp the material
• Keep away from harsh chemicals that could damage the flexible material

Professional Maintenance:

• Visit our Tweed Heads clinic every 12 months for professional ultrasonic cleaning
• Have your denture professionally assessed annually for fit and condition
• Seek immediate professional advice if you notice any changes in fit or condition

Proper care not only extends the lifespan of your flexible partial denture but also maintains its aesthetic qualities and helps prevent oral health issues that can arise from poor denture hygiene.

Flexible partial dentures restore much of your natural eating ability, though there is typically an adjustment period and certain considerations to keep in mind:

Initial Adjustment Period:

• Start with soft foods cut into small pieces during your first week
• Gradually introduce more varied textures as you become comfortable
• Practice chewing on both sides of your mouth simultaneously to distribute pressure evenly

Foods That Work Well:

• Most everyday foods present no problems once adjusted
• Properly cooked meats, fruits, vegetables, and most of your favorite dishes

Foods That Require Caution:

• Very hard items like nuts and hard candies (consider crushing or breaking into smaller pieces)
• Sticky foods like caramels and chewy toffees that might dislodge the denture
• Foods with small seeds that can get trapped beneath the denture

Our flexible partial dentures using Vertex ThermoSens technology offer better chewing efficiency than many other flexible options, with their precise fit and stability allowing for more natural eating function. Most patients report that after a few weeks, they can enjoy nearly all their favorite foods with confidence and comfort.

If you experience any persistent discomfort while eating, contact our clinic for an adjustment appointment. Small refinements can often make a significant difference in your eating experience.

When considering tooth replacement options, it's helpful to understand how flexible partial dentures compare to alternatives:

Flexible Partial Dentures vs. Traditional Acrylic Partial Dentures:

• Aesthetics: Flexible dentures offer superior natural appearance with no visible metal clasps
• Comfort: Greater flexibility provides enhanced comfort and less gum irritation
• Weight: Approximately 30% lighter, feeling less bulky in the mouth
• Durability: More resistant to breakage if dropped, but shorter overall lifespan (3-5 years vs. 5-7 years)
• Cost: Starting from $1,550, typically somewhat higher than basic acrylic options

Flexible Partial Dentures vs. Chrome Cobalt (Metal) Partial Dentures:

• Aesthetics: Significantly more natural-looking without metal framework
• Initial Comfort: Most patients find flexible options more immediately comfortable
• Strength: Chrome offers superior chewing strength for posterior teeth
• Longevity: Chrome typically lasts longer (7-10 years vs. 3-5 years)
• Cost: Generally more affordable than chrome options

Flexible Partial Dentures vs. Dental Implants:

• Invasiveness: Non-surgical option requiring no bone integration
• Treatment Time: Complete in weeks rather than months
• Maintenance: Removable for cleaning vs. permanent fixtures
• Longevity: Temporary solution vs. potentially lifelong restoration
• Cost: Significantly more affordable ($1,550+ vs. $5,000+ per tooth for implants)

Flexible Partial Dentures vs. Dental Bridges:

• Tooth Conservation: No modification of adjacent teeth required
• Accessibility: Easier to clean underneath than fixed bridges
• Adaptability: Can be modified if additional teeth are lost
• Lifespan: Shorter duration (3-5 years vs. 7-15 years for bridges)
• Cost: Generally more economical, especially for multiple missing teeth

The ideal tooth replacement solution varies depending on your specific dental condition, lifestyle needs, and budget. During your consultation at Northern Rivers Denture Clinic, our experienced prosthetists will help you determine if flexible partial dentures are the right choice for your unique situation.