What are flexible dentures?
A flexible denture is a custom-made, removable partial denture with no visible metal clasps, so it looks natural when you smile.
Instead of metal clasps, a flexible denture holds onto your natural teeth with gum-coloured clasps that blend in with your gums. Flexible dentures are also durable.
Like every denture we make, we take the records and design yours in-house, with replacement teeth chosen from a wide range of shades to suit your smile.
What a flexible denture does for you
A flexible denture fills the gaps left by missing teeth, with a couple of extra benefits:
- Appearance: no metal clasps on show, so it blends in with your smile.
- Strength: durable and flexible.
- Eating and speech: fills the gaps so you can chew more evenly and speak more clearly.
- Confidence: lets you smile without metal showing.
Flexible doesn’t mean softer
People often expect a flexible denture to feel more comfortable because it bends. It doesn’t work that way. You choose flexible for the look. A soft liner, for a softer surface against your gums, is a separate option.
Book a consultation
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Who are flexible dentures good for?
Flexible dentures suit people with stable teeth and no expected tooth loss, which makes them a good option for younger patients.
The main limitation is that a flexible denture can’t be modified or added to later. If you lose another tooth, you’ll need a new denture. A flexible denture may be a good fit for you if:
- You’re missing some teeth: you have gaps alongside natural teeth in the same jaw.
- Your teeth are stable: you don’t expect to lose more teeth.
- You don’t want metal on show: looks matter most to you.
- You want something removable: you like being able to take your teeth out for cleaning and overnight.
When another option might suit you better
A flexible denture won’t suit every mouth. Depending on your situation, one of these may be a better fit:
- Chrome partial dentures: if your teeth are less settled, a chrome partial can often be added to later.
- Chrome-flexi dentures: if you want strength and no visible clasps, chrome-flexi combines both.
- Full dentures: if all the teeth in a jaw are missing or need removing, a full denture may be the better option.
If you’re not sure which option is right for you, we’ll examine your mouth and give you a clear recommendation. The decision is yours.
What types of flexible dentures are available?
There are two ways to get a partial with no visible clasps, depending on how much strength you want.
We’ll explain the pros and cons of each at your consultation and recommend the one that suits you.
Flexible partial dentures
The base and the clasps are both flexible, with gum-coloured clasps and no metal on show.
- Appearance: no metal clasps, so it blends in with your gums and teeth.
- Best for: people with stable teeth who want a natural look.
Chrome-flexi dentures
A rigid chrome base with flexible clasps. The chrome base is thin and strong, and the flexible clasps mean no metal shows when you smile.
- Feel: the thin, strong base of chrome.
- Appearance: flexible clasps, so no metal shows when you smile.
- Best for: people who want strength and looks in one denture.
The flexible denture process
Flexible dentures follow the same process as other partials, over two to four visits.
The exact number depends on your case and the type you choose. We talk you through each step as it happens.
- What brought you in: We ask what made you look into a partial now.
- Oral examination: we check your gums, the gaps to be filled and whether your teeth are stable enough for a flexible denture.
- A clear recommendation: flexible or chrome-flexi, with our reasons.
- Impressions: We record your gums and the teeth the clasps will sit against, so your denture sits securely.
- Bite: we record how your teeth meet so your denture works with your natural bite.
- Tooth shade: we match the shade and shape to suit your natural teeth.
- Fit: We check how the denture sits around your teeth and against your gums.
- Bite and look: we check your teeth meet evenly, and you check the look in the mirror.
- Final fit: We fit your denture and make any small adjustments.
- Care instructions: you’ll learn how to put it in, take it out and clean it.
- Adjustments: We see you for adjustments as needed while you settle in.
- Clean and polish: every six months is good practice.
- Fit check: come back at least every two years.
How much do flexible dentures cost?
The cost depends on whether you choose a flexible or chrome-flexi denture, and whether you need one arch or two.
Every case is different, so we discuss cost after you’ve booked and we’ve seen what your treatment involves.
What affects the cost
- Denture type: flexible and chrome-flexi dentures each involve different work.
- Number of arches: an upper, a lower, or both.
Ways to pay
We’re upfront about cost once we’ve seen you, and there are a few ways to manage it:
- Health funds: we accept all major health funds and claim on the spot with HICAPS, so you only pay the gap.
- MediPay payment plans: spread the cost over instalments, so you can go ahead with the right treatment rather than a compromise.
We accept all health funds
We work with all major health insurance providers, so you can claim toward your treatment on the spot with HICAPS.
