A flipper tooth is a type of removable partial denture, typically made of acrylic, that replaces one or more missing teeth. It primarily serves as an aesthetic placeholder while a patient awaits a more permanent solution like a dental implant or a bridge. The appliance generally stays in place by clasping onto nearby natural teeth or resting against the gums, allowing a person to maintain their appearance and function during the treatment phase. The question of whether to sleep with this device is common and directly relates to maintaining both oral health and the integrity of the temporary prosthetic.
Why Removal is the Standard Advice
Dental professionals generally recommend removing a flipper tooth before sleep to allow underlying tissues to rest and maintain hygiene. Continuous pressure from the appliance can lead to irritation, soreness, and reduced blood flow to the gums. This nightly rest prevents pressure sores and inflammation.
The constant presence of the flipper creates a warm, moist environment between the prosthetic and the oral tissues, which is an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms. This increases the risk of bacterial and plaque buildup, causing bad breath, gum disease, and denture stomatitis. Denture stomatitis is a fungal infection, usually caused by Candida yeast, resulting in redness and inflammation of the tissue underneath the denture.
Furthermore, wearing the appliance 24/7 can accelerate bone resorption, the process where the jawbone shrinks after tooth loss, due to constant pressure on the gum ridge. In some cases, especially in older or medically compromised individuals, sleeping with a partial denture has been linked to a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia. This occurs because bacteria accumulating on the prosthetic can be inhaled into the lungs during sleep.
Clinical Situations Requiring Nighttime Wear
While removal is the general rule, a dentist may occasionally instruct a patient to wear the flipper tooth overnight for temporary clinical reasons. Immediately following a tooth extraction, a dentist may advise continuous wear for the first 24 to 48 hours. This initial wear helps control swelling and protects the surgical site while the gum tissue begins to heal.
Another exception is when the flipper acts as an immediate or transitional denture during the initial healing phase. Wearing the device helps the patient adjust to the prosthetic and allows the gums to conform as swelling subsides. Any deviation from the standard removal advice should only be undertaken with explicit instruction from a dental professional.
Essential Hygiene and Storage
When the flipper is removed for sleep, proper hygiene and storage are necessary to maintain the appliance and prevent contamination. The flipper tooth should be cleaned daily using a soft-bristled brush to remove food particles and plaque. Use a mild soap or a specialized denture cleaner, avoiding regular toothpaste, which contains abrasives that can scratch the acrylic surface.
After cleaning, the flipper must be stored in a moist environment to prevent the acrylic from drying out and warping the fit. This involves submerging the appliance in clean water or a dentist-recommended denture-soaking solution inside a sealed container. The water used for cleaning or soaking must not be hot or boiling, as high temperatures permanently distort the acrylic material.