A “flipper” is the common name for an interim removable partial denture, a lightweight, temporary appliance designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of a gum-colored acrylic base and an artificial tooth, restoring a person’s smile and maintaining space until a permanent restoration, such as an implant or bridge, can be placed. Flippers are popular due to their affordability and relative speed of production compared to permanent options. The typical timeline from the initial dental visit to receiving the final appliance generally spans about one to three weeks, though specialized rush options can significantly reduce this duration.
The First Appointment and Preparation
The process begins with an initial appointment focused on gathering the necessary clinical data. During this consultation, the dentist examines the missing tooth space and discusses the appropriate size, shape, and shade for the replacement tooth. This initial appointment usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the case’s complexity.
Taking physical impressions, or molds, of the upper and lower arches of the mouth is essential. These impressions capture the exact contours of the existing teeth and gum line, ensuring the flipper fits securely. The dental team also records a bite registration, showing how the upper and lower teeth meet, and selects the shade of the artificial tooth to match the surrounding natural dentition. This clinical data and the dentist’s prescription are then sent to a specialized dental laboratory.
Standard Fabrication Time
Once the dental laboratory receives the case, standard fabrication typically requires five to ten business days. This timeframe is dictated by the multi-stage procedure needed to convert the physical impression into a finished appliance. The first step involves pouring dental stone into the impression to create an accurate model of the patient’s mouth.
Technicians position the prosthetic tooth onto the model and use wax to sculpt the gum-colored base. This wax model is then subjected to flasking, where it is encased in plaster and heated to melt the wax, leaving a mold cavity. Liquid acrylic resin is injected into this mold and chemically cured under pressure to ensure the material’s strength and density.
After the acrylic hardens, the flipper is trimmed, shaped, and polished before being shipped back to the dental office. Some laboratories offer a “rush” service for an increased fee, condensing fabrication time to as little as 24 to 48 hours. Same-day service is occasionally possible but requires significant coordination between the patient, the dentist, and the lab.
Variables That Affect Delivery Speed
Several factors can compress or extend the total time it takes to receive a flipper.
Logistics and Shipping
The geographical distance between the dental office and the lab influences shipping time, typically adding two days for transit. Utilizing local labs or digital impression technology, where data is sent electronically, can eliminate this mailing delay entirely.
Appliance Complexity
The complexity of the appliance affects the lab’s turnaround time. A flipper replacing multiple teeth requires more intricate setup and curing time than one replacing a single tooth.
Adjustments and Administration
If the flipper is being made for an immediate extraction, the process is streamlined because the impression is taken before the tooth is pulled, allowing the flipper to be ready for insertion immediately. However, the patient may need one or more adjustment appointments after delivery to ensure a comfortable fit, which can add several days to the timeline. Additionally, using dental insurance may introduce administrative delays due to pre-authorization or claim processing before the lab work can begin.