Can You Get Retainers with a Fake Tooth?

If you're missing a tooth or many teeth because of decay, injury, or removal and are on the lookout for a temporary fix until you find a better solution, there are many ways to fill the gap. A good option is to use a removable acrylic retainer with a fake tooth painted on it or with a flipper tooth.

A flipper tooth is essentially a temporary removable acrylic retainer, which either sits on the lower jaw or along the palate (the roof of the mouth), having one prosthetic tooth or many teeth attached to it.

Alternatively, you can get a removable retainer made of transparent plastic that covers all your teeth and has a tooth painted on it in the place of your missing tooth. Even though the tooth has not been replaced in the gap, it appears as if the tooth is there whenever you wear the retainer.

The retainer is very easy to place and take off comfortably; however, it does not replace the tooth fully, nor does it offer chewing ability. When you use the retainer with the flipper tooth or painted tooth, it gives the appearance of a complete set of teeth.

How Is a Retainer with a Fake Tooth Made?

You can easily get a removable retainer with a fake tooth or multiple fake teeth made through your dentist. The retainer with the artificial tooth/ teeth inserts is moulded so that they fit over your teeth, and they have pieces of acrylic that are set into the spaces where the tooth is missing.

In the case of a flipper tooth, the dentist makes the tooth by taking an impression of your mouth using a soft material. Then, the impression is used by the dental lab that creates a custom-designed flipper tooth from dental-grade acrylic resin specifically designed to fit your mouth, as well as fill any gaps in your teeth with the prosthetic teeth.

Pros and Cons of a Retainer with a Fake Tooth

There are advantages, as well drawbacks when it comes to using a prosthetic or fake tooth option, including:

Pros

• A retainer with a fake tooth is a much cheaper option compared to most of the other types of partial dentures available today.
• Looks quite natural.
• Very easy to wear. All you need to do is pop the retainer into your mouth.
• The retainer containing the false tooth can help to stabilize your existing teeth and prevent them from shifting.

Cons

• The retainer with the false tooth prevents natural contact between your upper and lower teeth.
• Since they are made of less durable and cheaper materials, the retainer can crack more easily. And, if the flipper tooth breaks, then it will need to be repaired or replaced.
• Unlike dental implants, which are a more permanent solution, the retainers are more temporary in nature and must be replaced every 1 to 3 years.
• The moulded grooves of the retainer can be quite difficult to clean.

Cost of Getting a Retainer with a Fake Tooth

A temporary retainer with a fake tooth is quite an inexpensive option, and the cost can range between £60 and £100. And, once you get the plastic retainer, your dentist can paint the false tooth on it quickly.

Can You Eat with a Retainer with Fake Tooth?

Although the retainer with the fake tooth is a good option, it should be used as a temporary, short-term option because it is not very safe to eat or chew with the retainers for an extended period of time. In addition, since they are made from lightweight, fragile material, they can break very easily if you are not careful while eating.

How to Care for Your Fake Tooth

You should remove the retainer with the fake tooth every night to prevent it from getting dislodged at night and swallowed accidentally. Also, if you don't clean the retainer with the artificial tooth, it could lead to dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay.

Soak the retainer in a denture cleaning solution and, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush it gently, then rinse with clean water. Over time, with use, the retainer may become loose, and so you may have to visit your dentist to have it adjusted to get back its snug fit.

Parting Thoughts

In conclusion, whatever the reason may be, if you have lost a tooth or several teeth and don't want a gap, a retainer with a false tooth or a flipper tooth can be a good and inexpensive option that can serve as a temporary replacement. At the same time, work with your dentist to find a permanent tooth replacement option so that your smile remains intact.