A flipper tooth is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to fill a gap from a missing tooth. Here’s everything you need to know before you get one.
By the FixUrSmile Dental Lab team · Updated September 2026 · Part of our complete partial dentures guide
A flipper tooth (also called a dental flipper) is a removable partial denture that replaces one or a few missing teeth. It has a gum-colored acrylic base and one or more artificial teeth, and it’s held in place by the shape of the base, small wire clasps, or both. It gets its name from how easily it “flips” in and out of your mouth.
Flippers are often used for a missing front tooth, while waiting for a dental implant or bridge, or as an affordable everyday option.
According to Guardian Life, a single flipper tooth typically costs $300 to $500 at a dental office, while flippers that replace multiple teeth can cost $1,000 or more.
FixUrSmile’s custom acrylic partial works like a flipper and is made in our US dental lab from your at-home impressions: $245 for 1–3 teeth and $295 for 4–6 teeth. If you’d prefer no metal, our Nesbit flexible partial replaces one tooth or two adjacent teeth for $260.
| Acrylic flipper | Flexible partial | Nesbit partial | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teeth replaced | 1 to several | 1 to 6 | 1 or 2 adjacent |
| Material | Rigid acrylic, may have wire clasps | Flexible, metal-free resin | Small, one-sided; ours is metal-free |
| Best for | Lowest cost, temporary or backup | Metal-free everyday wear | A small gap on one side |
| FixUrSmile price | From $245 | From $315 | $260 |
Learn more in our types of partial dentures guide.
You can eat with a flipper, but go easy at first. Start with soft foods, cut food into small pieces, and chew on the side opposite the flipper while you adjust. Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can crack or dislodge acrylic. Many people remove their flipper to eat tough foods and put it back afterward.
Flippers are usually considered a short-term solution, but with careful handling many people wear them much longer. How long yours lasts depends on care, bite forces, and whether your gums and teeth change shape. A cracked or loose flipper should be replaced. Keeping a backup is a smart idea, and FixUrSmile takes 15% off your second product automatically.
Related guides: Nesbit vs. flipper · partial denture for one tooth
A flipper is a good option if you want an affordable, removable, non-surgical way to fill a gap, or a temporary tooth while waiting for an implant or bridge. For a long-term solution, talk to your dentist about all your options.
At a dental office, a single flipper tooth typically costs $300 to $500. FixUrSmile’s custom acrylic partial is $245 for 1–3 teeth, and our metal-free Nesbit partial is $260 for 1 or 2 teeth.
Most dentists recommend removing removable partials at night to let your gums rest and to clean the appliance. Follow your dentist’s advice for your situation.
Yes. Replacing a missing front tooth is one of the most common uses for a flipper.
Made from your own impressions, from $245. Made in our US dental lab from impressions you take at home, with licensed dentist approval and our Custom Fit Guarantee.
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