Flexible dentures have become a widely used alternative to traditional metal–acrylic removable partial dentures (RPDs). Their aesthetic advantages and improved comfort make them attractive to many patients.
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✅ 1. What Are Flexible Dentures?
Flexible dentures are removable prostheses fabricated from thermoplastic materials such as nylon-based polyamides. These materials provide high flexibility, biocompatibility, and superior aesthetics.
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2.1 Superior Aesthetics
Flexible dentures eliminate metal clasps, offering natural-looking esthetics, especially in anterior regions.
2.2 High Patient Comfort
Their lightweight nature and flexibility provide improved comfort, especially for patients with tissue undercuts or intolerance to rigid acrylic bases.
2.3 Biocompatibility
Flexible dentures are often marketed as hypoallergenic, making them a suitable option for patients allergic to acrylic monomers or certain metals.
2.4 Flexibility Reduces Fracture Risk
Unlike acrylic bases, which may fracture under stress, flexible materials show high resistance to impact and bending forces.
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3.1 Limited Adjustability and Repair
Flexible materials are difficult to adjust, reline, or repair. This represents one of the major limitations compared with metal–acrylic RPDs.
3.2 Poor Occlusal Stability
Because of material flexibility, these dentures may experience increased movement during mastication, reducing long-term stability.
3.3 More Bacterial Retention
The porous nature of some polyamide materials can lead to higher plaque accumulation, requiring stricter hygiene protocols.
3.4 Reduced Longevity
Flexible dentures may lose mechanical properties over time due to water absorption, discoloration, and material fatigue.
📊 Comparative Table: Metal–Acrylic Removable Partial Denture
| Aspect | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Framework Material | Rigid metal structure provides stability and durability | Less aesthetic due to visible clasps |
| Support and Retention | Excellent occlusal stability and load distribution | Requires adequate abutment teeth |
| Adjustability | Easy to adjust, repair, and reline | Can fracture if handled improperly |
| Aesthetics | Better contour and tooth replacement design | Visible metal components may affect appearance |
| Longevity | Long-lasting with proper care | Heavier and more rigid than flexible options |
While flexible dentures provide excellent comfort and esthetics, they are not always the best long-term functional solution. Evidence consistently shows that rigid frameworks—especially metal–acrylic RPDs—offer superior support, stability, and occlusal performance. Flexible dentures are beneficial primarily as interim prostheses, for patients with intolerance to metal frameworks, or in cases requiring enhanced esthetics with minimal preparation.
For long-term prosthetic rehabilitation, conventional metal–acrylic RPDs remain the evidence-based gold standard.
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Flexible dentures offer significant advantages in comfort, esthetics, and biocompatibility. However, their limitations—especially in stability, reparability, and longevity—should guide clinicians when selecting the appropriate prosthesis. Patient selection is critical, and flexible dentures should be prescribed only when their benefits outweigh their functional limitations.
🔎 Recommendations
▪️ Indicate flexible dentures primarily for temporary or transitional prostheses.
▪️ Avoid flexible dentures in patients requiring long-term occlusal stability.
▪️ Provide detailed hygiene instructions to reduce bacterial retention.
▪️ Offer alternative options (e.g., metal–acrylic RPDs) for improved durability and function.
▪️ Always conduct a thorough occlusal and periodontal evaluation before recommending flexible materials.
📚 References
✔ Aldegheishem, A., Almulhim, K., Alsahhaf, A., Aljubour, Z., & AlShehri, A. (2021). Clinical performance and patient satisfaction with flexible removable partial dentures: A systematic review. Journal of Prosthodontics, 30(2), 118–124. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.13277
✔ Singh, K., Aeran, H., Kumar, N., & Gupta, N. (2013). Flexible denture base materials: A viable alternative to conventional acrylic dentures. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 7(10), 2372–2373. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2013/6460.3513
✔ Parvizi, A., Lindquist, T., Schneider, R., Williamson, D., Boyer, D., & Dawson, D. (2004). Comparison of the flexural strength of injection-molded thermoplastic denture base materials. Journal of Prosthodontics, 13(3), 151–156. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-849X.2004.04027.x