In the world of modern dentistry, innovation continually strives to improve patient experiences. One such innovation that has garnered attention is Valplast flexible dentures. These dentures offer a unique alternative to traditional acrylic dentures, providing a host of benefits ranging from comfort to aesthetics.
Valplast dentures prove to be a remarkable alternative to fixed tooth replacement options such as dental bridges. They also serve as discreet temporaries during the healing phase after dental implant placement, or during healing after tooth extraction.
Notably, the plastic used in Valplast dentures boasts a rich history dating back over five decades, with its incorporation into professional dentistry since 1954. This plastic falls within the nylon family, rendering it stronger and more flexible than traditional acrylic used in various dental applications.
Importantly, Valplast dentures offer an option for patients who exhibit allergic reactions to acrylic, making them a viable solution for a broader spectrum of individuals.
Understanding Valplast Flexible Dentures
Thinner construction:
Valplast dentures, also referred to as Valplast partial dentures or Valplast flexible partials, are constructed from thermoplastic nylon resin, unlike conventional acrylic dentures. This material is expertly designed to be lightweight and flexible, enabling easy adaptation to mouth movements. The material possesses remarkable strength, allowing dentures to be crafted thinner for enhanced comfort. The flexibility of Valplast dentures allows them to seamlessly adjust to the dynamic changes within the mouth.
Flexible, discreet clasps:
What sets Valplast dentures apart is their flexibility, made possible through the incorporation of flexible clasps. These flexible clasps afford the denture the ability to flex and securely grip onto remaining teeth, surpassing the grip of rigid traditional dentures. Unlike traditional dentures, the clasps in Valplast dentures are made from the same material, eliminating the need for unsightly and sometimes breakable metal clasps.
Aesthetic Excellence:
Valplast dentures shine in the realm of aesthetics. Their tooth and gum-colored clasps seamlessly envelop natural teeth, creating a harmonious blend with the surrounding oral tissue. This natural coloring surpasses the appearance achieved by metal, resin, or porcelain dentures. Shaped to embrace the contours of gums, Valplast dentures redefine comfort, making them the most comfortable form of partial dentures.
Pros and Cons of Valplast® Flexible Partials
Pros:
- Natural Color: Valplast dentures blend seamlessly with natural mouth tones, offering a nearly invisible appearance.
- Great Comfort: The acrylic material of Valplast dentures provides enhanced comfort due to their thinness and flexibility, offering a natural feel.
- Incredible Durability: Valplast dentures’ flexibility and acrylic material render them virtually unbreakable, ensuring long-lasting wear.
- Safer Material: Valplast’s lightweight acrylic is strong and durable, offering thinness and less allergenic properties compared to metal.
- Lifetime Guarantee: Valplast partials are guaranteed against breakage and fracture, assuring patients of their durability and quality.
Cons:
- Single tooth replacement: They cannot be used to replace multiple missing teeth.
- Non-Repairable: Valplast dentures are non-repairable, necessitating replacement in case of damage.
- Remaking Necessity: Moreover, the entire denture must be remade if it no longer fits comfortably.
- Adjustment Challenges: These dentures can be harder to adjust compared to traditional acrylic-based counterparts.
- Thinness Limitation: If made too thin, Valplast dentures can become fragile. And if the base is too thick, they will become rigid and difficult to insert, hurting your gums.
- Production Time: Crafting Valplast dentures can take longer in the dental lab, usually about 5 days.
- Dependency on Surrounding Teeth: They require support from adjacent teeth for stability.
Creating Valplast Dentures
The process of creating Valplast dentures is straightforward. Following an initial evaluation, the custom-making of dentures occurs. Importantly, existing teeth require no alterations, ensuring a swift and easy process. Valplast dentures present an affordable and immediate solution to restore smiles without the concern of exposed missing teeth.
Manufacturing Considerations:
The manufacturing process of Valplast partial dentures involves meticulous attention to material thickness. A key factor is to ensure the proper thickness of the Valplast material in order to create a flexible and thin baseplate that facilitates optimal adaptation and intimate tissue contact.
When the baseplate thickness deviates from the intended thinness, issues can arise. Excessive thickness results in rigidity, making insertion more challenging and causing discomfort.
Moreover, a thicker baseplate can cause the partial to dig into the surrounding tissue, especially along its borders. Your Valplast partial should be easily inserted without causing undue pressure on the surrounding tissues.
Delivery and Adjustment Process:
To ensure a smooth and comfortable insertion process for patients, it’s recommended to place the flexible partial in warm tap water for at least five minutes before inserting it into the patient’s mouth. The warmth of the water renders the material pliable, allowing it to conform to the patient’s oral anatomy when fully seated. As the material cools, it solidifies and adjusts to the new shape, which can often eliminate the need for further adjustments.
In the rare case that minor adjustments are necessary, they can be performed using appropriate tools like stones, rubber wheels, and points. For your convenience, an adjustment kit containing the recommended tools and a specialized cleaner designed specifically for Valplast flexible partials is available for order on Valplast’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Much Do Valplast Partial Dentures Cost?
The cost of Valplast dentures can vary depending on factors such as the dentist’s expertise, the location of the dental office, the number of teeth to be replaced, and lab fees. On average, Valplast dentures can range from around $700 to $2,000 per arch. While they may be more expensive than traditional dentures due to their unique material, they are still more affordable than permanent tooth replacements like dental bridges or implants.
2. How Long Do Valplast Partial Dentures Last?
Valplast dentures can have a lifespan of approximately 15 years or even longer with proper care. Regular maintenance, such as using denture cleaner and undergoing routine dental check-ups, can significantly extend their longevity. Additionally, Valplast flexible partials come with a limited lifetime warranty against fracture or breakage of the denture base under normal wear and tear. However, it’s important to note that the warranty does not cover the embedded teeth.
3. Can You Get Full Flexible Dentures?
Valplast flexible dentures are primarily designed for single tooth replacements and are not recommended for complete dentures. They are ideal for scenarios where a fixed bridge isn’t feasible, like immediate replacement after tooth extractions or for patients seeking removable options without metal clasps. Valplast is generally not recommended for full dentures, gum-fitted anterior teeth, tight occlusion, or cases with limited inter-occlusal space. The unique features that make Valplast suitable for certain applications might not align with the requirements of full complete dentures.
4. Are Valplast Dentures Right For You?
Valplast dentures offer numerous benefits, but they also come with specific limitations to consider. It’s essential to evaluate whether they are the right choice for your specific needs:
- Remaining Teeth Requirement: Valplast dentures rely on surrounding natural teeth for support. They are not suitable for patients with extensive periodontal disease or for full dentures where there are no neighboring teeth for anchorage.
- No Relining Option: Unlike traditional dentures, Valplast dentures cannot be relined. Instead, if adjustments are needed, the entire fixture would require rebasing, which may be more time-consuming and costly. So you must be a responsible wearer.
5. How do Valplast Dentures compare to Metal and Acrylic Alternatives?
Valplast dentures employ thermoplastic nylon resin, offering flexibility and durability superior to metal and acrylic alternatives. They prioritize comfort, being the most biocompatible option for removable dentures. Aesthetically, Valplast dentures excel, providing a natural appearance. Despite being a cost-effective solution, traditional acrylic and metal partial dentures remain more affordable.
6. How Long Does It Take to Make a Valplast Partial?
Crafting a Valplast removable partial denture in a dental lab typically takes around 5 working days, excluding the day of receipt. For clasp repairs or tooth additions to Valplast partials using authentic Valplast materials, the process usually takes approximately two full working days.
7. How Do You Clean Valplast Flexible Dentures?
Maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your Valplast dentures is relatively simple. Follow these steps for effective cleaning:
- Rinse: Rinse your denture under running water to remove loose particles.
- Brush: Use a specially designed Denture Brush to remove any remaining debris. Avoid using ordinary toothbrushes as they can scratch the denture surface.
- Soak: Soak your denture in Val-Clean® Denture Cleanser for 10-15 minutes daily or overnight three times a week for a thorough clean.
- Vibrating Denture Bath: Consider using a vibrating denture bath, like Denture Sonic or Denture Spa, for enhanced cleaning.
- Hydration: Store your denture in Val-Clean® solution or plain water when not in use to keep it hydrated.
- Maintain Natural Teeth: Regularly brush your natural teeth and gums as directed by your dentist to maintain overall oral health.
References
https://www.newmouth.com/dentistry/restorative/dentures/valplast-partial/
https://www.valplast.info/Patient_Information.htm
https://stomadentlab.com/when-to-choose-a-valplast-partial-over-acrylic-or-metal-framework-partial/
