Patient-friendly definition from the DentistsDirectory.org dental glossary.
A flipper is a simple, lightweight removable partial denture that replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth attached to a thin acrylic base. It rests on the gum tissue and may have small wire clasps that wrap around adjacent teeth for additional retention. The name reflects the way many patients flick it in and out of their mouths with their tongue.
Flippers are primarily used as a short-term, transitional solution — most commonly while a patient waits for a dental implant to heal (which takes several months) or for a permanent bridge to be fabricated. They are also used immediately after an extraction to fill the gap aesthetically, or as a longer-term option for patients who cannot afford or are not candidates for permanent restorations. A flipper's main advantages are low cost (typically $300–$500) and the ability to be made and placed very quickly.
Flippers are not designed for permanent use. They are fragile and can break if dropped, they do not prevent the bone loss that occurs when a tooth root is absent, and extended wear can irritate the gum tissue underneath the acrylic base. They must be removed for cleaning after every meal and before sleeping. Chewing hard or sticky foods with a flipper increases the risk of damage. If you are wearing a flipper, your dentist should periodically reassess it and work toward a permanent replacement solution when feasible.