In recent years, a new type of dentures called Valplast have become extremely popular as a treatment modality for replacing few missing teeth in either upper or lower jaw or both jaws simultaneously. Valplast also popularly known as “Flexible Dentures” have almost replaced the traditional plastic dentures for partial dentures.
This is because they are made of a special resin which maintains its elasticity even when set. So valpalast dentures are easy to fit and remove and do not pinch as much as the traditional plastic dentures. Being thinner, they fit and adapt very well to the gums. The patient acceptance of flexible dentures is highest among all dentures. Another advantage of flexible dentures that if it accidentally falls on the floor, it will not break.
Though flexible dentures are slightly more expensive than plastic dentures, the numerous advantages it offers is justified for the slightly increased costs.
Caring for Flexible dentures
Flexible dentures do not need any special care. They need to be rinsed and washed before wearing them and after removing them from mouth. They also need to be cleaned after consuming food as some food particles tends to stick on the under surface of the denture. During the night, it is advisable to remove the dentures before sleeping to eliminate the risk of swallowing or of the denture getting stuck in the airway.
These are just the usual care instructions that apply to any denture. An important precaution with flexible valpalast dentures is to avoid putting it in hot water for the risk of distortion of shape of the denture. So the denture needs to be cleaned only with water at room temperature.
The only time they are put in warm water is when if some refitting is desired. The denture is put in warm water and when it becomes slightly soft, the denture is placed back in the mouth. This procedure improves the denture fit.
