Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 11/16/2008

Question
Can a flipper help prevent teeth from shifting?  I had a lower molar out 6 months ago and an implant or bone graft may not be done until January or February (lower molar).  It may require a bone graft since the bone did not fill in at the root, despite the 4 bony walls being very good. In that case it could be several months before the implant actually goes in and the space is finally filled in.   I'm concerned about shifting teeth during this time.

Answer
Dear Patty,

Although a flipper can prevent tooth shifting, it's uncertain whether another two or three months will make a significant difference in your current tooth position unless you have severe gum disease or other factor that would favor tooth shifting. If you are relatively certain that you will begin the implant process in that relatively brief time frame, I don't think a flipper will provide much additional value.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY