What is a Stay Plate?
A dental stay plate, also known as a temporary partial denture or flipper, is a removable appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth temporarily. It helps maintain the space for future permanent restorations, restore aesthetics, and support oral function while the patient waits for a definitive prosthesis.
When Are Stay Plates Used?
Post-Extraction
Immediate tooth replacement after extraction to maintain aesthetics while healing occurs.
During Implant Treatment
Temporary restoration while implants integrate and permanent crowns are fabricated.
Space Maintenance
Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth.
Aesthetic Solution
Restores a natural-looking smile while waiting for permanent bridge or implant work.
Types of Stay Plates
Acrylic Stay Plates
The most common type, made entirely from acrylic resin. Pink acrylic base mimics gum tissue with acrylic or plastic teeth attached.
- Affordable — generally the least expensive option
- Quick and easy to fabricate
- Easy to adjust and repair
- Less durable, can wear or break more easily
- Can be bulkier, affecting comfort
Flexible Stay Plates
Made from flexible thermoplastic materials like nylon, offering more adaptability and comfort compared to acrylic.
- Comfortable — flexible material adapts to mouth contours
- Aesthetics — blends naturally with gum tissue
- More resistant to fractures
- More expensive than acrylic
- More difficult to adjust or repair
Metal Stay Plates
Use a metal framework combined with acrylic or composite teeth. The metal provides structural support and strength.
- Superior strength and stability
- Thinner, less bulky design for better comfort
- More durable and long-lasting
- More expensive due to metal components
- Metal parts may be visible
Combination Stay Plates
Combine elements of metal and flexible or acrylic materials to leverage the strengths of each type.
- Balanced performance — durability, comfort, and aesthetics
- Customizable to meet specific patient needs
- More complex to fabricate
- Typically more expensive
Stay Plate Gallery
Acrylic Stay Plate
1-3 teeth replacement
Stay Plate Example
Anterior tooth replacement
Stay Plate Example
Multiple teeth replacement
Andy K. Case
Custom flipper fabrication