I have a teen daughter that never had an adult tooth come in. We’re planning on doing some orthodontic work, at that time, I want to open the space to prepare for a dental implant and put something in there temporarily, until she’s old enough. My dentist wants to do a Maryland Bridge. I was fine with that at first, but have done some research since then. It seems like more has to be done to the adjacent teeth than I would like. I’m afraid it will eventually cause damage to those teeth, which will then also need work. Are there other options?
Mary Elisabeth K. – Indiana
Mary Elisabeth,
I’m glad you’re seeking out other options. One of the many good reasons for getting a dental implant is it doesn’t negatively impact your adjacent teeth. A Maryland Bridge requires tooth preparation, including grooves carved into each adjacent tooth the help hold the bridge along with some bonding.
What your daughter is experiencing is a fairy common condition called congenitally missing teeth. It happens to a lot of people. I’m glad you’re planning an implant for her. It will save her a great deal of trouble in the long run.
There is a better option than what your dentist has recommended. If I were in your place, I’d get a flipper partial for your daughter. It’s simply a false tooth affixed to a small plastic plate that fits behind her teeth and snaps on with metal clips in the back. The clips aren’t visible.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. David Potts.