My “tween”ager is in need of replacing a congenitally missing tooth. After doing some research, I felt like a dental implant is the best replacement option. We have already had the orthodontic work done to open the space and have a temporary splint there to keep everything in place. Our orthodontist said the next step is to put a temporary replacement there. He recommended a Maryland Bridge. Our family dentist is doing it. He tried to do one with the ceramic wings but the bridge has fallen off twice. Now he is talking about doing one with the metal wings. This has brought some questions to mind. First, will the metal wings hold better? Second, will they show? Three, will this damage her adjacent teeth?
Cameron
Dear Cameron,
Your research was correct. Getting her a dental implant is the best procedure to replace a tooth. It will be most like her having a healthy natural tooth there. That part is fine. The temporary replacement your orthodontist suggested isn’t the best idea. The whole idea behind a temporary replacement is not to do any damage to the adjacent teeth.
A Maryland Bridge Isn’t a Temporary Replacement
When it comes to a Maryland Bridge, in order for it to stay in place there have to be some grooves placed into the teeth on order to secure the bridge. This is likely why your dentist is having trouble keeping it on. Switching to metal wings won’t make this any better. In fact, it is usually harder to keep metal bonded. Plus the metal will darken the teeth. As to your third question, yes, it will damage the adjacent teeth.
Getting a More Appropriate Temporary Tooth Replacement
Instead, I would recommend a dental flipper. It will not affect the adjacent teeth in any way. Plus, it has the additional benefit of being significantly less expensive than the Maryland Bridge you’ve been trying to get to work.
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