My 17-year-old son is missing his top left lateral incisor. After his baby tooth fell out, the primary tooth didn’t grow in. Our pediatric dentist said the tooth behind the missing one would move forward to fill the space. The tooth did grow partially in the space of the missing one, but my son still has a gap. I’m concerned because he is so self-conscious about it and doesn’t want to make it more noticeable with braces. Do we have other options? – Thanks. Nicole
Nicole,
Your son’s pediatric dentist gave misleading advice on two levels. The tooth behind the missing want did not move forward and fill the space. If it had, the result would have looked strange. When the primary tooth came out, a dentist would have replaced a temporary partial denture. Filling the space with a temporary tooth replacement until you were ready for a permanent tooth would have helped other teeth erupt in the correct position.
A dentist or orthodontist must move the canine tooth to the correct position for aesthetics and proper function. Afterward, a dentist can replace the missing tooth with a dental implant. When we chew, canine teeth are thick with long roots to protect back teeth from horizontal stresses. If your son’s canine tooth remains in its current position, he can develop complications later.
Cosmetic dentistry cannot make a smile look pleasing when a canine tooth is displaced. The tooth is too bulky, and altering it with bonding or porcelain veneers will not make it look natural. Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces for moving your son’s tooth. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, helping your son feel less self-conscious about wearing braces. Teenagers’ smiles affect their social relationships, so encourage your son to consider Invisalign or other clear braces.
You can schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss the options.
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