By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert
How did this start?
Connor started seeing Dr. Elizabeth in the fall of 2020. Connor was born without two lower teeth. The teeth were congenitally missing, a condition often known as hypodontia. To mask this, Connor had been wearing a metal wire retainer (Hawley retainer) with two teeth attached to it since his braces were removed many years prior. Why some people are born without certain teeth is unknown. While there are often genetic or heredity links, it isn’t always that parents pass this condition on to their children, in fact, it is often found to skip a generation. Treatments for congenitally missing teeth usually include bridges, dentures, or dental implants. Often orthodontic treatment is also necessary to make sure the spacing available is adequate.
What was recommended?
Dr. Elizabeth talked with Connor about treatment options for the future, should he ever decide that wearing a retainer full time wasn’t for him. In an ideal world, implants can replace congenitally missing teeth without altering any other teeth in the area. Connor did go for a consult with the oral surgeon, hoping to hear that he could undergo implant treatment whenever he was tired of wearing his retainer. Unfortunately, Connor doesn’t have enough space for implants.
What this means is that Connor will have to undergo orthodontic treatment (again) before any implant surgery can be done. Connor and his mom and dad weren’t excited about that option and wanted to know what alternative treatment options he has. Connor goes to college and does not feel that orthodontic treatment at this point in his life is what he wants.
Connor could choose traditional bridges, but Dr. Elizabeth was not in favor of this option because the bridges would be built on small anchor teeth. Initially, Connor planned to keep wearing his wire retainer, but then last summer, his retainer finally broke. Connor was tired of wearing a retainer so Dr. Elizabeth Eggert suggested Connor consider having bonded composite “bridges” completed. She talked with Connor about how conservative the preparation could be for the anchor teeth and was confident that the results could look good. Another advantage of the composite bonded “bridges” was that if Connor does decide to move forward with orthodontics and implants later in life, his neighboring teeth will still be in good shape.
What did he want?
After discussing the pros and cons with Dr. Elizabeth, Connor and his parents decided on composite bonded “bridges,” which is a type of fixed dental prosthesis for the replacement of a single missing tooth. The design of the bonded bridge consists of an artificial tooth made out of plastic filling material with a wing-like extension, which is bonded to the neighboring tooth or teeth. The tooth which supports the resin bonded bridge is called an abutment. The tooth which is replaced by the bonded bridge is called a pontic. Usually only minimal preparation is done to the abutment tooth and this treatment is considered minimally invasive.
What was involved?
After deciding to move forward with the composite bonded “bridge,” Dr. Elizabeth took impressions to get a model of Connor’s teeth so she could design the new restorations. Connor also wanted his teeth to be whiter so he did over-the-counter Crest White Strips to bleach his teeth. Connor then had an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth and in one day, he left the office with two new teeth as part of his composite bonded “bridges.”
What does he think?
Once the treatment was completed Connor was very happy with the esthetics and his bite. When we asked him some questions following treatment he said that he did not think much about having the procedure done, but just that it may take a while. He was surprised at how quick and easy the procedure appointment was and notes “I actually fell asleep for awhile I think!” Connor says “I love them! They’re super easy and they feel pretty normal already! It’s been great.” He would tell anyone that needed the same procedure to definitely do it! “It’s totally worth it.”
Thank you, Connor, for trusting us with your smile, we look forward to working with you for many years to come.
