Q: I have a 3-tooth bridge using one central incisor and one lateral incisor as anchors. I have one front upper tooth. I am having the other central incisor pulled, and have to have new bridge made. I was told no dentist will use both lateral incisors as anchor teeth, they will have to use the canines. Is this true? Why not use lateral incisors? My canines, are fangs, high up in my jaw bone. I cannot get implants, as I cannot afford them and insurance does not cover them, they are not an option.
A: Generally speaking, lateral incisors are not strong enough anchors for a bridge. They fail over time. There will be too much pressure on these teeth. We have seen this in our patients for the last 28 years who had lateral bridges done years ago.
Your options might include:
- Extend a bridge to the cuspids (eye teeth)
- Implants
- Partial dentures (not desirable)
May I suggest you seek the opinion of a specialist in crowns (Prosthodontist) and get an expert to see what would work best for your situation? Maybe a Periodontist also should get involved.
Best of luck.
