Can Two Lateral Incisors Serve as Anchor Teeth in a Dental Bridge?
When you are missing your central incisors, those teeth can be replaced with a dental bridge for the sake of both functionality and aesthetics. However, when creating a bridge to replace any tooth, it is important that the anchor teeth are in good condition. After all, they are to be given the job of supporting one or more teeth. The type of tooth too is an important consideration.
When replacing two missing central incisors, it is not a good idea to use the lateral incisors as anchor teeth in a 4-unit bridge for several reasons.
Lateral Incisors are the Weakest Teeth
Whether upper or lower, the lateral incisors are the worst teeth to use as bridge anchors. This is because these teeth, especially the lower incisors, have short, thin roots and so cannot support a false tooth on their own. Remember that anchor teeth need to support double their own weight. Lateral incisors are the worst candidates for this job.
The Lateral Incisors Are in the Smile Zone
When you smile, your central incisors along with your lateral incisors are the first teeth that people see. Although your laterals can be crowned and turned into abutment teeth for a bridge, should they be used on their own, there is a high likelihood that the bridge will fail fairly quickly. This could mean that you then lose your lateral incisors as well as the central incisors.
You may then have to invest in dental implants which are much more expensive. If dental implants are too expensive, then you will be forced to wear false teeth which are both less functional and aesthetic than a dental bridge or dental implants.
Your Canines Are Much Stronger
Your canine teeth on the other hand, have the longest roots of all your teeth and so are ideal to serve as dental bridge abutments. If you are seeking to replace two central incisors with a dental bridge then, the most reliable way of doing this would be to include either one or both your canine teeth. This would ensure the longevity of your dental bridge. It would also put less strain on your lateral incisors, therefore reducing the risk of them breaking in the near future.
If your central incisors are missing or you are considering your options for replacement in the near future, take the above information into careful consideration. Otherwise, you may end up having to replace your lateral incisors along with the central incisors within just a few years. For more information, contact a local emergency dentist.
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