What are the pros and cons of getting a partial in the canine position for a missing tooth?

Answer 1

If your talking about upper canines then canines are considered the strongest and longest(in terms of roots) of all the dentition...
apart from that canines are conisdered one of the most important teeth aesthetically.The reason for that is canines are present at the angle of mouth(corners of mouth) and are responsible for the bulk or prominance that a person has on this area of the face.
Technically speaking there are no obvious cons of getting partial in canine position but having said that it would be much better if you get a bridge rather than a partial denture there because that part of the dentition or face is clearly visible and having a partial denture would be a bit odd(although functionally speaking you shouldnt have any problem)...apart from that partials are removable and in this sense bridges have the advantage that they are fixed....
secondly,whatever prsothesis(partial or bridge) I will wear, I would have a good look at it in the mirror in dentists office so that it does not has any aesthetic disadvantage(it should look aesthetically pleasing)...
apart from that if finance would not be a big issue and If I have a good dentist then i would prefer implants...

Answer 2

I agree with the dentists that answered this question. I am an oral surgeon and would recommend a fixed bridge or especially an implant if there is adequate room and bone. The implant is considered the best alternative in this case. The canine tooth is one of the most important teeth and supports the entire arch from shifting and collapse as well as provides guidance in lateral excursions. Permanent restoration such as bridge or implant is best. A partial denture while it may be cheaper and easier will be un-esthetic with clasps, will tend to cause problems to clasped teeth, results in a big, bulky appliance in the mouth, and will eventually loosen and have to be replaced. Go for the best option and do the bridge or implant, you'll be glad you did.

Answer 3

I'm a dentist.

There is a fairly significant problem with it.

The maxillary canine teeth play a very important role in the side to side movements of your jaw (we call these "lateral excursive" movements).

As a person slides his/her jaw to the left or right, the upper and lower canines on the left of right side, respectively, touch eachother, causing the upper and lower molars to disocclude (i.e. no longer touch). This is a protective mechanism for the teeth, the temporomandibular joint, and the muscles controlling the jaw. We refer to this phenomenon as "canine guidance". Thus, the maxillary canines must be able to sustain a hell of a lot of force. This makes sense, as they typically have the longest and most robust roots of any tooth in the human mouth.

A canine attached to a partial denture, needless to say, is not going to be held into your head as sturdily as the real one. Thus, as your jaw makes its excursive movements, there is a strong possibility that it may wobble the denture.

You're better off with the bridge or implant. Yes, they cost more than the partial, but you'll be happier in the long run.

Answer 4

I would go for an implant if finances allow.

How did the canine tooth become missing in the first place?? That tooth has the longest root in the mouth and usually is a more 'stable' tooth if you will.

Answer 5

Aside from the obvious answer of improved appearance, a missing tooth allows the other teeth around it to shift their position which can lead to a very uncomfortable bite. The cons are that they are expensive and I hate having impressions taken. I'd have to recommend getting it done.