Dentaltown October 2013 - (Page 86)

pediatric feature by Paresh B. Patel, DDS Missing upper lateral incisors have been found to be present in about five percent of the general population. About 25 percent of this population will get orthodontic therapy, thus requiring the orthodontist/pedodontist and general dentist to come up with the best possible treatment. Two possible solutions can be canine substitution or an implant when skeletal growth is complete. The most frustrating issue with the later is how to satisfy the patient’s needs during this time between the completion of orthodontic treatment and the beginning of implant therapy. We all know what happens when teens are given the typical solution – a retainer with a denture tooth to occupy the missing spaces. It is typically lost or thrown away by accident. Another solution could be a Maryland or Carolina Bridge. The Carolina Bridge is more conservative than the Maryland Bridge and is an adequate medium-term solution. However, most clinicians find teens are not likely to follow post-placement instructions, thus debonding the pontics and creating frustration for everyone. It is important to note that neither of these solutions do anything to stimulate and keep what little bone is left in these edentulous areas. An effective and aesthetic alternative to these two traditional techniques could be the use of a mini dental implant to support a long-term temporary crown. I suggest this as a long-term temporary solution as most patients at orthodontic completion lack definitive proof that growth is complete. This technique does not involve any preparation to the adjacent teeth and is fairly inexpensive. The mini implant will stimulate the alveolar bone and prevent any ridge atrophy during this time period, which can be as long as five to seven years for growth completion. This solution is very reliable with minimal complications such as loss of the pontic. Finally, when growth is complete, the mini implant is approved for use to continued on page 88 86 OCTOBER 2013 » dentaltown.com http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown October 2013

Dentaltown.com Highlights
Howard Speaks: Treatment Plans, Social Media Marketing and the Meaning of Life
Professional Courtesy: 10 Things that Annoy Me
Continuing Education Update
Parent Wants to Video Appointments for Child’s Protection
Ribbond Splinted Bridge for Tooth #8
New Products
Corporate Profile: Scientific Metals
Rental Investments: Sane or a Pain?
Product Profile: 3M ESPE RelyX Luting Plus Cement
Product Profile: U.S. Bank
Product Profile: Demandforce
You Should Know: Shatkin F.I.R.S.T.
The Pity Prison
You Should Know: DC Dental
What’s Your Practice’s Online Reputation?
The Changing World of Pediatric Dentistry
Quality Face Time at Dental Home Day
You Should Know: Healthy Smiles Healthy Children
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
You Should Know: EZ-Pedo
The Mini Implant-supported Long-term Temporary Crowns for Missing Lateral Incisors
My Son, the Slippery Octopus
Continuing Education: Fundamental Space Maintenance
In This Issue: Oral Cancer
Perio Reports
Ad Index
Profile in Oral Health: A Hygienist’s Personal Experience with Oral Cancer
Dentally Incorrect

Dentaltown October 2013