Invisalign and Wire Retainer with Fake Tooth?

Question

I am missing a tooth right next to my front tooth and this has caused a lot of spacing. My dentist said that once Invisalign moves my teeth, I will have a space there where they will put the implant, but until then, they would attach a fake tooth to the Invisilign tray so that it wouldn't be noticeable with the tray in. But I am nervous because I will have to take the tray out to eat and drink. Is there a wire retainer that can have a fake tooth attached to it that could be left in often?

Bobby Virk, DMD, MSD · Answer

Here are few other options you have-
1. A wire and acrylic retainer (Hawley retainer/flipper)with the fake tooth attached to it. Cheapest option. But you do have to take it in and out.
2. A temporary lab processed composite Maryland Bridge. It is temporary fake tooth which has the fake wooth with two wings which attach to the back side of the adjacent teeth to the space. There is no cutting or shaping of adjacent teeth. THis is fixed and most esthetic option you have. But there is cost involved with this. I use this ruitinely for my patients. Good part is that Implant speciatist who will place the implant can shave the back side of the fake tooth and place the implant and you will eventually get a permanent tooth once you are ready. It is worth the cost for sure!!!

Natwarlal Tibrewal, BDS · Answer

Your fear is justifiable as it is a front tooth. Your best option would be a sticky bridge (maryland bridge ) on adjacent tooth without any reduction. It will just move with the other teeth and no need to take it out until treatment is over.

Invisalign and Wire Retainer with Fake Tooth?

Answers (2)