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Very Short Central Incisors with Dark Shadows at the Gum
Diagnosis
Patient #11 had an old partial that was ill fitting and not very pleasing to look at. Her upper lip was not supported and when she smiled the edges of the teeth curved opposite to her lower lip, creating a "reverse smile line." The previous dentist had chosen triangular teeth and no flange, which showed large triangles between the teeth. She was unable to afford the ideal treatment of ridge augmentation and implants. She also could not afford a fixed bridge replacing the four anterior missing teeth. She could afford a new partial.
Treatment
When we built the new partial we prepared her teeth or made crowns to accept the partial by making indentations to hold, parallel surfaces to guide, and undercuts to retain the partial. Our second appointment we checked the metal framework. Our third appointment we checked the partial in wax. On the fourth appointment the partial was ready to take home. The flange supports the upper lip giving her face a more pleasing appearance and the denture teeth are a better match to her natural teeth. We moved the clasps back to make them less visible. And most importantly, the incisal edge follows the lower lip, creating an attractive smile line.
Future Treatment
This patient only sees the dentist when she has a problem. She believes she cannot afford dental maintenance care. However, regular cleanings and checkups prevent expensive problems and is the least expensive care over time.
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