Fake tooth vent/question

Message

#1 Post by **tomelo** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 6:37 pm

Hooray! After over a 1 1/2 years in braces, I've finally gotten my prostetic tooth! My ortho had to open up space to place a tooth in that spot. Personally, I think it took way longer than it should've. I think it wasn't seen as a priority to him. But of course to me it was. Creating space for a fake tooth was the main reason for me getting braces in the first place. So, when I said that I wanted it put in today, I was surprised that he looked surprised by my request. I just figuered he would do it the instant there was enough space. I didn't think I would have to ask for it.

Anyway, he put's it in and it looks pretty good. However, he kept talking about how the fake tooth was only connected to the archwire and how easly it could fall out. Maybe this was your basic "worse case scenerio" doctor speech but it upset me a bit. It was almost like he was saying it was foolish to put it in because it may fall out. But even if it's temporary, wouldn't an ortho prefer his patient not to have to walk around with a missing front tooth? I would have much preferred tips on how to keep it in instead of all the talk about it falling out.

Now that I'm done with my vent can you all offer some tips on how to keep my tooth in place (fixadent?) and what I should or shouldn't do as far as eating, cleaning, etc. Thanks.

#2 Post by **eoberhauser** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 2:57 pm

I have a "flipper" as it's called, and mine has never fallen out. They are very good about using wire ties to make sure it's secure. It's still wiggly, and I don't think you can help that (Especially if it's on a round wire) but you will get used to it. I've had my flipper in for over a year and I've had zero problems with it. Good luck!

Erin

#3 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 3:05 pm

I don't get how that works, can anyone put a picture?

#4 Post by **rsprouse** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:29 pm

A flipper is different than what tomelo has (according to the description). A flipper is a single tooth removable partial denture. It typically has an acrylic base that wraps on the palate or ridge and shows a single tooth. Tomelo likely has a denture tooth with a bracket bonded to it attached to the archwire. Either way it is more for "show" than function so be careful with it.

Best,
Rory

#5 Post by **eoberhauser** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 5:29 pm

I may be using the wrong terminology. I do have the single loose tooth that is just attached to the wire via a bracket. You definitely should be careful, but I have had zero problems with it with normal use.

Here is a picture of my tooth. It's my left lateral (right as you're looking at it) It is holding place for a missing lateral that we opened up a space for. When I get my braces off in November (OR SOONER!!!!) I will have implant surgery done.

Erin