Concern
Missing upper tooth related to a cleft lip and palate birth defect. The patient had worn a removable plastic "flipper" since childhood and wanted a more stable, natural-looking replacement.
Treatment
Cantilever dental bridge.
Procedures
Custom porcelain bridge anchored to the canine (eye tooth).
Time
3 weeks.
Outcome
The missing tooth was replaced with a fixed restoration that improved appearance, comfort, and everyday function without requiring a removable appliance.
This patient was born with a cleft lip and palate, which resulted in a naturally missing tooth in the affected area. For many years he wore a removable plastic "flipper" to fill the space, but he found it uncomfortable and disliked the appearance.
An implant replacement was considered, but because of the congenital defect there was not enough bone available to support an implant. Instead, a conservative cantilever bridge was designed and anchored to the adjacent canine tooth to replace the missing tooth.
The new porcelain bridge provides a durable, natural-looking result and eliminates the need for a removable appliance. The entire process was completed in about three weeks, and the patient was very excited to finally be finished with the flipper and enjoy a confident smile.
