A smile gap that wasn’t just cosmetic
When a 12-year-old arrived with a congenitally missing upper lateral incisor, the family described it as one big Shrewsbury case: teasing at school, a shy smile, and confusion about whether to “close the space” or “make room for an implant later.” Dr. Rizwan Baig walked everyone through the long view—health, function, and aesthetics over the next six years.
Exam and growth considerations
Clinical photos, low-dose digital X-rays, and a growth assessment (hand-wrist markers and dental age) showed early adolescence with growth still ahead. The canine was drifting toward the lateral space; bone volume was fair but immature. As a Shrewsbury child case dentist, Dr. Baig explained that rushing into an implant too early risks a crown that looks short as the jaw keeps growing.
The plan: space creation now, implant when growth settles
Phase 1 (12–14): Aligners guided by 3D planning to open and center the lateral space, preserving papillae and the smile line. A tiny composite “pontic” bonded to the aligner provided a natural look during school.
Phase 2 (14–17): Retention with a clear retainer; a minimally invasive Maryland bridge for everyday wear; periodic checks to confirm skeletal maturity.
Phase 3 (17–18+): CBCT-guided site evaluation; minor ridge preservation if needed; then a single titanium implant with a custom zirconia crown.
Why this sequence works
Opening and holding space lets soft tissue mature and maintains papilla height. Delaying the implant prevents “infra-occlusion”—the implant crown looking shorter as neighbors keep erupting.
Procedure details parents appreciate
- Tooth-colored attachments for discreet aligner control
- Shade-matched temporary tooth on the retainer for photos and events
- Nightly wear schedule, quarterly checks to refine root angulation
Outcome and confidence boost
By 14, the teen’s smile looked complete thanks to the lifelike temporary. At 18, a guided implant case placed precisely into preserved bone delivered a crown that matched the midline, smile arc, and translucency. For families searching Dentist case Shrewsbury solutions, this roadmap shows how patience wins.
Takeaway
If you’re Googling “is one big dentist Shrewsbury for kid-to-teen implant planning,” Dr. Rizwan Baig provides a growth-smart path: align, preserve, and place at the right time—with a natural smile every step of the way.
