Do Misaligned Canines Lead to Cavities? Exploring Dental Bridge Options

If the canine teeth are misaligned and there is a risk of cavities, is it necessary to get a dental bridge?

Hello Dr.
Tseng: I would like to ask about my situation: I have limited space between my canine teeth, which causes them to be pushed upwards, resulting in misalignment of my upper teeth.
It is difficult to clean them properly, and food debris tends to accumulate.
In this case, the dentist suggested that I grind down my teeth and create a bridge with six crowns to prevent future cavities.
(1) However, most of my teeth are healthy; is this really a good idea? (2) If I choose to consult an orthodontist, will there be a risk of gum recession? (I am already experiencing some recession due to aggressive brushing.) Can this help improve the current issue with my canine teeth? Thank you.

Ms. Li, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/12

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

1.
If the alignment of the canine teeth on both sides is severely irregular, it is recommended to consider orthodontic treatment to straighten the teeth, which will facilitate oral hygiene and cleaning between the teeth.
If the misalignment is mild and you feel that orthodontic treatment may be too time-consuming, you may consider a fixed dental bridge to align the teeth.

2.
Undergoing orthodontic treatment, as long as proper oral hygiene is maintained, should not lead to issues with gum recession.
Dr.
Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2021/05/12

More Info

Misaligned canines can indeed contribute to dental issues, including cavities, due to the difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene. When teeth are misaligned, it creates areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush, leading to plaque accumulation and, consequently, an increased risk of cavities. In your case, the crowding of the canines is likely making it challenging to clean the surrounding teeth effectively, which can lead to decay over time.

Regarding your dentist's recommendation to grind down healthy teeth to create space for a dental bridge, this approach raises several concerns. First, it's essential to understand that dental bridges typically require the alteration of adjacent teeth to serve as anchors. If your canines and surrounding teeth are generally healthy, it may not be advisable to grind them down unnecessarily. Preserving healthy tooth structure is crucial, as once tooth enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced.
Instead, you might want to consider alternative options, such as orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics can help realign your teeth without sacrificing healthy tooth structure. However, you mentioned concerns about potential gum recession associated with orthodontic treatment. While it is true that aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, proper orthodontic treatment, when supervised by a qualified orthodontist, should not inherently cause gum recession. In fact, correcting misalignment can improve your overall oral hygiene and reduce the risk of cavities in the long run.

If you decide to pursue orthodontic treatment, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices. This includes using a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and possibly adjunctive tools like interdental brushes or water flossers to clean between teeth effectively. Regular dental check-ups will also help monitor your oral health during this process.

In summary, while misaligned canines can lead to cavities due to difficulty in cleaning, grinding down healthy teeth for a dental bridge may not be the best solution. Instead, consider consulting with an orthodontist to explore options for realigning your teeth. This approach can help address your concerns about cavities while preserving your healthy teeth. Always seek a second opinion if you're uncertain about a treatment plan, as your oral health is paramount.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dental Solutions: Crown Lengthening and Bridge Options

Hello, Doctor: Due to a large cavity in the lower right canine that extends into the gum, the doctor said it cannot be filled. If a dental bridge is to be made, it would require sacrificing the two adjacent teeth. Additionally, the neighboring tooth to the left of the canine is m...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, it sounds like the best current option, as it is considered the most conservative yet proactive treatment (unless you decide not to take any action and wait until the dental issue worsens to extract the canine). Even if this treatment plan ulti...

Bridges vs Implants: Expert Advice on Tooth Replacement Options

I forgot to mention. The assessment of the left incisor wall can be retained. The left central incisor, right central incisor, and right lateral incisor need to be extracted due to their thinner walls. Considering these factors, what recommendations would the dentist provide? Is ...

Dr. Chu Boqin reply Dentistry
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide some advice: Regarding your question, it is possible to place a dental bridge with six teeth, including the left central incisor and the left and right canines, along with three crowns fo...

Addressing Dental Bridge Issues: Asymmetry and Communication with Your Dentist

I feel very fortunate to have found this forum, where doctors provide detailed answers to many people in need of help. I am currently facing a significant issue and hope you can clarify some doubts for me! I am 28 years old and have severe dental problems, with three missing teet...

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: Dental occlusion is a very precise matter. You may be suffering from "temporomandibular joint disorder" (TMJ disorder) which is causing your discomfort. Firstly, after many years of missing teeth in your lower jaw, you may have lost your occlusal function without...

Concerns About Dental Bridge Stability After Tooth Preparation

Hello, doctor: I have a missing first premolar (for 10 years) and a cracked first molar (which had root canal treatment and restoration 3 years ago). In order to create a dental bridge, the healthy canine and second premolar were adjusted. After placing four crowns, I noticed tha...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: Since it has only been 10 days since the procedure, it is advisable to return to the original clinic and inform the dentist that the dentures feel loose. Ask if some occlusal adjustments can be made. If the four-unit bridge is indeed not stable enough (because the supporti...