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Are you confident in replacing a single missing central incisor?
When is a denture the right option — and when should you consider a bridge or implant instead?
Why is the single central incisor one of the hardest teeth to replace to a patient’s satisfaction?
In this Back to Basics episode, Jaz and Protrusive Student Emma Hutchison explore the unique challenges of replacing a single central incisor. They break down when each option — denture, resin-bonded bridge, conventional bridge, or implant — is appropriate, and the biological and aesthetic factors that influence that decision.
They also share key communication strategies to help you manage expectations, guide patients through realistic treatment choices, and avoid disappointment when dealing with this most visible and demanding tooth.
Key Takeaways:
- Replacing a single central incisor isn’t just about technical skill — it’s about communication and case selection.
- Success comes from helping patients understand that a restoration replaces a tooth’s function and appearance, not nature itself.
- Clear conversations about expectations, limitations, and maintenance are what turn a difficult aesthetic case into a satisfying long-term result.
Highlights of this episode:
00:00 Teaser
00:28 Intro
01:56 From Dental Nurse to Final-Year Student
07:38 Challenges and Considerations in Replacing Central Incisors
12:51 Patient Communication and Treatment Planning
18:33 Discussing Treatment Options and Enamel Considerations
21:16 Communicating Options and Guiding Patient Decisions
25:51 Choosing Between Fixed and Removable Options
27:10 Midroll
30:31 Choosing Between Fixed and Removable Options
31:05 Handling Old Crowns and Patient Communication
34:17 Conventional vs. Resin-Bonded Bridges
37:57 Occlusal Load, Function, and Implant Considerations
43:40 Digital Workflow in Dentistry
45:54 Managing Aesthetic Expectations
48:34 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
52:59 Outro
🎧 Want to feel confident with prosthodontics?
Explore these essential follow-ups to this episode:
- Dentures vs Bridges with Michael Frazis
- Crowns vs Onlays with Alan Burgin
- Dentures with Finlay Sutton
- RBB Masterclass on the Protrusive Guidance App
Quick, practical lessons to sharpen your planning, communication, and anterior aesthetics — all in your pocket.
#ProsthoPerio #OcclusionTMDandSplints #Communication #BreadandButterDentistry
This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes C.
AGD Subject Code: 610 – Fixed Prosthodontics
Aim: To provide a clear, clinical overview of replacing a single missing incisor — focusing on when to choose a denture, bridge, or implant, and how to communicate realistic expectations.
Dentists will be able to –
- Identify the key biological, functional, and aesthetic challenges in replacing a central incisor.
- Compare the indications, advantages, and limitations of dentures, resin-bonded bridges, conventional bridges, and implants.
- Communicate realistic outcomes, limitations, and maintenance expectations effectively to patients.
