Is having only one front tooth rare?

Question

I was born with only one front tooth coming in instead of two. I want to know from a professional if this is rare. I feel embarrassed when I smile because I feel like a monster having only one when others have two. What is this condition called and is it inherited?

Answer 1

Usually common missing permanent teeth are the 3rd molars and 1st or 2nd bicuspids....

a missing central incisor is not common.....

See about getting a 'flipper' made...It is like a retainer but with 1 tooth on it...it is good as it will keep everything in place and stop the other teeth from shifting.  When you are ready to have a permanent restortation done (a bridge or implant) there will be the proper space.  

Answer 2

I don't no.  A dentist could help you.  Maybe you could get it pulled and get braces so then your  third ande fourth tooth could take place of 1 and 2?    I'm sorry i'm not any more help.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Missing permanent teeth is not rare but missing a central incisor is.  20% of people are missing wisdom teeth and 5% of people are either missing lateral incisors or bicuspids but to be missing a central incisor is very rare and requires orthodontics and implants or a bridge to get a good aesthetic result. Unfortunately being born without a tooth leaves the other teeth to close in the gaps and moves the one central tooth to the center of your mouth. Really, get to the orthodontist.  He will be excited to help you(even more so if you had come to him at 8 years old)

Missing teeth can be inherited-or not.

Answer 4

Hi,

Missing front teeth is relaltively common (it is not extremely rare).

Usually the lateral incisors are the ones more frequently missing.

It is quite uncommon for the central incisors to be missing.

You mentioned that you are missing 3 out of the 4 front teeth. That is called the following :

1. Oligodontia because you have fewer than normal number of teeth

2. We also say that these teeth are congenitally missing.

POSSIBLE REASONS :

1. You never had those devloped

2. You lost the baby teeth too early. That always results in the delayed eruption of the permanent / adult teeth

3. Maybe there is a localized obstruction causing those teeth to not come in.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO :

1. Get the dentist to take x-rays to determine if the teeth are really missing.

2. If not, you can have those surgically exposed and properly aligned with braces.

3. If the teeth are really missing, you can do the following :

a) Get the rest of the teeth aligned with braces, if those are crooked or malaligned now.

b) Get the missing teeth replaced by implant supported crowns or bridge. That will be the best option because the treament is confined to that area only. This is the best and most expensive option.

c) You can get a conventional bridge done. That involves cutting down the teeth on both sides of the gap though. Those teeth are cut down, you get caps / crowns and the fabricated false teeth are soldered together to bridge the gap. That is why it is called a bridge.

d) You can get a denture / plate / flipper made for the time being. This is the cheapest of all options available. What you can do is save money to get the bridge done later.

REASONABLE APPROACH :

1. See the dentist.

2. Get an estimate.

3. Decide what is best for yourself

4. If you have insurance, find out how much of the cost will be covered and then make the decision.

5. Start saving money from now for the best possible treatment.

6. See if you can set up a payment plan.

7. Don't forget to get a second (if needed, a third) opinion before you make the final decision.

8.  Also, shop around for a better price.

9. Don't go for the cheapest estimate if the quality of service is poor.

10. You will have to do your research on the dentist that you would choose to get the final work done.