A Novel Technique Using Extracted Primary Maxillary Canines in an Essix Retainer

Extraction of teeth can be an emotional situation for patients, as some patients perceive the loss of a tooth equal to the loss of an organ [1]. Loss of anterior teeth can be detrimental to a patient's psychosocial and professional lives. Missing a tooth in the esthetic zone can lead to emotional turmoil and cause the patient to avoid social events or professional gatherings until the tooth is replaced [1]. Patients often desire immediate replacement of the tooth with a fixed or removable dental prosthesis to achieve an esthetically acceptable smile [2]. Each treatment option carries advantages and disadvantages. Immediate implants, for example, have increased costs, added surgical procedures, and biological requirements which must be met. Not every patient is a candidate for implants, due to wide variety of factors such as systemic medical conditions, poor oral hygiene, or malocclusion [3].