Maxillary anterior single-tooth replacement: comparison of three treatment modalities

The correct treatment of a single missing maxillary anterior tooth in the aesthetically prominent area has become more challenging. The missing tooth can today be replaced by one of three prosthodontic treatment modalities--conventional fixed bridge, resin-bonded bridge, and single-tooth implant. The most important factors to be considered are the predictability of aesthetics, the preservation of the enamel shield and the dentinal and pulpal tissue, and the preservation of the periodontium and the alveolar bone. The learning objective of this article is a critical discussion of these three modalities as a replacement of a missing anterior single tooth to aid in selection of the most appropriate treatment in each individual clinical case.