What is the best prosthesis for speech purposes?

This question is asked on behalf of speech for actors/ presenters/ performers/ and public speakers who are dealing with loss of upper right 2nd premolars. Can you please rank the best prosthesis based on comfortable tongue movement for articulate speech post restoration: Traditional bridge connected to one crown (molar) Traditional bridge connected to two crowns (on either side of missing tooth) Maryland bridge connected to one wing (back molar) Maryland bridge connected to two crowns (on either side of missing tooth) Implant Braces to close extraction gap (all natural teeth) Please answer this question based on speech functionality only. Thank you

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Answer: Best prosthesis for replacing a single tooth

By BracesInfo.com Expert 10

The best replacement for a single tooth is a dental implant. Not only is it the most like your natural tooth, being a single unit, but the crown is custom fabricated for you.  If you are not a candidate for a dental implant, a fixed bridge is the next best option.  A traditional bridge will involve both the tooth in front, as well as behind the missing tooth.  It will be natural and is permanently cemented into place.  Orthodontics to close a posterior gap, large enough for a second premolar, is not a treatment of choice.  This would involve placing brackets on both the maxillary and mandibular arches in order to correct the bite after shifting the maxillary teeth.  It may not be possible to move the molars that far forward without damage to the roots of the teeth.  Removable prosthesis such as partials and flippers would change the position of the tongue as well as effect the speech, therefore would not be a treatment of choice. 

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