Portland Cosmetic Dentists

What Can Be Done About my Gaps and Baby Teeth? (photo)

My canine teeth are still my milk teeth. Apparently I won't get adult teeth come through because there's no root. They're smaller and a different shade to the other teeth so I'd like them pulled. Would that be the best option? I thought that if I had them pulled, I could then have a bridge joined to larger crowns for my lateral incisors, which would create bigger teeth so the main diastema could be closed with crowns? Then maybe composite bonding to close the lower gaps? Any advice appreciated.

I would give a bridge in your situation a life expectancy of about 5 years. Implants are a great option. Before you do that though, you should see a very experienced restorative dentist. The flare of your teeth is only going to get worse and cause worse problems down the road. I guess what I am trying to say is that this is not a cosmetic problem. It is an underlying functional problem causing a cosmetic problem.

Dr. Sue Wendling

Sue Wendling, DMD

Portland Cosmetic Dentist

I Have a Rather Large Overbite with Crowded Lower Teeth. Would I Be a Good Candidate for Invisalign? (photo)

I understand that the overbite will probably not be able to be eliminated. This is something I can live with. My priority is the bottom front teeth, especially the one that is located behind the others. On top of not liking the appearance, it has led to issues with sensitive teeth and difficulty flossing. I am fairly happy with my upper teeth. The first photo is the natural, relaxed state of my jaw. The only unrelaxed part is the lip I am keeping down to show the extent of my overbite.

Wow, look at all that extra bone your body has manufactured around your lower teeth! That is called buccal buttressing and is built by your boday in response to oclusal trauma, clenching, grinding things like that. Your mouth needs to be assessed by a very experienced dental professional. You should go online and check out the DNA appliance. That might be an answer.

Dr. Sue Wendling

Sue Wendling, DMD

Portland Cosmetic Dentist

If I Break a Pair of my Invisalign, Can I Move on to the Next Tray?

Today someone accidentally threw away my Invisalign which I've been wearing for about 3 and a half days, so I tried to clean them with hot water, which deformed the top one. I have my next tray, and it seems to fit. Should I move on to my next tray?

Better call your dentist. After only 3 days, you would normally go back to the previous aligners and order a new set.

Dr Sue Wendling

Sue Wendling, DMD

Portland Cosmetic Dentist