Tacoma Cosmetic Dentists

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?

Since you had only worn one aligner for 3 days, it is likely best to go back to the most recent aligner and contact your dentist to have them remake the lost aligner.  Had you been past one week in the aligner, you could probably fudge and move to the next one, but with only 3 days in you may compromise the case.  It MIGHT work, but you would assume all of the risk should it not.

Lance Timmerman, DMD

Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

Over The Years Incisors Have Become "Fang Teeth"--Should I Get Bonding or Veneers?

At sixty, my incisor teeth have become more pronounced. They were always fangs, but now it seems the space between them and other teeth is wider and they look even more pointed and shorter. My teeth are white and although I need a couple of crowns for cosmetic reasons, the rest are in good shape. Do they have to put veneers on the front teeth as well as the incisors? I really have issues with just the two fang teeth.

It is not unusual to get a similar question, but the real problem is gum disease.  You mention spaces are wider, so I would be sure to have a complete exam, perhaps with a periodontist, to be sure the gums are ok.  Bone loss around teeth can lead to spaces.  Even if you fill the spaces with veneers, if gum disease is present, they will continue to get wider.

If no gum disease, then I would start with bonding composite to see if the result is what you desire.  However, if wear and tear is the reason for the shape, then bonding likely won't last long, and may even initiate some tenderness.  A full exam with an experienced cosmetic dentist will help determine what is best.

There may be more than meets the eye here.

Lance Timmerman, DMD

Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

I Have Five Crooked Bottom Teeeth and Two Overlapping Will Invisalign Work for Me? (photo)

will i have to get teeth removed.

In years past it was routine to extract teeth when doing orthodontics.  Times have changed and removal of teeth is only in extreme cases.  Invisalign allows us more control of tooth movement and often allows us to avoid extractions.

The photos are hard to read, so I can't really comment on what you would need, but I would assume extractions would not be likely.

Lance Timmerman, DMD

Seattle Cosmetic Dentist