My upper L lateral was pulled in order to "save" my upper L canine which grew right above it (ectopic eruption). It took 8+ years of braces to move the canine down and into the lateral's space. I've noticed that my upper lip and nose seem to have shifted with my teeth, and one side of my face looks flatter. It's not too noticeable when I'm smiling/posing for photos, but I'm very self-conscious when I speak. What options do I have, and how long would they take? More details in my photo captions.
Answer: Correcting Midline and Missing Lateral Incisor
I would typically advise you to seek an orthodontic consult first, but considering that you spent eight years in braces in the past this would not be realistic. I think that you would have a dramatic improvement with a combination of porcelain crowns, veneers, and perhaps a dental implant for the missing lateral incisor. This would help improve a host of issues:
1. Midline could be improved
2. The slanting of your smile (Canting) from left to right could be made much less noticeable.
3. Symmetry could be added to your smile by adding an implant and making both lateral incisors the same size and shape.
This is not an easy case and requires a cosmetic dentist with a great deal of experience treating difficult cases. Look for a dentist that has training from a reputable cosmetic institute such as The Las Vegas Institute For Advanced Dental Studies. Also, look at before and after pictures of cases that they have treated to make sure like the results that they can offer you. The lab technician that the treating dentist uses is also crucial for the success in this case. Your smile can be amazing in the right hands. Choose wisely! Good luck.
Helpful
Book a virtual consultation
CONTACT NOW Answer: Correcting Midline and Missing Lateral Incisor
I would typically advise you to seek an orthodontic consult first, but considering that you spent eight years in braces in the past this would not be realistic. I think that you would have a dramatic improvement with a combination of porcelain crowns, veneers, and perhaps a dental implant for the missing lateral incisor. This would help improve a host of issues:
1. Midline could be improved
2. The slanting of your smile (Canting) from left to right could be made much less noticeable.
3. Symmetry could be added to your smile by adding an implant and making both lateral incisors the same size and shape.
This is not an easy case and requires a cosmetic dentist with a great deal of experience treating difficult cases. Look for a dentist that has training from a reputable cosmetic institute such as The Las Vegas Institute For Advanced Dental Studies. Also, look at before and after pictures of cases that they have treated to make sure like the results that they can offer you. The lab technician that the treating dentist uses is also crucial for the success in this case. Your smile can be amazing in the right hands. Choose wisely! Good luck.
Helpful
Book a virtual consultation
CONTACT NOW June 20, 2013
Answer: Midline correction/improvement with Invisalign
Based on your photos, I believe you are an excellent candidate for Invisalign at this stage. The missing lateral and canine moved into the lateral incisor position can present some aesthetic challenges but they are correctable. My aesthetic concern from your photos is the "canting" of your midline (appears on a diagonal) which exacerbates the lack of balance in your smile. I would advise having diagnostic records taken for Invisalign first and then some cosmetic bonding or veneers after treatment completion for the tooth contour changes that should be made to provide symmetry in your smile.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 20, 2013
Answer: Midline correction/improvement with Invisalign
Based on your photos, I believe you are an excellent candidate for Invisalign at this stage. The missing lateral and canine moved into the lateral incisor position can present some aesthetic challenges but they are correctable. My aesthetic concern from your photos is the "canting" of your midline (appears on a diagonal) which exacerbates the lack of balance in your smile. I would advise having diagnostic records taken for Invisalign first and then some cosmetic bonding or veneers after treatment completion for the tooth contour changes that should be made to provide symmetry in your smile.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 19, 2013
Answer: Midline correction after ortho
Hi
When studies were done on how much people noticed midlines being off centre, most dentists and orthodontists didn't even see the problem in smile photos unless it was more than 1.5mm from the centre of your face. Likewise, when upper and lower midlines didn't match. In your photos, the tipping is more noticeable that the midline.
Reshaping the incisal edges to follow the contour of the lower lip when you smile will improve the appearance from a social distance. Some bonding on the shorter side will improve the symmetry from a social distance. Beyond that, the tipping would require bonding or veneers from what I can see. Hope this helps.
Helpful
June 19, 2013
Answer: Midline correction after ortho
Hi
When studies were done on how much people noticed midlines being off centre, most dentists and orthodontists didn't even see the problem in smile photos unless it was more than 1.5mm from the centre of your face. Likewise, when upper and lower midlines didn't match. In your photos, the tipping is more noticeable that the midline.
Reshaping the incisal edges to follow the contour of the lower lip when you smile will improve the appearance from a social distance. Some bonding on the shorter side will improve the symmetry from a social distance. Beyond that, the tipping would require bonding or veneers from what I can see. Hope this helps.
Helpful
FIND THE RIGHT
TREATMENT FOR YOU
June 19, 2013
Answer: Missing Lateral and Uneven Teeth & Midline
You have a very complex situation. Do NOT expect to get a good answer on this forum. You need a consultation with a very experienced Cosmetic Dentist who can take X-rays and then advise you on orthodontics and/or Porcelain Veneers/Crowns.
Helpful
June 19, 2013
Answer: Missing Lateral and Uneven Teeth & Midline
You have a very complex situation. Do NOT expect to get a good answer on this forum. You need a consultation with a very experienced Cosmetic Dentist who can take X-rays and then advise you on orthodontics and/or Porcelain Veneers/Crowns.
Helpful