Porcelain Crowns Instead of Braces for Gapped Teeth?

asked 2 years ago by wondering1986 in Charlotte, NC
Latest answer by Andrea Stevens, DMD
Question viewed 1,383 times
Tags: age 18-24, teeth, gap

I am missing two top teeth. I only have my two front and my canines. Thus leaving a "gappy" smile. I missed out on having braces as a kid, so when I went to my new dentist, he told me that I should just get porcelain crowns to shape the front upper smile (4 crowns).

He said if I get braces, he would still have to shape the two canine teeth anyway, and the whole ordeal would be costly. Is this a bad idea? What are the long term consequences? He said my teeth are healthy, so I don't know if this is the right route to take at the age of 23.

7 answers to Porcelain Crowns Instead of Braces for Gapped Teeth?

How to replace missing front teeth

I can answer both as a cosmetic dentist AND as a patient missing a front tooth as well. As a teenager, my dentist told my parents that the best solution was to crown 4 front teeth to mask the slight space I had, which was done. Since that time I have had these crowns replaced two more times...and I am not that old! The most recent replacement I had was just this year, after having braces to better align the space of the missing tooth, and now my smile looks... more

Andrea Stevens, DMD
Ottawa Cosmetic Dentist

Solutions for missing Front Teeth

The condition of missing the Lateral or "side" front Teeth is not that uncommon. Without seeing your specific case my concern is the AMOUNT of space you have between your two Front Teeth and Canines. If the space is too large your new Crowns would appear too wide creating a very undesirable smile. If the canines have drifted or migrated toward the centrals the canine root eminences will be too centered and again giving you an appearance you ultimately would not be happy with.... more

Howard Perlmutter, DMD
Paramus Cosmetic Dentist

Consider the problem only Once and do it right.

Hi, Its really nice that you are getting opinions on how to manage a case for missing teeth especially front. Congenitally missing lateral incisors are not uncommon. Since you are young, Orthodontics may be considered to put the other teeth in right place and then close the gap permanently by doing implants. Doing a bridge also helps but then you lose the ability to floss in between teeth as all the three teeth are connected, Although you can floss under the bridge. Doing... more

Dalvir Pannu, DDS
San Jose Cosmetic Dentist

Invisalign Clincheck to preview orthodontic result

Invisalign has a really neat feature called a Clincheck. This allows you to see a three dimensional movie of how your teeth would move and what they would look like in the end. If your teeth are nicely shaped, and are not broken down or full of fillings and crowns, this might be a nice option.

Tom Hedge, DDS
Cincinnati Cosmetic Dentist

Do it right!

I agree with the other folks here. It's imperative that you have someone highly skilled help you with this. The dentist will often use what's called a diagnostic waxup to see on a model what the proposed changes will look like. You do not want overly large teeth. That looks worse than what you have. Typical front teeth will be around 11mm long and 8 millimeters wide. The teeth get narrower as you go back, looking from the front. Another option... more

John Whittemore, DDS
Memphis Cosmetic Dentist

23 years old means you'll have 60+ years of maintenance

Do it right the first time. You need a second opinion, and maybe a third. I usually take in a lot of facts and information (and physically see the teeth and do an exam) before I guide the patient. For example if your teeth are not attractive because of chipping, previous fillings or fracture it may make sense to veneer them, and since you would benefit from veneers anyway; you may spend less money than doing braces first and then veneering them later. I would go to an orthodontist, and... more

M. Andrew Atwood, DDS
Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist

Consider implants

It really depends on how big the gap is. If the gaps are large, the resulting crowns or veneers will be extremely large, giving you bulky appearing teeth. Minor gaps are routinely closed by placing porcelain restorations (veneers or crowns). But at age 23 you should consider a multidisciplinary approach (not JUST crowns or not JUST braces). There likely has been some drifting or migration, allowing the canines to get closer to the centrals. This creates some problems, both... more

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

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