Should I Remove Left Lateral Incisor for Braces (3M Clarity)?

Both of my upper lateral incisor are sticking out. The rest of the teeth are aligned & I have a nice bite both upper & lower. To correct d crowding, my dentist suggested to remove my upper left lateral incisor (as it sticks out more compare to the right lateral). Then, only move my the 3 front teeth to the left to close the gaps (abt 2mm). But my concern it will looks weird as now my upper & lower front teeth are almost perfectly align. Duration of treatment: few months. Pls advice

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crowded teeth extraction incisor second opinion

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Vivi80

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (3)

Tooth removal

Your best option is to see an orthodontist. It sounds like you want a nice smile and are concerned with symmetry. Having all you natural teeth even if they need to be reshaped with bonding or veneers is best. The Dr will do a diagnostic set up for you and show you how your result will look before any thing is done. Once you see the finished result and discuss with your Dr you can preceded with confidence

Should I get a lateral out

Here we go again..I just read the answer from a "cosmetic dentist" by the way this is not a recognized "specialty" by the american dental association unlike orthodontist which is. The doctor says that extractions are "old school". For the millionth time, extractions are just a tool, sometimes the right decision sometimes the wrong one. Any orthodontist can treat almost every case without extractions if they wish, and truthfully, it is often easier to treat without... more

Removal of teeth is a last resort

Without photos, I can't really say, but generally speaking, extractions are a last resort. Consider a second opinion. Many "old school" providers are quick to remove teeth, makes the cases easier, but there are MAJOR reasons not to, including compromised aesthetics and function. And don't buy into "lateralizing the canines". This is a term used when the canines are moved into the lateral position, then contoured or veneered to look like a lateral.... more

Comments (3)

Vivi80 30 Aug 2012

Ok thanks...will do so :)

Vivi80 29 Aug 2012

Thanks for the advice so far. I have decided to extract the 1st premolar instead. I have extracted the left 1st premolar since my left lateral sticking out more than my right lateral. But now I am thinking not to extract the right side1st premolar but to shape each tooth at the right side to create some space. According to doctor my right lateral will need about 3mm space. But my worries is by extracting the left premolar and shape right side (not extract right premolar), can it be balanced at the end of the treatment? Appreciate your advise. I have picture but don't know how to upload here.

Megan P (Community Manager) 29 Aug 2012

Hey Vivi80, I'm glad to hear the dentists opinions were helpful to you. As it notes above it is unlikely they will see your comments in this section, as it is a place for community members to discuss the question. You are welcome to post another question. On the form there will be a place for you to upload a photo. At this time photos must be uploaded from a computer, so if you are on a mobile device please try doing it from a computer.

Hope that helps! :)

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