Bonding or Invisalign for Small Teeth with Spaces?

Question

Hi I am 18 and I have smaller teeth than normal and spaces between them. I was wondering what I could do about it?I have had my two front teeth bonded and I love them except they are covered in the back, uneven and hurts when I drink cold drinks. And when I floss, it catches on the rough spots.But since my teeth are small, would Invisalign make my teeth look weird when they were straightened? Which is better between Invisalign and bonding for the spaces in my teeth then?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Often, the spaces can indicate a tongue positioning issue and can be associated with airway problems in later years.  Closing the spaces CAN create a problem.  Similar to a person that drives a Cadillac and has a garage that fits a Pinto.  If your tongue wants space, it needs that space. 
You may want to consider porcelain veneers.  Similar to your bonding, it can close the spaces but still leave room for your "Cadillac".  If done well, they will be smooth and will not catch floss as your current bonding does.  Veneers will allow the teeth to be the right size (you state that they are too small) and can be whatever color you desire.
The answer to your question is yes, Invisalign can work.  Traditional braces should be considered as well, but a comprehensive exam should be done to rule out other issues.

Janet H. Stoess-Allen, DMD · Answer

If your teeth are unusually small, it may not be aesthetically appealing to you to simply close the spaces. However, if they are narrow and all of your teeth are also smaller than typical, it may be perfectly acceptable for you to have the spaces closed.

	If certain of your teeth are small (such as the front ones) and the others are normal in size, you may want to have your teeth moved orthodontically to prepare for either bonding or porcelain laminates to be placed when the tooth movement is completed. You should discuss all options with your orthodontist.

Gerilyn Alfe, DMD · Answer

Depending on the size of your jaw, your teeth, and what your bite is like, Invisalign or any other orthodontics may not be the best option for you.  Either bonding or porcelain veneers (like DURAthins or Lumineers which are minimal-to no-prep veneers) can both enlarge your teeth and close the gaps all in one fell swoop.  Make sure you find a dentist who has had specialized training in minimal preparation porcelain veneers as they can be more challenging for the dentist than conventional veneers or crowns.

Clinton Timmerman, DDS · Answer

The advantage of Invisalign is that you can leave your teeth alone and simply line them up better. However, if your teeth are abnormally small, you still will have small, misshapen teeth that are now lined up nicely and are touching.
Porcelain coverings would be a benefit in that you could give yourself the shape and shade you like, and still have them nicely touching.
A comprehensive exam by your dentist should help you determine what factors to consider in treatment and what course of action would be best to take.

Susan Goode Estep, DMD · Answer

If your teeth are too small and there are gaps between them, you are an excellent candidate for no-prep veneers. No-prep porcelain veneers, like UltraVeneers, will give you a beautiful smile that will last a long time. You may also do bonding (chair-side veneers), however the results will not last as long, and the aesthetics may be inferior to porcelain. Consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist to help you decide which route to take.

Bonding or Invisalign for Small Teeth with Spaces?

Answers (6)

Answer: Invisalign and bonding would both be suitable, but depends on the situation

Answer: Invisalign and bonding would both be suitable, but depends on the situation

Answer: Bonding vs. Invisalign for small teeth with gaps

Answer: Bonding vs. Invisalign for small teeth with gaps

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Bonding or Invisalign for Small Teeth with Spaces?

Answers (6)

Answer: Invisalign and bonding would both be suitable, but depends on the situation

Answer: Invisalign and bonding would both be suitable, but depends on the situation

Answer: Bonding vs. Invisalign for small teeth with gaps

Answer: Bonding vs. Invisalign for small teeth with gaps

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.