How can I improve the appearance of short lateral incisors? (Photo)

Question

I once had braces for two years and love what they did to improve my teeth but I am still self conscience of my smile due to what I feel are short lateral incisors. In some photos, such as side view ones, I especially hate the appearance of my smile. I had always hoped one day to achieve that beautiful hollywood smile everyone wants. Should I consider veneers on my top lateral incisors? Will this add overall length to my central incisors and make my smile appear more balanced, as I am hoping to achieve?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

While braces are fantastic and allow you to change the position of your teeth, only porcelain veneers allow control of the size, shape, and color of your teeth.  Veneers on JUST your laterals may be all you need, but I suggest an evaluation with a dentist experienced in cosmetics/veneers.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:You have two basic options:1.  Porcelain veneers on your two laterals to lengthen them2.  Shortening the two front incisors a little bit to decrease the length difference.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Gary Braunstein, DDS · Answer

You can add length to your lateral incisors with either veneers or resin bonding.  Veneers will be  more resistant to stain, more durable, and longer lasting.  Veneers are also more invasive, as they will require preparation of your teeth to keep them from being too bulky.  And you should be aware that veneers are not guaranteed to last for your lifetime and there will be additional expense if and when they need to be replaced.  Bonding with composite resin is less or non-invasive, less expensive, and a faster, one visit procedure to get to your final result.  It is less durable than porcelain veneers and will require occassional touch ups or repairs for which there would be additional fees.  I would suggest that you ask your dentist if he can temporarily place resin on your tooth without bonding it, to give you a preview of how your smile will look with added length to your lateral incisors.  Whether you choose porcelain veneers or resin bonding to attain the final result, your bite will need to be checked by your dentist to make sure your lower teeth do not interfere with the added length when  you slide your teeth forward or side to side.  From your photo, it appears that your lower canines may need their biting edges smoothed down or shortened to avoid interference with your lengthened lateral incisors.  This could cause chipping or breakage of the restoration and premature failure.  Since you are unhappy with your smile because of the shortness of your lateral incisors, I think you will be very happy with the results from either resin bonding or porcelain veneers.  I hope this information helps you in deciding your choice of treatment.

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

lateral incisor is always little shorter thn central , and thats why orthodontist place braces accordingly. but if u want to reduce this ration best option for u is aligner / invisalign treatment. it will take around 3 months to correct it.

Navid Zamani, DMD · Answer

HI, thanks for sending your question and picture. I must say that  your teeth look great and you have a lovely smile. In order to add length to your tooth you may want to consider bonding as the first option. In certain cases the bonding may not hold in place in which case you may then elect to have a porcelain veneer placed. All the best.

How can I improve the appearance of short lateral incisors? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Central to lateral

Answer: Central to lateral

Answer: Lateral incisors

Answer: Lateral incisors

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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

How can I improve the appearance of short lateral incisors? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Central to lateral

Answer: Central to lateral

Answer: Lateral incisors

Answer: Lateral incisors

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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