Bad Orthodontic Experience. Braces, Veneers or Bonding to Fix? (photo)

Question

I had braces 3 times. The last time I had it was 5 years ago and 4 teeth, two upper and two lower lateral incisors extracted. But I am very unhappy with the result because my cheek look sunken in and my smile is very short. I am wondering what I can do at this point: braces again? veneers? dental bonding? Which one has the best result with the least damage to teeth? (I'm 20 years old)

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

Veneers are fast and easy but they are glass and will probably need some replacements over time.  Also to get the correct ideal  posterior smile line you may need gingivectomies to add length gingivally.  Widening with veneers can create some increase in food catching along the cheek side  depending on degree of widening.  They Do give beautiful fast results and allow correction of size and shape discrepancy.

	My first choice would be to widen the posterior utilizing a DNA appliance.  Epigenetic orthodontics can be done with 14-18 hours of daily wear so you do not have an applaince at work or school and due to the light physiologic forces there is minimal discomfort. 

	Veneers could then be used to reshape the teeth and correct size discrepancies.

	It is a shame those teeth were extracted but circumstances may have made it necessary.

Christine Fialka-Eshenko, DDS · Answer

Having braces 3 times is costly and time consuming . Whenever there is a recommendation to have teeth extracted, always go for a second opinion!

	Before starting again, have a detailed consultation with the Orthodontist on Dentist.  Have a list of what you don't like about your smile now. It's hard to make a canine look right in the lateral incisor position, it's just too wide. This leads to proportion issues ( the lateral incisors should be about 2/3 the width of the central incisors), uneven gum lines and the prominent front teeth hide your back teeth. The inclination of the back teeth should be corrected by expanding the arch. This will widen your smile and thereby support your cheeks.

	Even though the prospect of braces again may not be that great, after alignment, you probably won't need veneers or bonding. Sometimes some gum sculpting and tooth whitening will be the final touch on your great smile! Good luck!

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

I can't imagine why the orthodontist extracted your 2 lateral incisors. Very difficult to make a canine tooth look like a lateral incisor. Also, your arch is much narrower now, and you don't show enough teeth in a broad smile. You might explore palatal expansion and full banded orthodontics again to make room for laterals which can then be implanted. Just a "wild" thought!

Bad Orthodontic Experience. Braces, Veneers or Bonding to Fix? (photo)

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Bad Orthodontic Experience. Braces, Veneers or Bonding to Fix? (photo)

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