Should I get Steel, Clear or Invisalign? (Photos)

Question

Hey all, I have had invisalign for 3 years. However the results are not as I had hoped. As you can tell from the photos the 3 teeth from your left are not in the same position as the right. Tooth #1 is still rotated and tooth #2 and #3 are tilted inwards. Also tooth #3 is still a 'baby tooth'. What are my options? 1 Get steel braces and use bonding 2 Bonding on 3 teeth 3 Vaneers on 3 teeth 4 Do nothing and get whitened I am so unhappy! Your opinions are greatly appreciated!

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello Harvey,Sorry that you've had to go through this, but let me take a stab at your question. 1)  Steel braces or not?- This depends on your age.  I think that steel braces are cool if you're a teenage, but pretty unsightly on most adults.  They take some getting used to and are difficult to eat with and hard to keep your mouth plaque and tarter-free with normal oral hygiene techniques.  Additionally, when you have braces, you have to worry about relapse of your teeth, once the braces are removed if you don't where a retainer for the rest of your life.  So, I would say no to metal braces.2) Bonding on 3 teeth or not?- I would say if you want a temporary fix, then go for it, because it will work.  However, bonding materials stain much faster and permanent than your natural teeth.  They can also wear off over time.  The benefits are instant and the prices is about a third or less the cost of veneers. But since it doesn't last and they pick up stains very easily, I would say no to bonding those anterior teeth.3) Veneers?- I would recommend veneers.  They offer and immediate and permanent fix.  When I say permanent, I mean that you should not look into getting them redone or adjust for the next 20 years if you practice good oral hygiene and get regular check-ups.  I usually give my patients a 10 year guarantee on veneers and crowns that are placed by me, but I expect them to last double that.  I pick this option!4)  Do nothing?  No, do something! It's your appearance, so don't let it continue to affect your confidence and esteem.The cost of veneers varies from state to state and doctor to doctor, but many cosmetic dentists that do a lot of cosmetic work all the time, typically will offer discounts to patients getting 4 or more, or 6 or more, or 8 or more veneers at once, dependent upon the doctor.  So, choose wisely. The cheapest dentists is not necessarily who you want to correct your front teeth (there is little room for error).  You should look for an experienced dentist with great before and after photos and has a price somewhere in the middle.

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Should I get Steel, Clear or Invisalign? (Photos)

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