Should I Get Braces or Veneers for my Protruded Teeth? (photo)

Question

Hello, i had braces when i was 16 but i didnt wear my retainers.. 4 years later, 4 wisdom teeth kinda pushed my teeth outwards.. Im going to the us in January and i cant adjust my braces there (or can i?) if ever i get braces.. My problem is that my front tooth the left one is more protruded than the left, will veneers fix this? But thats too expensive.. I went to see an ortho here in thailand and they want to extract 4 of my teeth, im afraid it will change my facial structure? Any advice? :(

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

First, let me clarify an urban myth....crowding of front teeth are not caused by wisdom teeth.  Most Caucasians do not have enough room for wisdom teeth, and if left can cause a host of other problems (decay, gum inflammation, pain, cysts, tumors, etc.).

	The BEST treatment for your crooked teeth is orthodontics, either Invisalign or braces. Much of the problem with your upper teeth actually come from your lower teeth.  I would get a second opinion, or maybe third or fourth, before extracting any of your teeth in combination with orthodontic treatment.  Speak with your orthodontist about "slenderizing" (making teeth narrower to get enough room to overcome the crowding) or expansion (making the dental arches wider to make enough room to accommodate all the teeth).

	Can your teeth be straightened with porcelain veneering....yes, absolutely.  Cosmetic dentists often refer to veneering of crooked teeth to make them look straight as "instant orthodontics".  I do much of this in my cosmetic dental practice. Saying that, I feel that after seeing your beautiful teeth and considering your age, that properly done orthodontics is still the best way for you to go.  However, if you wish to see some examples of porcelain veneering to make crooked teeth straight, go to the link below.

Joaquin Berron, DDS · Answer

You have beautiful teeth, definitively ortho would be the answer for you, if the orthodontist suggested extracting teeth after doing a full assessment of your case through x rays and tracings it is probably what you need in order to get them aligned, if you have any doubts about it I would get another orthodontist opinion but definitively go through that path and not the veneers.

Patti Swaintek-Lamb, DMD · Answer

You have a beautiful face. Do not have any teeth extracted. Extracting the teeth will change your facial balance for sure, and not for the better. Extractions may also cause future pain in your jaw joint and may also reduce your airway.  Orthodontics can definitely give you the beautiful smile you want.

Sue Wendling, DMD (retired) · Answer

I rather like the fullness of your smile. Look at how well it supports your upper  lip. This could be corrected orthodontically but don't let anyone remove permanent teeth. You could also consider some bleaching with veneers on the two front teeth. That would probably look great!

Should I Get Braces or Veneers for my Protruded Teeth? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Protruding teeth

Answer: Protruding teeth

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Should I Get Braces or Veneers for my Protruded Teeth? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Protruding teeth

Answer: Protruding teeth

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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.