How to Fix One Tooth in a Crossbite?! (photo)

Question

Hello Doctors, Let's make this short and simple. I am looking to fix this one tooth I have. As you can see, it is in a cross-bite. I am perfectly find and happy with all of my other teeth. When I smile, it looks like I'm missing a tooth! I'd love to have this tooth fixed (aka brought over to the front!) in the quickest manner possible. I do have a nickel allergy. Am I able to get a porcelain veneer to fix it? How about Invisalign? Maybe remove the tooth and implant a fake one?! Thank you!

Neil Elman, DDS · Answer

From what is visible in the photo, you may be able to correct this with an appliance that gently pushes your upper tooth out past the lower one. Braces may not even be needed and it could take 4-6  months.

John Schmid, DDS, LVIF · Answer

This tooth is basically the "cornerstone" in the arch.  It is designed to withstand more force.  That makes moving it with clear aligner therapy (Invisalign, Clear choice) very difficult to impossible.  Conventional orthodontics with wire and brackets would be the only predictable way to move these two teeth that are in cross bite.  If you are totally opposed to conventional orthodontics there is another option.  First a gingivectomy to raise the tissue on the upper right cuspid, then a porcelain restoration for both teeth (upper and lower) the align them correctly.  I would strongly encourage you to go the conventional orthodontic route as it is more conservative and predictable.

Mika Miyamoto-Shemali, DDS · Answer

You sure have a beautiful, almost picture-perfect smile.

	The best possible option is to move that tooth forward into alignment using one of the many methods available to dentists today.. (traditional wires and brackets, Invisalign, fast-track wires and brackets such as the Six Month Smile system, Inman Aligners, etc.)  I've treated many similar cases using Invisalign and Six Month Smile with excellent results.  Realistically speaking, you can expect about 9 months to one year of treatment.

	I would not recommend an implant since that will take almost as long as moving the tooth into alignment.   Nor do I recommend the crown since your dentist will have to remove a significant portion of the tooth away so they can place a crown that aligned with the other teeth.  As such, that tooth will more than likely require to have a root canal.  You may even find some dentists who would not preform the procedure on your behalf even if you requested them to do so.

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

The canine teeth are the most difficult to move. I would suggest fixed orthodontics, rather than Invisalign or a Veneer, and definitely NOT an extraction.

Kevin Coughlin, DMD · Answer

What appears simple many times is very difficult but the short answer is fixed or removable braces approx. 6-9 months and you need room to move the tooth and you have to open the bite to allow the tooth to move forward. I still feel ortho is better than extraction and implant good luck

	 

	 

	Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD     CEO Baystate Dental PC

How to Fix One Tooth in a Crossbite?! (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: How to Fix 1 Tooth in CrossBite

Answer: How to Fix 1 Tooth in CrossBite

Answer: Cross bite one tooth?

Answer: Cross bite one tooth?

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How to Fix One Tooth in a Crossbite?! (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: How to Fix 1 Tooth in CrossBite

Answer: How to Fix 1 Tooth in CrossBite

Answer: Cross bite one tooth?

Answer: Cross bite one tooth?

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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.