Am I a candidate for lateral incisor implants? I am 20 years old.

Question

Hello! While I had braces, I had to get my lateral incisors extracted and instead of inserting implants where my lateral incisors should be, my orthodontist closed the space with my canines. I honestly do not like the aesthetics of it. Is there any way I can get braces and have them move my canines into its canine position and just put implants in my lateral incisor position to achieve a symmetrical smile? I am 20 years old. Is this possible using a palate expander? Thank you!

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

You can have dental implants, but it would require a great deal of time in braces again.  The orthodontist would open the spaces back, the. A surgeon could place implants.  Tough case, but can be done.  Consult with an orthodontist for specifics.  Good luck.

Richard Champagne, DMD, MAGD · Answer

The short answer is that you could do orthodontics, although at this age it wouldn't involve a palatal expander.It would take quite some time because she would have to move quite a few teeth to make enough space to place dental implants.It's hard to say based on the photos that are attached, but it appears as though your gums don't show when you smile. I mention this because another option is to reshape the canine  it's hard to say based on the photos that are attached, but it appears as though your gums don't show when you smile. I mention this because the gum line is typically considerably higher on a canine then it is on a lateral incisor.  If this is in fact the case, then  another option is to reshape the canines so that they appear to be lateral incisors.  This could be done simply by reshaping the canines, or if necessary, with porcelain veneers.

Majid Jamali, DMD · Answer

At this point, I think it is best to place veneers on those teeth and make them look like laterals. You could not make the space again for laterals at this point

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

yes that is possible, it will take much longer time and extra appliances to push your posterior teeth back to create space for lateral implants. so u may look METAL MOUTH. in many cases all 3rd molar extractions are required.as an orthodontist i suggest that only.but another option is convert canine into lateral , and 1st premolar to canines followed by intentional RCTs.so visit cosmetic dentist and orthodontist and take final decision.

Darren Wong, DDS · Answer

Hello, congratulations on taking the first step to a perfect smile!The best way to start would be to visit an orthodontist and to have them take a Panoramic x-ray. This would help to advise the doctor of the existing position of the adjacent roots and if an implant may be possible.From there your doctor will work together with a periodontist and a prosthodontist to place the perfect implants.Looking forward to seeing your progress!Dr. Wong

Neville Richter, DDS · Answer

Your orthodontist took the easy way out!  Having more ortho is difficult and time consuming to move those canines back!  It's possible but difficult to find an orthodontist to do it.  Instead, find an experienced dentist who can make those canines look as close to lateral incisors as possible, and make the bicuspids function as canines do.

Shawn Hofkes, DDS · Answer

It is possible but not recommended at this point.  The canines could be re-contoured with bonding or veneers to cosmetically create a lateral incisor "appearance."   This will save you time, $$$, and a couple surgeries.  I hope this helps.Shawn Hofkes DDS

Susan Hollinsworth, DDS (retired) · Answer

While it may be possible to move all of the teeth back to their original positions to open up the lateral space, it may not be very practical. I would find a good cosmetic dentist and have them look at working with the canines to make them look more like lateral incisors. You would probably be quite happy with this. It never hurts to check out all of your options, so seeing an orthodontist for an opinion would be a good idea,also, if nothing else to put your mind at ease that you are making the best decision going forward.Good luck

Ira Shapira, DDS (in memoriam) · Answer

It is possible to use maxillary expansion to widen the maxilla and move the canines back to their original positions and  then do implants. I would suggest either Rapid Maxillary Expansion with surgical assist or a DNA appliance to widen the arch orthopedically but you may need  braces or invisalign to finish canine movement.  There are ways to correct the look with veneers but expansion is best.

Am I a candidate for lateral incisor implants? I am 20 years old.

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