I have small lateral incisors. Is there a way to make them bigger, or would I need to have my front teeth shaved down? (photo)

Question

I currently am unhappy with my teeth, and am not sure in what direction to go. I had braces and everything was good until i ended up getting into an accident and my front right tooth got damaged ending in a veneer. Now i am not so happy with this veneer bc i think its not the right size but what it made me realize is my incisors are too small and my teeth look horse like. What would one recommend should i get my front teeth shaved down or incisors fixed or neither?

Michael J. Landry, DDS · Answer

Your front teeth are too long with the present veneers.  I would ask your dentist to shorten them to that they are even with your canine (eye teeth).  They wil look much better then.

John F. Calvert, DDS · Answer

It appears that the veneer is wider than the other central incisor. It also appears that both your central incisors are too long and wide for your mouth. You also appear to show a little excess of gum tissue above lateral incisors, especially your right lateral incisor. If you really want the best smile you can have, my recommendation would be to have the gum line brought up above the lateral incisors to the correct height and then have porcelain veneers placed on the front four incisors to then have all four more proportionate, width and length. It would also be advisable to whiten your teeth if you haven't already before you have permanent restorations placed. Find an outstanding cosmetic dentist to help advise you on these options and get your best smile. Good luck.

Patrick Broome, DMD · Answer

Your options would be composite bonding or porcelain veneers to address your issue with the laterals. In my opinion the porcelain veneer is the best option for you since you appear to be a candidate for no-prep veneers for those teeth. Normally my suggestion to a patient with small laterals is to just treat those teeth if they like their centrals. In your specific case I would suggest you consider 4 veneers (combination of no-prep and minimal prep styles) since you already have a veneer on one central that you do not like. It sounds like you perceive the increased "fullness" of that tooth. If you will be treating the laterals now will be a good time to correct the contour discrepancy in your 2 front teeth. Hopefully you will find this information helpful. We wish you the best of luck!

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

It is a combination of both. There needs to be a smile analysis, to check the height and the size of those teeth, so we can change shape, size and color with porcelain veneers. And its important to know that those teeth can look more natural, if you make a wax set up, i think you will end up sooner or later with 4 new veneers. I hope this helps.

I have small lateral incisors. Is there a way to make them bigger, or would I need to have my front teeth shaved down? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Porcelain Veneers

Answer: Porcelain Veneers

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Everything you need to know about Smile Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I have small lateral incisors. Is there a way to make them bigger, or would I need to have my front teeth shaved down? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Porcelain Veneers

Answer: Porcelain Veneers

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smile Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.