Unhappy with my result. What should I do next? Bonding? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am writing because I had 6 Month Smile braces placed 4 months ago. I had an overbite as well as some spacing that I wanted to correct. I had braces before so this is my 2nd time around. I had an appt today in which I was told I could have my braces removed and given a retainer. I am not happy with the results at all and feel I need to wear them longer. I'm not sure what I should do next. Possibly bonding to smooth out the ridges and close the gaps?

Michael Fulbright, DDS · Answer

I would go back to your dentist and ask him what he or she intends to do about the gap between your front teeth. I certainly wouldn’t try cosmetic bonding before talking to your dentist or an orthodontist. Your front teeth obviously aren’t in the position that you had hoped for. Ask your general dentist for a referral for a licensed and preferred Invisalign® and 6 Month Smile® cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist. Good luck!

Matt T. Walton, DMD · Answer

I would probably go see an orthodontist and get a consultation to see what is needed to get finished up correctly. The general dentist missed a few things....

Patrick M. Ohlenforst, DDS, MS · Answer

Wow, where to start?First, if you're doing 6 Month Smiles, chances are that your treatment is being done by a general dentist rather than an orthodontic specialist (6 Month Smiles is a product conceived and run by a general dentist for non-orthodontists). The promotional literature from 6 Month Smiles clearly states that all they try to do is straighten your front teeth and not worry too much about the back teeth.  That may be perfect for your needs, given that you wore braces before.That being said, your front teeth are obviously NOT straight.  I'm guessing that the bracket on one of your front teeth (the left one?) came loose and had to be rebonded.  When your braces are first put on with 6 Month Smiles, a tray is used to position the brackets in an ideal place on the tooth.  If a bracket comes loose, usually the dentist has to rebond the bracket in what he or she considers to be the proper place on the tooth.  If your dentist hasn't done a lot of orthodontics, then putting the bracket back on in the right place can be hit or miss. It looks to me from your photos, like the left front central incisor is longer than the right one.  Not only is the biting edge longer, but the gumline is uneven. DO NOT let your dentist just "file down" the longer tooth!  Changes in the wire can make them even again by moving one up and the other one down. This is basic orthodontics!Talk to your dentist, especially about the uneven front teeth.  If you don't get an answer you like, get another opinion from an orthodontist.  Don't be embarrassed, just be honest and express your concerns.  Remember, YOU are the patient and the consumer.Good Luck!

Unhappy with my result. What should I do next? Bonding? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Six Month Smiles

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

Unhappy with my result. What should I do next? Bonding? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Six Month Smiles

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