What Are My Options for Replacing Missing Lateral Incisors?

Without pictures it's hard to say.  Without pictures, I'm going to go with two 3-unit bridges (6-X-8 and 9-x-11).  I've treated many missing lateral teeth cosmetic cases.  These 3-unit bridges really does wonders.  Post pictures then we can chime back in again with more definitive recommendations.

Oftentimes the best and most predictable treatment for congenitally missing lateral incisors is dental implants.  However, in many cases there is not enough room or enough bone to treat.  In those cases, or in cases where the patient will not do implants, or doesn't have enough time to do implants (treatments can take 6 months or longer), then lingual bonded brdges or fix all porcelain bridges might be the treatment of choice.Since you don't like the shape of your existing teeth, then doing an all-ceramic fixed bridge (rather than a lingual bonded bridge) would seem to be the treatment of choice.  Today, cosmetic dentists have an amazing porcelain that can be used for the bridge called Emax which is absolutely perfect for situations such as you describe and replacing missing lateral incisors.  It is strong, esthetic and long lasting.The of course, you could also do the implants and porcelain veneers on your other teeth.

Make sure you have enough room at the roots for 2 implants

Assuming you don't, invisalign will be great for several reasons.  It can expand your arch making room for wider canines and centrals (with veneers or boding at a later date).  You ca bleach while you are in treatment.  Invisalign can take awhile, so you can space out your financial concerns.  You can have 2 "dummy" teeth placed in your aligners to fill the gap during the process.

Once you have created the space, it is important to hold it with either an aligner/retainer or a "flipper" which is like a mini partial denture with 2 dummy teeth on it.

Even with only seven months left, I suggest meeting with your Dentist and seeing if this can work.


A cautionary tale:  A good friend went ahead and placed 6 crowns in a similar situation (this was before we met).  Flash forward 11 years and she deeply regrets her now irreversible decision.  Always good dental advice:  seek the least invasive treatment that will achieve your goals.

Good luck and Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

Dental Implants are the best and most esthetic way to replace missing lateral incisors.  They also have the best longevity.  A bridge would require cutting down your adjacent healthy teeth which compromises their health as well and your gingival and bone health.  Bridges last on average 5-7 years depending on which study you read.  After that, you may require root canals in the crowned teeth and ultimately in the future those teeth will be lost.  This is why dental implants are the standard of care for this issue.  Seek the advice of a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and qualified restoring dentist to discuss your specific case

Missing lateral incisors, after having orthodontics to open the spaces they should occupy, can be beautifully replaced with implant supported crowns. Sounds like you would ALSO like to veneer your centrals and cuspids, and perhaps 1 or 2 bicuspids on each side, as well. This would get you the truly beautiful, symmetrical, cosmetic smile that you are seeking, as long as the work is done by a well-qualified and experienced cosmetic dentist that listens to what you want. You must communicate all your wishes to your dentist BEFORE starting out, and make sure he is willing to show you other before & after pictures of similar cases that he has done. He should also assure you that you will have a chance to approve the cosmetic look, IN YOUR MOUTH, before permanently inserting anything.

A possible "temporary Fix" that you might want to look into is "Snap-On-Smile". If your dentist is not familiar with it, ask him to call Den-Mat and get more information.