Orthodontics to Fix Single Protruding Tooth? (photo)

Question

I never lost one of my "baby" upper canines. When the adult tooth came in, it came in next to it and now sticks out slightly. I'm satisfied with everything else about my teeth - there's no other crowding or notable misalignment. I don't want it to be perfect - I just want this tooth to stick out less. I still have my wisdom teeth but am missing one molar. Is there a cost-effective and quick way to fix this one tooth? $5K for invisalign seems excessive.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

You can improve a single tooth with removable or fixed appliance which could be helped by minostripping of the enamel.  As an adult patient I would suggest growing your maxilla (orthopedic) and your breathing space (pneumopedic)  

	This is best accomplished with Rapid Maxillary Expansion with a surgical assist.

	In my opinion, Epigenetic Orthodontics with a DNA appliance is probably the best way to give yourself a full smile and make room for the crowded tooth.  If you look at the picture you provided you have a very narrow smile due to inadequateexpansion during development.  Interventional orthodontics between 6 and 8 years old is the best way to prevent the problem  early.  Epigenetic Orthodontics can accomplish similar results in an adult with minimal to no pain..  The appliance is worn 12-16 hours a day.

Anna M. Berik, DMD · Answer

I absolutely think that aligning your teeth is a great investment in yourself. I know that single tooth pops into your view , however over-retained baby tooth is an issue that needs to be addressed long term. There are other issues with the positioning of the other front teeth. My advice is to correct your teeth ,do it once and do it right. I have never had a patient regret correcting his/her teeth

Tanya Vaysman, DMD · Answer

Unfortunately you can’t just move one tooth in isolation. All the teeth have to move together so that they all line up properly. Besides correcting the protruding tooth the baby tooth needs to be removed and the teeth need to be positioned into their correct places.

Kent Lauson, DDS, MS · Answer

I hear what you are saying about not wanting to spend more money than necessary to lesson the protrusion of the tooth.  That certainly makes sense, but you have to ask yourself the question "why did this occur in the first place?"  The cause is your narrow upper jaw.  Correction of the upper jaw is what you should concentrate on and straightening of the upper teeth can be accomplished at the same time.  There could be other problems caused or not corrected with some of the simple solutions to the protruding tooth.  i.e. TMJ dysfunction and other problems that may not occur for a number of years.  The point is this, a thorough evaluation and treatment to solve the problem, but not cause other future problems, should be the best approach from a long term perspective.  Your smile is an incredibly  important personal asset!

Orthodontics to Fix Single Protruding Tooth? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Protruding tooth solution

Answer: Protruding tooth solution

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Orthodontics to Fix Single Protruding Tooth? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Protruding tooth solution

Answer: Protruding tooth solution

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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