I think I have small lateral incisors, but I'm not confident with my smile. What do I do? (photo)

Question

I'm not confident with my smile due to small lateral incisors. I have already had braces and i think my teeth are straight. I just would like my lateral incisors to fit the rest of my teeth. What Iis the best thing for me to do?

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS · Answer

You hit on a huge item-if you are not confident in your smile, it affects how you interact with everyone you meet. Making the right change can really impact your confidence with people.In your case, you could consider veneers for just the two lateral incisor teeth. It could really improve the shape and the "blend" of your smile.When I see people for cosmetic dentistry, I always ask them," Do you want to make a simple change? Or do you envision a smile that is close to perfect?" For the two veneers in my office, you could have a computer/photo simulation made so you could look at a possible change. Another option is that you could have Mock Up veneers made (temporary ones) to test-drive and see if the change is potent enough for you.A great result comes from collaborating with your cosmetic dentist to find the "right" result for you.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

In your case are not only your lateral incisors a little smaller than average, but they are little crooked.  You could do at least two different treatments:1) Just have porcelain veneers or direct composite bonding on your lateral incisors to make them larger.  I prefer doing porcelain veneers because they almost always look better and are stronger and longer lasting than the plastic composite bonding technique.2)  Have orthodontics, either fixed braces or Invisalign, to correct your crooked lateral incisors, and then do the bonding or porcelain veneers.

Mark J. Amidei, DDS · Answer

Try a non invasive procedure like direct bonding. I personally think you would benefit from invisilign and widening your such and proclining your teeth. Do you get headaches? Looks like your lower Jaw is locked into your top jaw since your teeth are canted inwardly.Often times I creat a wider smile and therfore some spacing occurs. I simply move the spacing behind the first premolars and then put a back side veneer on the premolar to close the gap.very easy to do and orthodontists do not utilize enough.

Murray Bruckel, DDS (retired) · Answer

Veneers would be a wonderful choice.........................................................................

I think I have small lateral incisors, but I'm not confident with my smile. What do I do? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: I think I have small lateral incisors, but I'm not confident with my smile

Answer: I think I have small lateral incisors, but I'm not confident with my smile

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Everything you need to know about Dental Bonding

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I think I have small lateral incisors, but I'm not confident with my smile. What do I do? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: I think I have small lateral incisors, but I'm not confident with my smile

Answer: I think I have small lateral incisors, but I'm not confident with my smile

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bonding

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