I had braces done with first bicuspid extractions. Now my top teeth slant inward and my face isn't "full" which will only get worse as I age. I really don't like my smile anymore. Is there a way to move my teeth forward/out without giving me an overbite or mess up the function/form? I basically want my bicuspids back. Would putting in spacers and gradually making way for implants work? This may not be the best picture, but hopefully it shows the slant inward.
1 photo
Answers (3)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
VOTED MOST HELPFUL
September 27, 2015
Answer: Is there a way to move my teeth forward/out without giving me an overbite or mess up the function/form?
It is highly unlikely that a 4 mm overjet can be corrected using elastics. You could correct the overjet by extracting your upper bicuspids and retracting your upper incisors but you would NEVER FORGIVE yourself for this outdated and barbaric treatment option. If you extract upper bicuspids and...
A lot of orthodontists do that; clear on top and metal on the bottom. The reason is that the porcelain (clear) braces can cause a lot of wear to the opposing teeth and the metal brackets are smaller so easier to manage in this way. Unless you have a deep bite, which I can't tell, you...
Smile shot from the front looks good, but the side view does look like you're a bit protrusive. Are you biting together on your back teeth for that picture or not? Incidentally, correct terminology for that is not that you have an overbite, you may have excessive overJET.