Should I get porcelain veneers to correct my open bite? Are there any alternatives to braces that you would suggest? (Photo)

Question

I had braces in high school for a total of about 5 years to correct a severe open bite . I chose permanent retainers and they have failed to keep my teeth in the condition they were in after I got my braces off. I see my teeth shifting more and more and I was wondering if There were any longer lasting alternative to braces that I could/should be looking into like possibly porcelain veneers ? I'm trying to avoid wearing braces for another million years. :) Thanks in advance for your reply

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

Your narrow maxilla can be expanded with a DNA Appliance to make more room for your tongue which will help plus improve the look.  You should combine that treatment with seeing a Oral Myofunctional Therapist to correct functional pathologies.Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMOChair, American Alliance of TMD OrganizationsThinkBetterLife.com

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

This really depends on what will work best for you.  If you are the type of person that wants instant results and are willing to compromise tooth structure, rather than wear braces again, only to let your teeth shift back several years later because you can't wear your life-long retainer, then maybe veneers will suit you.  Conversely, if you are someone that is wants the slower steady route and maintaining all of your tooth structure, then braces and a life-long retainer may be best for you.       I've attached a link to a before and after photo of a patient of mine, that wanted the instant fix of veneers, over the slow steady fix of braces.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDSt. Louis, MO area (O'Fallon, IL)Real Self 100

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

While porcelain veneers can do amazing things, they can't fix everything.  Permanently, at least.There is a reason your teeth are moving and shifting, most commonly a tongue thrust issue.  It would be best to seek advice from a speech therapist to rule out tongue thrust or to determine what is happening to cause the teeth to move.  Teeth do not move by themselves, they only respond to forces acted upon them.It is less a question "CAN veneers close the space" (we know they CAN), as much as "how long will the gap/space STAY closed with just porcelain veneers?"Once all is stable, you can decide if braces is the right next step, or if something else is better.

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

veneers is not to correct malocclusion so it is not good choice. as you are not interested in braces , u can go for removable invisible braces eg. invisalign.

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

Veneers will not correct your open bite problem. The best direction of action is to see a speech pathologist who has training in myofunctional therapy. They should be able to help with your tongue thrust, but it will take effort on your part. You may then consider returning to braces to move your teeth back into a more ideal relationship.

Should I get porcelain veneers to correct my open bite? Are there any alternatives to braces that you would suggest? (Photo)

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Answer: Veneer vs braces

Answer: Veneer vs braces

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Should I get porcelain veneers to correct my open bite? Are there any alternatives to braces that you would suggest? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Veneer vs braces

Answer: Veneer vs braces

Answer: Veneers

Answer: Veneers

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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