I'm unhappy with the appearance of my teeth. Am I being too picky? (photo)

Question

As a teen I had braces on the top and bottom. Over time (I'm now 50) my teeth shifted slightly so I got Invisalign. Five years later I'm still unhappy. I'm currently under the care of yet another orthodontist who is tweaking a shifted bottom tooth. When I asked her about doing work on the top she said it wasn't necessary as my teeth are fine; that any orthodontist would be pleased with my results. Looking ay my photo, do you think I should pursue further treatment?

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

You have a narrow maxilla and smile.  You may want to explore the DNA Appliance to grow a full wide smile.You look like you might be a snorer or have sleep apnea.  The RNA version of the DNA Appliance can treat and possiblly cure sleep apnea while widening your smile.Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMOThinkBetterLife.com

John A. Merrill, DDS · Answer

It is true that you have beautifully shaped teeth and over all nice alignment--that said it would be best for you to explore the aspects that you don't care for--is it that the arch-form is too narrow, do you want to show more teeth, is the color too dark?A good cosmetic dentist can help you visualise the changes either digitally in photos or mock ups in your mouth to direct you in your options to improve your smile--Good Luck!

Prince Arrington III, DDS · Answer

First, the old adage that states that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" holds true here. By most standards your smile is acceptable, but you are not satisfied. What is required here is a line by line assessment of your concerns. What bothers you most? Is it the leveling of your lower incisors or is it the fact that your central incisors appear too long ( they are not too long inn  my opinion, may need to extrude or lengthen the lateral incisors so that they do not appear too long)? Is it that you want to show more posterior teeth which will make your smile pop! These are all judgement questions and ones that you need to have an in depth discussion with your dentist about. One of the nice things about Invisalign is that you can get a Clincheck, which shows a simulation of the end result. Remember, this is a computer simulation and the end results may vary, but it gives you a goal to work toward. Good luck!

Robert L. Knudson, DDS · Answer

I am going to answer this as nicely as I can and I have to use 100 characters according to the web site when I only need 3.Yes.  Most 50 year olds would die for teeth that nice and youthful looking.  Check out the models in the fashion magazines when they actually smile and I thing you will see that your's likely look better.

Jennifer S. Stachel, DMD · Answer

Dear Mary Z.,Thank you for posting your question on Real Self. I will do my best to answer your question with the information given. I recommend going for a second opinion with another orthodontist in your area.  I agree that you do have a nice smile, but there are areas where the position of your teeth could be improvedI hope this helps, and I wish you the best!Sincerely,Dr. Jenn

I'm unhappy with the appearance of my teeth. Am I being too picky? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Happy?

Answer: Happy?

Answer: Unhappy?

Answer: Unhappy?

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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I'm unhappy with the appearance of my teeth. Am I being too picky? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Happy?

Answer: Happy?

Answer: Unhappy?

Answer: Unhappy?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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