A cosmetic dentistry smile makeover simulation illustrating the use of orthodontic treatment and then dental crowns or porcelain veneers.

Dental History: This patient's teeth have a flared look. There is also a gap (a diastema) between the center two incisors.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Plan: An ideal way to make changes with this person's smile would involve the use of orthodontic treatment (braces), and afterwards some combination of dental veneers and/or dental crowns. The braces would idealize the positioning of all of the teeth. The subsequent placement of veneers or crowns would idealize the shape and color of whichever teeth were found to need further cosmetic improvement.
 
Treatment Plan Comments: Some people might be of the opinion that they are not interested in having braces. In this type of situation dental crowns and/or dental veneers can sometimes be used to rebuild teeth so to give them a straighter and more idealized appearance. ( What is the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns? ) The wild card here is if this person's occlusion (bite) will allow for the changes we have illustrated in our "after" picture. The shape of crowns and veneers must conform to requirements dictated by a person's occlusion. Only this person's dentist would be able to definitively determine to what degree an improvement in appearance could be made.