A smile makeover simulation illustrating how a case might be treated either by placing dental crowns or with orthodontic treatment (braces).

Dental History: The alignment of this person's teeth is somewhat irregular, especially those teeth found on their upper left.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Plan #1: Our after picture illustrates the type of result that should be possible with the placement of dental crowns on the center four upper teeth. The modest changes we've illustrated for the eyeteeth could probably be made by just by placing dental bonding.
      The awkwardness of this cosmetic treatment plan lies in the fact that the placement of dental crowns will not significantly change the contours of this person's gum line. This means that the front teeth will need to vary in length (as we've illustrated). This may or may not pose much of a cosmetic dilemma, depending on how much of their teeth this person shows when they smile. (This gum line discrepancy could be remedied by a minor surgical procedure called "gum sculpting." This procedure would be performed before the dental crowns are made.)

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Plan #2: A better solution for this person's tooth misalignment would be orthodontic treatment (braces). In general the shape of this person's teeth is fairly nice, it is mostly the alignment of the teeth that is objectionable. It is likely that many of this person's gum line issues would be resolved as the teeth are realigned. Assuming that this person would be committed to wearing their retainer after the orthodontic treatment had been completed (so the alignment of the teeth would not relapse), this approach would probably provide the nicest and longest lasting cosmetic result.