A cosmetic dentistry smile makeover simulation illustrating the use of braces in preparation for the placement of a dental implant and porcelain veneers.

Dental History: This person is missing a front tooth. The tooth that is missing should lie between the teeth marked #1 and #2, and should be similar in shape and size to the tooth labeled #3.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Step #1: Perform orthodontic treatment (braces). - For the most part, a person's smile is defined by their six upper front teeth. Each of these teeth has a characteristic size and shape and when one of them is missing the resulting asymmetry will be apparent.

Braces could be used to create a space between teeth #1 and #2, the location where the missing tooth should be. The missing tooth could then be replaced via one of the following methods (depending on the treating dentist's findings and diagnosis):

• The use of orthodontic treatment to position the person's own natural tooth into the space. (In those cases where the tooth was initially "missing" in the sense that it is not visible but did exist and was present up in the jawbone.)
• Place a dental implant.
• Place a dental bridge.

While our "after" picture does not illustrate this result, the orthodontic treatment would also idealize the alignment of the back upper teeth as well as all of the lower teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Step #2: Once the alignment of the teeth has been improved and provisions have been made for replacing the missing tooth, this person's dentist might suggest making shape changes with the other upper front teeth using dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or else dental crowns. ( What is the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns? )