Opting for tooth extraction and implant placement over orthodontic treatment.

When this person submitted their picture they mentioned that they would like to see what improvements could be made with their smile. But they also stipulated that they were not interested in having orthodontic treatment.

That's a shame. It's easy to imagine how that approach (using either fixed or removable appliances) could resolve a number of issues with this person's teeth, both top and bottom.

(For examples of its use with other cases, use the "Dental Braces" button above.)

Case issues and concerns:

With the upper teeth, the biggest obstacle associated with improving this smile is the retruded upper left tooth. It's in crossbite.

(That means when this person closes their teeth all of the way together, this tooth is positioned behind its corresponding lower teeth, rather than in front.)

To a much lesser extent, the upper right lateral incisor also seems set back somewhat.

The misalignment of the central incisors makes one look too long and the other too short.

The misalignment of the lower teeth gives them an unruly look.

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Digital smile makeover showing an improved cosmetic appearance.

Photo submitted by website visitor.

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Treatment solutions:

1) Making the decision for tooth extraction and implant placement.

Due to the extreme positioning of the upper left lateral incisor, and the treatment limitations set by the patient, there really isn't any appropriate way to make an improvement with this tooth's appearance.

Bringing the tooth forward by placing some type of restoration would either make the tooth ridiculously thick or strangely misshapen. And doing so could have consequences for the neighboring teeth and surrounding gum tissue.

That means the only solution that remains is to pull it and replace it with either a dental implant or bridge. In our "after" picture, we've illustrated how we think things would turn out if an implant were placed.

As a criticism of the cosmetic outcome of this approach, the dental crown that's used to restore the implant will end up looking narrow when compared to the same tooth on the other side. That's because a full-sized tooth simply won't fit in a crowded-tooth space.

2) Completing the makeover for the upper teeth.

Our "after" picture also illustrates changes for a few other teeth, which collectively create a better appearance for this smile. It seems likely that porcelain veneers might be used to make these changes, although a decision about their suitability over crowns would be a decision for the treating dentist to make.

We'll admit that we've cheated somewhat in our "after" picture. We've show significant gum-line changes for the lateral incisor on the patient's upper right. That amount a change would most likely require a minor surgical procedure termed "gum sculpting."

3) The lower teeth.

Our "after" picture illustrates how some minor trimming of the lower teeth could make their misalignment less apparent.

An alternative (and better) treatment plan.

Treating this smile as a dental implant case really seems a bit extreme. But given the limitations discussed above, we didn't see another option.

As an alternative plan, and one that seems a realistic compromise, here's an approach that could provide the same outcome without having to extract the tooth and place an implant, if the patient would just accept it.

Instead of full orthodontic treatment, just move the single tooth out of crossbite and back into a more normal positioning. Moving an individual tooth would take much less time than full treatment. And it could probably be accomplished with some type of removable appliance (like Invisalign) instead of fixed braces. (Actually, moving the same tooth on the other side into better alignment could be completed simultaneously, using the same appliance.)

The tooth may need to be narrowed before it can be guided into its new location, but its shape could be perfected afterward by placing a dental veneer.

Closing spaces between teeth:
- Closing tooth gaps using porcelain veneers.
- Closing tooth gaps using dental crowns.
- Applications for tooth bonding.
Other cosmetic issues:
- Whitening teeth with deep stains.
- Gum tissue concerns with crown and veneer placement.
Orthodontic cases:
- Straightening teeth - Braces vs. Crowns.
- Straightening teeth - Braces vs. Veneers.
Repairing damaged teeth:
- Repairing teeth worn from tooth grinding.
- Repairing tooth wear due to a deep overbite.
Other ways to find cases:
- All digital makeovers by category.
- All digital makeovers by title.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Home

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