I have one tooth which is crazy crooked. It’s also way behind the tooth next to it. That wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t one of my front teeth. I’ve seen several different dentists. The two most common solutions I’m getting is pulling the tooth and braces. I feel too old for braces, but the idea of pulling the tooth seems weird too. Which solution do you think is better?
Roy
Dear Roy,
I can understand why you feel too old for metal braces. No one wants a mouth full of uncomfortable metal wires and brackets. Nor do I think pulling the tooth is a solution. There probably isn’t enough room there for a good tooth replacement such as a dental implant. You wouldn’t want to have an uneven amount of teeth in your mouth. That would make your smile quite weird. In order to make room for an implant, you’d need some type of orthodontics to open up the space.
However, I have two possible solutions for you, neither of which requires yanking your front tooth or a mouth full of metal.
Solution One: Invisalign
These are orthodontics which use clear aligners instead of metal wires and brackets. Some people call them invisible braces. That is because they are truly invisible while you’re wearing them, even at a conversational distance. This will straighten your crooked tooth.
It has an additional benefit. The aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. This will allow you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time.
This is actually the way I’d go unless there are other things you want to fix about your teeth. If there are other things that bother you, there is another option.
Solution Two: Porcelain Veneers
With porcelain veneers, you get a total smile makeover and the go-to procedure for celebrities. Using tiny wafers of porcelain, a skilled cosmetic dentist can remake the shape, size, and color of your teeth all in one go. It will not straighten your crooked tooth, but it will make it look straight.
This blog is brought to you by Michigan Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.