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Making My Teeth Look Straight

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Will a dental flipper make my teeth look straight? I’m 42 years old and don’t want a mouth full of metal. I’ve heard that it can snap over my teeth and they’ll look straight.

Andrea

Dear Andrea,

I think you may be confusing a dental flipper with the Snap-on Smile. A dental flipper, is a temporary tooth replacement. Rather than fitting over teeth, it fits in the hole to take the place of the missing tooth. Snap-on Smile is a procedure that can fit over your teeth.

You’ll need to be aware before you make a decision that it is made of acrylic. It will not look beautiful close-up. It’s best used for pictures and things like that. Because it fits over your teeth, it can also look a little bulky.

An Alternative to Braces

Invisalign aligners

That doesn’t mean you are stuck with a mouth full of metal braces. Orthodontics have improved significantly. You could actually straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing. Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth. Even at a conversational distance, no one will know that you are wearing them. They also work in a fraction of the time it takes traditional braces.

There is also a secondary benefit. The aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. This has the benefit of allowing you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time, giving you a mini smile makeover at a fraction of the cost. All your dentist will have to do is provide you the whitening gel. You can wear it along with your aligner at the time most convenient to you.

Many people prefer to sleep in the gel. This both keeps the gel on your teeth longer and allows it to retain its potency because we have less saliva at night.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Baby and Adult Teeth Simultaneously

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My daughter has four baby teeth that have erupted behind her adult teeth. I’m not sure what to do about it. Do I pull the baby teeth? Will her adult teeth still need braces? I’m surprised this happened. I’ve been deployed for the last year and my husband has been taking her to the dentist (I assume). When I asked him about it he got defensive. Do you have any advice for something like this?

Kelly.

Dear Kelly,

Family of four: Mother,father,son, daughter

First, I want to thank you for your service. It is greatly appreciated. I know it is a sacrifice. As to the situation you are in, if your husband did take your daughter to the pediatric dentist then they should have addressed this. Since they haven’t, I think you would be better served by a different pediatric dentist or even a family dentist, which is a general dentist who enjoys treating children as well.

You didn’t mention the age of your daughter, so I’ll give a variety of advice for her. First, the baby teeth need to be extracted. Ideally, that would have happened as soon as the adult teeth began to erupt in order to prevent them from deflecting the permanent teeth, but that is water under the bridge.

It is possible she will need some orthodontics. If that happens, both traditional braces or Invisalign for teens will be an option depending on her age and level of personal responsibility.

Congenitally Missing Adult Teeth

Sometimes children have the opposite problem where they have an adult tooth that never forms. When that happens it is best to just leave it there for as long as it is healthy, viable, and aligns with her bite. If any of those change or it falls out, then it will be time for stage 2.

The ideal tooth replacement is a dental implant. However, she’ll need to be of an age where her jaw is fully developed. If she isn’t, then I would use a temporary tooth replacement, such as a dental flipper, which you can get fairly cheaply. Then, when she is old enough, get the dental implant. These are like having a healthy, natural tooth there and are permanently placed. She’ll be able to eat anything and brush and floss as she normally would.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Dental Flipper to Make Teeth Look Straight

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I am way too old to wear ugly metal braces but am tired of my teeth not being attractive. I have one tooth that sticks out more than the others and they’re pretty yellow all around. Could I just get a dental flipper to snap on my teeth and make them look straight so I am no longer embarrassed by my teeth?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Illustration of a dental flipperI think there may be some confusion here. I placed an image of a dental flipper to the left. these are designed as temporary tooth replacements meant to hold the space open until your permanent tooth replacement came in. It isn’t designed to make your teeth look straight.

Snap-on Smile

before and after snap on smile

You may be thinking of the Snap-on Smile. These do snap over your teeth. One thing to consider with them is because they go over your teeth, they can sometimes look bulky. This will be more true in your case because you already have that one tooth that sticks out. Another thing to look at is they are made of acrylic. They won’t look as natural or beautiful as something like porcelain veneers, nor will they last as long. I would plan on replacing it every few years.

I do have an alternative for you, though, which will be a permanent solution and won’t require metal braces.

Invisalign— the Alternative to Braces

Invisalign aligners

In your place, I would look into Invisalign. These straighten your teeth, in less time than traditional braces, without anyone even knowing. That is because instead of using metal wires and brackets, it uses clear aligners and a sophisticated computer software program to plan out your treatment and design the aligners.

You simply pop the aligners in and go about your day. Every two weeks, you will switch them out for a new set that will move your teeth just a bit more.

Straightening and Whitening Your Teeth Simultaneously

You mentioned your teeth have yellowed over time. That happens to all of us. Fortunately, because Invisalign aligners are custom fit to your bite, they can double as teeth whitening trays. Simply ask your dentist for some professional strength teeth whitening gel and you can wear them in your aligners each day. This allows you to whiten your teeth while you are straightening them. It’s a two-for-one. To me, this is a much better solution for you both financially and in terms of creating a smile you won’t be ashamed of anymore.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Is a Maryland Bridge a Good Temporary Restoration?

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We just completed my daughter’s orthodontics to open up a space where a congenitally missing tooth needs to be filled. The teeth had shifted over the years and there wasn’t going to be enough room, so when we were straightening her teeth we thought it best to plan ahead. We want to eventually get her a dental implant but are looking for a temporary tooth to place in there. My dentist is suggesting a Maryland Bridge because we won’t have to crown the adjacent teeth, like you would with a traditional dental bridge. I like that idea but I want to check out if it is our best idea so I’m writing a couple of other dentists to get their recommendations, including you.

Laura

Dear Laura,

Maryland Bridge

Maryland Bridge

I’m actually very glad you wrote. First, your choice of a dental implant to place where her tooth is missing is a great one. That will last her a lifetime.

I don’t, however, think you should get a Maryland Bridge for your daughter. While it is true that you won’t have to crown the adjacent teeth, I wouldn’t consider it a temporary replacement option. This is because in order for it to fit properly, your dentist will need to cut notches into her teeth to help keep the wings in place. You can see an example of the type of notch I’m referring to on the left.

Once the bridge is removed, you will need to fill all that in. Anything that permanently changes the structure of the tooth cannot be considered temporary in my opinion.

A Great Temporary Tooth Replacement while Waiting on a Dental Implant

dental flipper

Dental Flipper

Instead, I am going to recommend you get her a dental flipper. This won’t require any structural changes to her tooth and will allow her to keep the space open until her jaw is developed and ready for the dental implant.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Antibiotics and Tooth Infections

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I had a root canal treatment a couple of months ago and then lost my job. I didn’t keep my appointment to get the dental crown placed. Now I think I’m dealing with a tooth infection as a result. I happen to have a sinus infection and can get my doctor to write me an antibiotic prescription. Is there a better antibiotic for tooth infections?

Cary

Dear Cary,

Man holding his jaw in pain

It would be a wonderful solution if tooth infections worked that way. Unfortunately, the physiology of a tooth prevents that from being a viable option. An infection kills the inside of a tooth. Because of that, the medicine never reaches the infection. At that point, the only way to “heal” the infection is for your dentist to get in there and physically remove the infected pulp. This is typically done one of two ways: either by a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction. At this point, you may need an extraction.

You may already know this, but just in case you don’t, I want to make sure you understand an infected tooth is considered a dental emergency. I don’t know if you are still out of work, but I don’t want you to put off getting this treated. People still die from tooth infections. People don’t realize how the proximity of our jaws to our brain, heart, and lungs can put you in serious danger as the infection spreads. I’m saying this not to scare you but to ensure you treat the infection seriously.

I know especially during this time with the pandemic going on, money is tough for many people. If you’re out of work, I am positive you will be able to find a dentist who will be willing to treat your infection and work out a payment option for you.

Replacing a Tooth

When a tooth is removed, with very few exceptions, it needs to be replaced. When finances are better, the ideal tooth replacement is a dental implant. It is like having a healthy, natural tooth in your jaw again. I realize that is not an option for you right now. You can either get an easily replaceable temporary tooth or invest in one of the other options like a dental bridge.

The downside to a dental bridge is that it requires the two adjacent teeth to your missing tooth to get ground down for dental crowns. If they’re healthy, you may not want to do that. Instead, you can get a dental flipper or a removable partial denture while you save up for a dental implant.

This blog is brought to you by Portage, MI Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Flipper for a Four Year Old

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My four-year-old had an accident that caused him to lose his two front teeth. I wanted a way to replace those teeth so I didn’t have to worry about his other teeth shifting. When I asked about getting him a dental flipper, my dentist said that was a ridiculous idea. I don’t understand. I looked online for one you can order but they only seem to have adult-sized ones. Is there a way to get him one or is my dentist right and I’m being ridiculous?

Kathryn

Dear Kathryn,

Young boy with a tooth brush

So here is the thing. You are not being ridiculous, but your dentist is correct that it isn’t a good option. I will say right up front I do not like the way your son’s dentist responded to you. One thing every dentist who works with children needs to understand is the emotional element with parents. Their child is the most important thing in their lives. Your questions should always be treated with respect. Plus, just because your question seems obvious to your dentist doesn’t mean it should be obvious to you.

When it comes to shifting teeth for children, which you were wise to consider, that mostly has to do with their back teeth because their permanent molars don’t start coming in until they’re like twelve years old. The front teeth are not that big of an issue and his adult teeth should come in just fine. If he were to lose a back tooth prematurely, your pediatric dentist would want to put a space maintainer there.

I’d also like to address why the dental flipper would not be a suitable tooth replacement in your son’s case. First, they are removable, which can be a choking hazard. Also, with them being removable it is not very likely a four-year-old is going to keep it in or keep from losing it, even if you have a very responsible young fella’. Another consideration is his jaw and mouth are in constant flux and growth at this stage of his life. This means you will have to buy new ones often.

I hope this puts your mind at ease.
This blog is brought to you byPortage, MI Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Do Holistic Dentists Do Root Canals?

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I’m worried I made a mistake going to a Holistic Dentist. I was pregnant and developed a pretty serious tooth infection. In fact, my face swelled up pretty badly. I knew I’d have to see a dentist regardless of the pregnancy because I was in agony. I thought a holistic dentist would be a safer option because of the baby. When I got there she told me the tooth needed to be extracted. I agreed because I knew it was bad. But, when I got home my husband told me that she took my tooth unnecessarily because holistic dentists don’t believe in root canal treatments. Is that true? Could I have saved my tooth?

Adrian B.

Dear Adrian,

A woman holding her jaw in need of a holistic dentist

While there is a small fringe of dentists who have issues with root canal treatments that is not the majority by far. The ones who do, are concerned that root canal treatments can leave some microscopic bits of bacteria. But, the amount of bacteria left is minimal. Plus, your body contains both good and bad bacteria to help your immune system develop. A healthy body does fine.

There’s no way to tell what your particular holistic dentist’s philosophy is without just asking her outright. Your case doesn’t ring any warning bells in my head that she did an unnecessary procedure. You did say your face had swollen up. It’s very likely the tooth was beyond saving and did need an extraction.

What to do After You’ve Lost a Tooth

So now that the tooth is extracted, what should you do? The ideal tooth replacement is to get dental implants. However, this procedure requires surgery. That’s not a good option for you while you’re still pregnant.

In your place, I’d look at getting a removable partial denture or dental flipper until you’re at a place where you can get a more permanent replacement.

It is good that you went to the dentist even though you were pregnant. If you left that tooth infected it would have a much more negative impact on your child than a tooth extraction. In fact, the infection could even pass to the baby and become life-threatening to both of you. You did the sensible thing.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Susan Dennis.

Dental Implants for Baby Teeth

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I’m sixteen and still have baby canine teeth on the top. My mom wants to have them pulled so my other teeth will come in. I’m not too keen on having blank spaces, especially with yearbook pictures coming up. If the grown-up teeth don’t come in can I get dental implants?

Madison

Dear Madison,

dental implant diagram showing three examples with the implant crown being placed on the implants

Do you see a dentist regularly? I’m quite shocked that your dentist hasn’t dealt with this already. A diagnosis and treatment plan should already have been on the books for this. Personally, I think if you’ve been under the care of a dentist and he hasn’t dealt with it he’s being negligent.

The first thing you need is to get an x-ray to see why your adult canine teeth haven’t come in. There are generally two reasons. One, they’re impacted in which case you would need to have an orthodontist work with you to get them in their proper position.

A second reason would be you have congenitally missing canines. This does happen sometimes, where the adult teeth just never form. In that case, you’d have spaces which need to be dealt with. You’re a little young for dental implants because your jaw is still developing. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck with blank spaces in your smile.

Options Until You’re Old Enough for Dental Implants

Dental Flipper: This is the least expensive option. It’s a single false tooth that can clip on to your other teeth. It’s meant to be a temporary fix.

Removable Partial Denture: This would last longer and likely feel more comfortable. It will put two false canine teeth which can be slipped onto the arch and fill in the blanks.

Once your jaw is completely developed, which will be after you graduate high school, then dental implants will be a fantastic solution for you. They feel and respond like natural teeth.

Make sure your teeth are the color you want before you get your implant crown crafted. Once the crown is completed, the color can’t be changed. So, once you’re ready to move forward with your dental implants, if you’re going to do teeth whitening, do it then. This may not be necessary for you. You’re young and probably don’t have a lot of staining on your teeth unless you’re a big coffee/tea drinker.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Susan Dennis.

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