Fixing a Crooked Front Tooth
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I have a front tooth that is very crooked. Not only is it overlapping the other front tooth, but it is doing so from behind the tooth. I’ve been to several dentists and they all seem to suggest different things. I’ve heard that I should get braces. I’ve heard that I should pull the tooth and get a fake tooth with dental implants. I’ve heard Invisalign can fix it. I’ve heard Invisalign can’t fix it, though that was from my family dentist who does not offer Invisalign so I am (understandably) suspicious. All the dentists that I have gone to have been in my area and knew that I might use them. So, I’m asking your opinion. You are several states away from me so there is no chance I will be a patient. Knowing that, what is your unbiased opinion that is the best solution for my situation?
Kim
Dear Kim,
I’m glad you wrote. Yes, it is always a good idea to get an opinion by someone with “no skin in the game.” There is one suggestion you received that I am going to strenuously suggest you run away from. Unless there is something seriously wrong with the health of the crooked tooth, whoever suggested you extract it and get a dental implant does not have your best interest in mind. That sounds more like they are trying to line their pockets. Saving natural teeth should always be a high priority.
While braces would of course work, most adults are not too keen on the idea of a mouth full of metal. In my opinion, you have two good options. One is Invisalign. The other is porcelain veneers.
While Invisalign used to only work on the ideal cases, it has improved significantly over the last decade and it can now repair all but the most complicated cases. If all you are wanting to do is straighten that one tooth, then that is the procedure I would go with. As a side note, the aligners it uses to adjust your bite can also double as teeth whitening trays, which will allow you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time.
If, however, there are other things you want to change about your smile, like the shape, size, and color, then porcelain veneers are the better option. This is the procedure that Hollywood celebrities go to in order to get those gorgeous smiles. However, it is much more expensive than the Invisalign option, so that may be a factor.
This blog is brought to you by Arnold, MD Dentist Dr. Meredith Esposito.