Expert: Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com - 2/27/2009

Question
I am 28yrs and moved to the US from another country. I had my first dental visit a couple of years ago. Through X-rays, I found out that my secondary incisors never erupted, which explained all the gaps between my front teeth and the size of my incisors.

I was immediately referred to a cosmetic orthodontist who informed me, that the only way to improve my smile was through years of surgery, pulling out teeth with chains and finally braces. A very costly procedure with just the orthodontist alone forget about the  surgeon.

I just want to know why I can't get veneers? If these teeth have not erupted in 28yrs what could possibly make them erupt now? What is the worse thing that could happen if I got veneers on these baby teeth?

Tee


Answer
It is difficult to advise you without an actual examination. I will offer you some general information on this topic.

Often times retained baby teeth experience root resorption over time.  Many are lost before a patient is 45 years of age.  Assuming that the spacing is right you could try to have either bonded crowns or porcelain veneers, but it might not work well.  Baby teeth have been reported in the literature as having enamel that is not good to bond to.  The bond strength to deciduous(baby tooth) enamel is weak.  

Having porcelain veneers could turn out to be a expensive experiment and only a temporary solution.  I have successfully crowned these teeth and that might be an option for you, if the teeth have intact roots. If the teeth are not heavily prepped, than all porcelain crowns are a possibility.

Another option would be to extract them and have implants placed. This option would be best if the roots are resorbing and the teeth are a poor candidate for crowning.

I hope this information is helpful and please feel free to contact me again with any future dental questions.