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Dentistry/Improving smile line with edge-to-edge bite. Braces, Veneers? Pics too!
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Question
Hello,
)
I am interested in improving my smile line (make smile more gummy since my anterior incisors only show half of the teeth) AND fix my edge-to-edge bite (if necessary.) Since my front teeth are higher than the back teeth, it looks like I have fangs (my cuspids are longer.)
Normally, one would get veneers or crowns to obtain a more gummy smile, but I have a minor malocclusion (type III, edge to edge) - So my bite needs to get fixed before I obtain veneers/crowns on the anterior incisors, otherwise they will get chipped by hitting the bottom teeth. Maybe, I won't even need veneers/crowns once my edge to edge bite is fixed- I don't know.
So here are my questions:
1. Can/should I get braces for only my top teeth to fix the edge-to-edge bite and extend anterior incisors so that they overlap my bottom teeth? I have an implant on my lower 2nd bicuspid and a crown on my 2nd molar, so I am a bit hesitant to get braces on my lower teeth.
2. Will invisalign work to fix an edge to edge bite?
3. Any way to 'fix' my cuspids or will they get fixed once I correct my edge to edge bite?
I'm interested in getting work done soon, so please reply if you can help.
Thank you!
Shawn,
I will attempt to give you generalized answers to your questions. Specific answers will require a complete orthodontic examination and workup and I suggest you have that done with an orthodontist in your vicinity.
1. Braces on one arch only is rarely a good idea except in the most minor of situations. While it is not possible to move implants with braces they actually can serve to enhance certain types of tooth movement in the opposing dental arch so braces on both upper and lower teeth would be important in your treatment.
2. Depending on the exact details of your situation it may be possible to provide treatment using Invisalign. Without doing a complete workup I can't know for certain.
3. I don't have a sufficient understanding of the problem with your cuspids but in general the teeth can be aligned and positioned properly with braces alone. In some situations veneers following braces can help enhance the esthetic result.
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Answers by Expert:
- Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired
- Dr. Randolph Myerson
- Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD
- Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO
- Tony Appleton BDS DPDS
- Rafael Mosery,D.D.S.
- Jeff Dalin DDS
- Luis Granados DDS MS ESP.
- Zev Kaufman, D.D.S.
- Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD
- Stephen J. Moss
- Crystal Baxter DMD< MDS
- Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com
- Dr Craig Peck ( B.Med.Sc., B.Ch.D., M.Sc., Clin. Botox, Cosmet. Derm.)
- Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD
- Susan Tannenbam
- Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com
- Dr.Mike Glasmeier
- Larry Burnett DDS
- Ketan Amin, DMD
- Dr. Madhvendra T. Singh
- Simarjit kalra
- dr mayank kaurani BDS, MDS
- Mohamed Elsafi, DDS, MS, FACP
- Lawrence Gold
- Veselin Shumantov DDS
Dr. Randolph Myerson
Expertise
Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.
Experience
I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.
Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.
Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.
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