Archives for May 2020

What Do You Do with HUGE Front Teeth?

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I am at my wit’s end. I really want to do something about my smile, but everything I read about smile makeovers talks about making teeth bigger. My problem is my two front teeth are too big. Plus, they stick out from the rest of my teeth. I look like a beaver in need of braces. I’m about to think my only option left is to have the teeth extracted and get dental implants that are the look of teeth I want?

Avery

Dear Avery,

Braces side by side with Invisalign

I’m glad you wrote before going forward with your plan to remove your front teeth. There are much better solutions than that. Bear in mind that I haven’t actually examined you and am just going from your description. There may be other mitigating issues I’m unaware of. However, let’s discuss things as if they’re pretty straight forward.

First, you will want an experienced cosmetic dentist. So make sure you check out smile galleries to see what type of results they get with their work. Second, there are ways to trim your teeth to remove the excess structure. Then, you can use Invisalign to get them into their proper position.

Invisalign is ideal for adults because they are invisible to those around you, even at a conversational distance. Additionally, they have a hidden benefit. The aligners used to straighten your teeth are custom made. This also allows them to double as teeth whitening trays, enabling you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time. It’s like getting a mini smile makeover.

I don’t know exactly what your teeth look like, so I want to give you a warning. If a lot of tooth structure has to be removed, you may find the dentin becomes exposed. If that is the case, you will want to have porcelain veneers placed over the dentin to protect them.

This blog is brought to you by East Cobb Dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.

Implants versus Implant Dentures

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I am curious. I’m losing all of my teeth and really wanted to get dental implants to replace them. When I priced how much it would cost to replace each tooth that way, it was astronomical. However, I’ve heard there is something called implant dentures. Will these do close to the same thing or is it just like regular dentures?

Rita

Dear Rita,

Implant Overdentures

I hope your dentist didn’t imply that you needed a dental implant for each tooth. That would be too expensive for anyone, except for the wealthiest of individuals. It’s also totally unnecessary. When you’re talking about replacing all of your teeth, you’ll actually want implant overdentures (pictured above).

These use four to six dental implants in each arch and will completely secure your denture to your jawbone. They also give you all the protection of dental implants.

Advantages of Implant Supported Dentures

  • Your dentures will be completely secure
  • Your chewing capacity will allow you to eat whatever you want
  • The implants protect you from facial collapse

The Biggest Danger of Dentures

facial collapse

When your teeth are removed, your body will immediately begin to resorb the minerals in your jawbone. After ten or so years, you will no longer have enough jawbone left to even support dentures. This is known as facial collapse. Getting those dental implants placed signals to your brain that your body still has teeth and needs those minerals to support the roots of your teeth. This protects your jawbone and protects you from facial collapse.

This blog is brought to you by East Cobb Dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.

Fast Fix to My Smile

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I feel like I need a complete top to bottom makeover after all of this Coronavirus Quarantine. I feel frumpy.  I’m going to get my hair colored and get a new wardrobe. What’s a quick fix for my teeth that won’t cost a fortune?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Everyone has a different definition of a fortune. I don’t want to limit your options by making assumptions, so I’ll give you both fast options. You can consult with your dentist and budget to decide which one works best for you.

Option One: The Complete Smile Makeover

a porcelain veneer being placed

If you want to change everything about your smile, porcelain veneers are the way to go. This is the go-to for celebrities because it can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth simultaneously. However, not every dentist can do a great job with this. You’ll want one with an artistic eye. I highly suggest you check the dentist’s smile gallery to see what type of results they get. If they don’t have a smile gallery, they aren’t serious about cosmetic dentistry and you should move on. If they do have a smile gallery, just verify that it is the dentist’s actual work and not stock photos.

This procedure uses tiny wafers of porcelain your dentist will design to give you the smile of your dreams. Of the two procedures I’m listing, this is the most expensive.

Option Two: Teeth Whitening

teeth whitening trays

The least expensive way to quickly remake your smile would be teeth whitening. This simple procedure can take years off your smile and can be done by just about any dentist. There are two types of professional teeth whitening available. The first is at-home whitening with trays (pictured above). This allows you to control the level of whitening you want. Once you reach your brightness goal, you simply stop whitening. Though, I always recommend keeping the trays in case a few years from then you want a touch-up.

Another type of teeth whitening is done in one appointment, called Zoom Whitening. Not every dentist offers this because it requires special equipment. This will get your teeth their whitest.

This blog is brought to you by East Cobb Dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.