Fixing a Single Crooked Front Tooth

I’ve been to three dentists about fixing my front teeth and keep getting different advice. The problem that I have is that one of them is crooked and a bit in front of the other tooth. I have had two dentists suggest braces and one suggest pulling it and getting a dental implant for just that tooth. Are these my only options? If so, I’m thinking the braces are the best of the two choices, right? I just hate the idea of wearing metal on my teeth at my age. I’m 42.

Elaine

Dear Elaine,

First, if there is nothing seriously wrong with that front tooth other than being a little crooked, run as far away from that dentist who suggested you pull it and replace it with a dental implant. He or she does not have your best interest at heart. I’m not sure why they would recommend that option.

While braces will work, they are definitely not your only option. A good option to straighten your teeth without braces would be to use Invisalign. These use clear aligners instead of metal wires and brackets. It will do a great job straightening your teeth without anyone even knowing, even at a conversational distance.

It has an additional benefit in that you can ask your dentist for professional teeth whitening gel and wear it in your aligners. This will allow you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time.

Another option is porcelain veneers. This will not actually straighten that front tooth. However, it will make it look straight. The real benefit to veneers is that they can give you a total smile makeover. This is what celebrities go to when they are going for those Hollywood smiles. They can not only make that tooth look straight, but they can also change they shape, size, and color of your teeth as well. The downside are porcelain veneers is much more expensive, but it is the top-of-the-line for smile makeovers.

This blog is brought to you by Nashville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Wickness.