I am a bit worried about my doctor’s plan for my smile makeover. I have a small mouth. As a result, my front teeth tilt inward a bit. I wanted to have that fixed as well as whitening them. My dentist is suggesting capping my six front teeth. The teeth are healthy so I am not sure this is the best option for me. I don’t think I want to ground down healthy teeth. Is there another option? I asked him about porcelain veneers instead and he said that would work with my small mouth.
Laurie
Dear Laurie,
I am glad you wrote. Your dentist is going about this all wrong. He is definitely not the best dentist for you in this case. Your reaction is warranted. It is rarely a good idea to grind down healthy tooth structure. His excuse about the size of your mouth holds no water. Dental crowns surround the whole tooth. Porcelain veneers only cover the front of your teeth, which takes up less space.
If the only thing wrong with your teeth is the two front teeth turning inward, you have several options. I would start by seeing an expert cosmetic dentist. They may look at your bite and just suggest Invisalign to straighten those teeth, which is less money than porcelain veneers. You can also whiten your teeth at the same time because the aligners can double as whitening trays. All your dentist will have to provide is the gel.
If it turns out porcelain veneers are your best option, take full advantage of their capacity. They can change more than the color of your teeth. They can also change their shape and size. It is a perfect way to completely remake your smile. In fact, it is the go-to procedure for those wanting that Hollywood smile.
Unlike Invisalign and teeth whitening, though, getting porcelain veneers requires real expertise and artistry. In your place, I would recommend you go to an AACD accredited dentist. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country.
This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.