Can you help me? I have two front teeth that are huge. I honestly feel like I look like a beaver. My dentist suggested Lumineers, but wouldn’t that make my teeth look bigger? I’d be putting something on top of my already huge teeth. I’m to the point of wondering if I should just take them out and get dental implants in their place. Do you have a better idea?
Andrea
Dear Andrea,
Please don’t take out your front teeth. That is a horrible idea! Even though dental implants mimic the structure and function of your natural teeth, it is still far better to save your natural teeth whenever it is feasible. I am glad you recognized the false solution Lumineers would provide for you.
The first thing you need to do is find an excellent cosmetic dentist and let them examine you. I have a solution, but please bear in mind that I haven’t examined you. When the dentist examines you, he may see something I am unaware of. I think some careful trimming will help, using diamond burs and diamond strips. Based on what you described they could trim some from the sides and from the incisal edges.
Once they are trimmed in size, your teeth can be moved into place with something like Invisalign. These are sometimes called invisible braces, though they are not braces in the traditional sense. Instead, they use clear aligners. No one will know you are even wearing them.
If the trimming is extensive, then your dentist can place porcelain veneers on any exposed dentin. Both the trimming and the porcelain veneers do require real expertise. Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. Unfortunately, neither is it taught in dental school.
Not only does this mean that any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist, but it is also up to them how much training they invest in. So, how is a patient to recognize who has the skills and who doesn’t? The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recognized this problem. So, they started an accreditation program. While any dentist can become a member of the AACD, only those dentists who pass stringent exams and demonstrate real artistry in their cosmetic work can be accredited.
In your place, I would only go to an AACD accredited dentist to have your teeth worked on. This will guarantee you a beautiful result.