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My teeth edges are zigzagged after InvisalignDental Loft

Archives for May 2021

My teeth edges are zigzagged after Invisalign

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I am concerned about how my teeth edges will look when I’m finished with Invisalign. Although it isn’t noticeable with the Invisalign trays on, my teeth edges are zigzagged when I remove them. It is so apparent that it detracts from my smile. I asked my husband and my best friend, and they both agree that the uneven edges look weird. Funny that it didn’t bother me before. My orthodontist says she can fix them, but this seems like cosmetic work to me. How do I know if I can trust her? Thank you. Luz from Kansas

Luz,

Whether or not your orthodontist can smooth your jagged tooth edges depends on the extent of the issue and your dentist’s skill. You can ask her to show you before-and-after pictures of her patients with the same issue.

What is Cosmetic Contouring?

Cosmetic contouring (or enameloplasty) is the process of reshaping your teeth. A cosmetic dentist or orthodontist will limit the reshaping to your tooth enamel. The dentist or specialist will polish your teeth after the procedure.

Cosmetic Dentist vs. Orthodontist for Cosmetic Contouring

The dentist you choose for cosmetic contouring should depend on the extent of your uneven tooth edges.

  • Minor adjustments – Many orthodontists regularly complete contouring for their patients.
  • Extensive adjustment – An advanced cosmetic dentist—not your family dentist—is trained in cosmetic procedures and can adjust your tooth edges with skill. Look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training or accreditation.

Although cosmetic contouring may seem simple, it is challenging. For example, if your front teeth are of different lengths, your bite can change and cause your teeth to move. However, experienced cosmetic dentists understand how to even tooth edges without compromising your bite.

Dental Bonding with Cosmetic Contouring

Before-and-after photos of cosmetic contouring

Cosmetic contouring on teeth sided and edges

If reshaping your teeth leaves unevenness that can affect your bite, a skilled cosmetic dentist may use dental composite to add length or to finish the sides of teeth. In the photo on this page, a dentist who understands orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry used contouring and dental bonding to finish this patient’s teeth.

Best wishes for finishing your Invisalign treatment and enhancing your smile.

Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

An accident pushed my tooth back. Is it too late to fix?

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Last month I had an accident that pushed my tooth back. I want Invisalign to reposition the tooth, but my dentist says that nothing can be done. The tooth root got moved forward and poked my upper lip. I could feel it in my nostril. My dentist said he repositioned the tooth as best he could. He said that might he could do something cosmetically. But the sensation in my nostril is comfortable, and the tooth is clearly out of place. Do I really have to live with this? Will braces help?

We wish we could have seen you within a day or so of the accident. If a tooth injury is new, a dentist can move it back into place and prevent it from moving.

When a Tooth Is Pushed Out of Place

When a tooth is pushed out of place, a skilled dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) can do the following:

  • Reposition the tooth
  • Stabilize it until it heals
  • Perform root canal treatment within a few days of the injury
  • Protect the tooth with a permanent filling or a crown

But if your dentist did not reposition the tooth, orthodontics can move it back. Now you must wait until your tooth fully heals. Invisalign will reposition your front teeth relatively quickly. If you do not have existing problems with your bite, you can get Invisalign for your upper teeth only.

Root Canal Treatment for a Damaged Tooth

When a tooth is knocked out of place, the pulp (living tissue inside) is usually damaged. You will probably need root canal treatment to remove the tooth pulp. Your dentist or root canal specialist must clean root canal cement and filler from inside the tooth’s crown. Otherwise, your tooth will turn dark over time. It takes years for the tooth to darken if the crown is left clean.

Get an Invisalign Consultation

You can schedule a consultation with an Invisalign provider to examine your tooth and determine when you can begin treatment. The dentist will also explain the results you can expect.

Rekha Reddy, DDS, of Dallas sponsors this post.

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