Straightening crooked teeth for wedding

[Elizabeth]

Hi

I'd be really grateful if someone could give me some advice.

I've just come back from my regular dentist, who I'd been to see re the possibility of improving my smile before my wedding in June 09.

All my teeth are crooked but I'd just like to improve the appearance of the top front teeth (that show in photos) as the two teeth on the left of my front two are twisted (one 90 degrees) and stick out.

I didn't have them straightened as a teenager as there was a 2 year 'unofficial' waiting list for the then 18month waiting list, which would have meant I wouldn't have started treatment until I was nearly 17 and about to embark on music college auditions.

The dentist has just told me there is nothing they can do except refer me to an orthodontist who would have to do braces, which could take 2 years, meaning I'd have to have braces in my wedding photos instead

Is there really no other alternative? Can't believe how gutted I am - I never smile in photos as I hate my teeth so much but I can't not smile on my wedding day!

Thanks,

Elizabeth

[Dr Karen Gangotra]

Hello Elizabeth

There are other options available to you which can correct crooked teeth. Obviously the serverity of each individual case will determine which options work better for that individual and what more predictable.

One option is the orthodontic work - braces - however like you mention it can take up to 2 years. At my clinic called Smilessence we offer Invisalign which are ( invisable )clear aligners which are custom made to your mouth. These tend to move teeth a little quicker than convential braces. There are many advantages to this type of treatment over fixed braces. They are removable so cleaning your teeth and the aligners are very efficient. You can also remove them whilst eating and for social occasions. They are also invisible and so hardly anyone can notice that you are wearing them.

THis is the recommended way of correcting crooked teeth.

However you can also consider veneers - according to smile design. At Smilessence, we do 4,8 or 10 veneers depending on the result and level of aesthetics required. To achieve this especially if you present with crooked teeth, tooth structure will have to be drilled away which will even mean cutting down a healthy tooth. However this treatment can be completed between 4-6 weeks

Combination therapy of braces and veneers can be done which will move teeth to the correct position and then veneers can be placed to perfect the shape and colour. the advantage of this is that it drastically reduces the amount of tooth being drilled away.

Veneers range from £600 - £950 each
Invisalign ranges from£3500 - £5000

I hope this helps

[Elizabeth]

Thanks for the advice Karen. I'm off to see a dentist in the Midlands re invisalign on Thursday so fingers crossed for good news!

[Dr Pav Khaira]

Elizabeth, I can certainly understand your frustrations.

As Dr Gangotra has mentioned, there are a number of things we can do for you. If you were suitable, the Inman aligner may be able to straighten your teeth in 3 months or less. I am currently undertaking a case which we expected to take 2 years with Invisalign and expect to be finished in 5 months.

Veneers would certainly be an option. Again, if a little bracework can be permitted to put the teeth in to a more ideal position, we can use veneers to finish everything off and reduce treatment time accordingly.

This type of work is not easy so you should choose your dentist accordingly who can deliver these types of results

Hope this helps

Kindest regards