Enhancing a smile by placing just a few dental crowns.
About this cosmetic dentistry makeover:
When this picture was submitted we were fairly certain we were not going to use it for a smile makeover simulation.
In most cases we are not interested in illustrating the use of orthodontic treatment (braces) to produce cosmetic changes.
This smile seemed to us to be a good
candidate for that type of approach. A treatment plan starting off with braces
followed by the placement of porcelain veneers on selected teeth would seem to be ideal.
But this is not the treatment plan we have decided to illustrate here...
About our approach to this cosmetic dentistry makeover simulation...
Using dental crowns or porcelain veneers to create cosmetic changes for the upper teeth.
The simulation illustrated in our "after" picture demonstrates a way to address some of the cosmetic concerns of this case without the use of orthodontic treatment.
Either porcelain veneers or dental crowns can be used to make changes with the apparent alignment of teeth (the dentist
performing the treatment would need to determine which of these types of restorations would be most appropriate).
Placing restorations on just the center four teeth could accomplish the shape and position changes
we have illustrated for this smile. We thought it was a pretty nice simple and straightforward transformation.
Our thoughts about treatment for the bottom teeth.
We're always a bit conflicted when it comes to a situation like that presented by this person's lower teeth.
Per our previous comments it seems that orthodontic treatment really would be the preferred way to
make a change. The lower teeth seem intact and healthy, it is only their alignment that is less than ideal.
The only other way to transform these lower teeth would be by way of placing porcelain veneers or dental crowns, but at what expense?
No porcelain veneer or dental crown will last forever.
Almost certainly (and especially in a situation where smile cosmetics are of utmost concern) at some point in this person's life this work will need to be redone.
Additionally, dental restorations can make it harder to clean teeth thoroughly and keep gums healthy.
To us, placing porcelain veneers or dental crowns would create a situation where
at least some maintenance would be required throughout this person's lifetime whereas
no treatment provides a less perfect cosmetic end result
but one that is certainly the easiest to maintain.
With this case it is obvious to see why a person might be eager to make changes with their upper teeth using
porcelain veneers or
dental crowns. Making this same choice for the lower teeth would be less clear cut and really simply one of personal preference and judgement.
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