I need some advice. I have a front tooth that is a bit crooked and goes behind the other tooth. I keep getting different advice from different dentists. One said porcelain veneers. One said braces. Another suggested I just pull the crooked tooth and replace it with something called a dental implant. I looked that up and it looks like it requires surgery. Are there other options if I pull the tooth? I feel I’m too old for braces.
Harriet
Dear Harriet,
Who in the world are these dentists? First, I’m going to say do NOT extract a healthy tooth. Whoever that dentist is, run as fast as you can. If the tooth is unsaveable, that is something altogether. Let me know if that is the case and then my advice will be different. Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option, but there are others. I wouldn’t worry about those, though, unless there is a problem with the tooth you haven’t mentioned.
Of the choices they gave you, orthodontics and porcelain veneers are viable options. Let’s start with porcelain veneers. These won’t actually make your teeth straight, but could make them look straight. The downside to these is they are very expensive, AND you will want to go to an expert, which will be more expensive.
As for orthodontics, braces are no longer the only option. My recommendation is for you to see a dentist who offers Invisalign. These use clear aligners instead of the metal wires and brackets that are used with braces. No one will know that you are straightening your teeth, even at a conversational distance. Plus, they work in a fraction of the time that it takes traditional braces.
They also have an additional benefit. The aligners used to straighten your teeth can also double as teeth whitening trays. This allows you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time. If I were in your position, this is the option I would take.
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