What is the best kind of dentist to improve my smile without braces? I travel extensively for business, so I do not have the time to commit to years of treatment and the progress-check appointments that go along with it. I have three upper teeth that slightly overlap the tooth next to them. A few of my bottom teeth are skewed also. What type of dentist would know how to correct all of this without braces, and how can I tell if the dentist is really qualified without trial and error? – Thank you. Bethany from NJ

Bethany,

Thank you for contacting our office. Although Dr. Delaune would need to examine your teeth and gums before recommending treatment options, we can offer a few suggestions.

Can You Correct Overlapped Teeth Without Braces?

You can correct overlapped teeth without braces by consulting a skilled cosmetic dentist. We will discuss why the treatment works and how to find the best dentist for your needs.

• Porcelain veneers – A skilled cosmetic dentist can bond veneers to the fronts of your teeth to make them appear straight. They can give you a beautiful smile design with veneers that have the color and translucence of natural teeth. You can choose the shade you want, so your smile will also be brighter, too.
• Cosmetic contouring – After a dentist takes x-rays to determine whether your teeth are healthy enough for this treatment, they can re-shape your teeth. A dentist can use a laser or sanding drill to remove minimal amounts of tooth structure. After re-shaping your teeth, the dentist will smooth and polish them.
• Teeth whitening – Teeth whitening can make your smile brilliantly white before you receive porcelain veneers or after contouring. Brighter teeth will enhance a smile makeover. Whenever you receive porcelain restorations for your teeth, your dentist must complete whitening first to ensure the veneers match your newly whitened natural teeth.

Do not leave your cosmetic dentistry treatment to chance. An experienced cosmetic dentist is the best dentist for a smile makeover.

Finding the Best Dentist for Your Case

Use these steps to find the best dentist for your case:

• Schedule consultations with at least two advanced cosmetic dentists.
• Ask to see before-and-after pictures of smile makeover cases like yours.
• Ask the dentists how they would resolve the issues with your teeth.
• Ask how long the dentist has been practicing and how many cases like yours they have completed.
• Check each dentist’s website for information on post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry and their credentials.

You will get beautiful, long-lasting results from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

 

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana, cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.