What’s Your Smile Story?

Hello Leila:

Thank you very much for your picture. It shows your smile very well. Thank you very much.
It looks like you received at least 6 upper veneers/laminates. They seem to be very long. Are they longer than your natural teeth used to be? How long ago did you receive them? The left central incisor seems to be longer than its counterpart on the right side. Does your lower lip sometimes get trapped under your laminates?

Hello Scott,

you certainly have had your share with dentistry. And the fact that your teeth have continued to wear makes it appear like a a never-ending experience. I understand that you are worried about the future of your teeth. There is only so much tooth structure available. While nightguards are an option to reduce the destructive aspect of grinding teeth, it is not treating the cause of the problem. There are a few possible reasons why you wear your teeth. It could simply be neurological based on hyperactive muscles, but it could also be caused by interferences in your bite. Another reason may be a “consticted envelope of function,” where your front teeth do not give your jaw musces the space that they want. This often occurs after orthodontic therapy.

I would like to suggest that you see a dentist close to you who does a few diagnostic checks to determine, what the cause of your dental wear is.

I hope this helps.

Dr. Rabanus

Hello Scott,

this is a great picture of your teeth. I see that you have significant wear and many old restorations (composites and gold). I have a few questions:
Are you aware that you grind your teeth?
Have you seen a dentist to discuss your current dental condition?
Do you have any discomfort when you chew a small piece of gum?
Do you have any discomfort when you eat bagels?
Have your teeth changed significantly in the last few years?
Do you have more than one bite?
Do you move a lot when you sleep?
Your answers to these questions will give me some idea about the possible causes of the significant wear of your teeth.
Dr. Rabanus

Here is my picture. Sorry, my computer did not cooperate.

Hello Scott,

could you send a picture of your teeth/smile to allow me to get an idea about your current dental condition? Thank you very much.
Dr. Rabanus

Dear Jim:

Thank you very much for your image. I see what you are talking about. My answer to your (picture-less) question that you submitted earlier still applies.
I could give you more specific feedback if you submitted a larger close-up image of your teeth

It looks like you have a certain kind of veneers (lumineers) that are placed on unprepared teeth. This is one of the problems that can occur with them. Teeth may become overcontoured (bulky) and the darker shade of the tooth structure may show through as in your case.

Hello Jim,
thank you very much for your question. It is of concern to many people. So, here it is:
First of all, every dental condition is different and therefore dictates the final treatment plan. It would be great if you could send a close-up picture of your teeth. This would give me a better idea about your crowding.
Veneers and orthodontic treatment are two valid treatment options. However, many of my patients are at an advanced age and have a lot of social and professional interaction. They cannot imagine walking around with braces for more than a year. They may either decide to get veneers (if the clinical situation allows) or to get Invisalign.
Invisalign is much much more comfortable than braces for several reasons. It still has the drawback that once the teeth have been repositioned, they will have to be retained in that position with an appliance. This is not necessary after placement of veneers.

Thank you for your submission. Do you have any questions?