My top right lateral incisor has been missing from birth, and the top left one is deformed and sits back a little more than my other teeth. After getting braces removed in 2024 (I’m 32 now), I wore a flipper for the missing tooth. I’m tired of the way it looks and feels. I want something for both teeth that looks natural. I’m scheduling a few appointments with dentists for their recommendations, but if you could give me an idea of the options, I can compare them with what the dentists say. Thanks. Jayne from NV

 

Jayne,

To address your missing lateral incisor and the malformed one, we recommend solutions that prioritize both the health of your existing teeth and the aesthetic outcome of your smile. Our recommendations are based on preserving healthy tooth structure using durable and natural-looking restorative materials. These options are designed to create a functional and pleasing smile.

How to Replace a Missing Lateral Incisor

A dental implant is the most effective way to replace a missing lateral incisor. An implant is the most conservative and effective solution. This avoids the need to prepare or compromise adjacent healthy teeth, as with a dental bridge.

How to Reshape a Malformed Lateral Incisor

Depending on the malformed tooth’s shape and condition, dental bonding or a custom-made porcelain veneer would be the ideal choice to restore its appearance and function. A veneer requires minimal tooth preparation and affects the front and sides of a tooth.

Ensuring Aesthetic Harmony and Expertise

A significant consideration is ensuring the implant restoration and the porcelain veneer match the surrounding teeth perfectly. Because the dental restorations require different materials and methods, a seamless and natural blend requires considerable expertise and artistry.

Consult at least two dentists with cosmetic and implant dentistry credentials, even if this means traveling to a larger urban area for the core procedures. Some cosmetic dentists collaborate with an oral surgeon or periodontist (implant specialist) for dental implant surgery. Then, the dentist finishes the dental implant with a custom crown. Your treatment plan would likely involve a limited number of visits for specialized work, after which your ongoing dental care can be managed by your family dentist.

 

Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post.