It is simply a problem stemming from tooth shape. (In this case, you can see in the 3D image, the root of the peg tooth is positioned even more anteriorly than it’s counterpart.) The front tooth looks more prominent when placed next to the smaller tooth. From the orthodontist’s view, the peg tooth is already centered in the ridge of jawbone. This is due to the small size of the lateral incisor.įrom the patient’s view, this small peg shaped tooth appears inset and her front tooth next to it flared even after orthodontic treatment. In this case, notice that even though all the teeth have been aligned, the right lateral incisor still appears to be set further in than its neighbors. These size and shape discrepancies can make them look crooked even when they are well aligned. In rarer circumstances, they can even be larger than the 2 front teeth. They can be peg shaped, shovel shaped, round instead of flat, have indentations, be extra short or extra small or extra narrow. The teeth that show the largest variation in shape are the upper lateral incisors. This makes the tooth appear like it is sticking out even when it has been straightened. Notice the sloping shape of the central incisor on the left. Here is a tooth shape that slopes outward. Here is an example of a prominent ridge and hill on the front of the tooth Can you believe that this is the same patient in all three photos? After alignment of the teeth, you can see that the incisor on the left is much thicker with a distinct ridge. Once the more obvious issues like crowding and rotations have been addressed, our eyes can begin to see the more subtle differences. These subtle differences are not noticed when teeth are crooked. There are slopes, ridges, hills, and valleys on the surfaces of some teeth that make them appear crooked. How about now? As we approach the end of treatment, can you tell that the central incisor in the right is slightly narrower than its counterpart?īesides the width of the teeth, even front surfaces of the teeth have their own distinct anatomies and differences. Here’s the same patient towards the end of treatment. What is the first thing you notice? Would you even notice any discrepancies in tooth size and shape? Here’s an example of a patient before starting orthodontic treatment. When there is a bigger problem like crowding, eyes are drawn to the crowding. A big reason is that often times I cannot detect what is a visible amount of difference until they are straightened as well. Some people ask me why I didn’t tell them about the asymmetry before their treatment had started. You can see that each tooth has its own individual width different from its bilateral counterpart. Here is an example of an analysis that is done to check for tooth size discrepancies. Our left and right sides look and feel different. While we are bilateral creatures, the human species is not symmetric. Photos are deceptive! The truth is every single one of them are differently sized and shaped. Teeth are never as perfectly laid out as they are in photos. When you begin your orthodontic treatment, your teeth are aligned with braces or Invisalign but their sizes and shapes are not changed. It is highly recommended that you continue to visit your dental professional for regular cleanings and checkups while you have your gem on.Understanding how the shapes and sizes of your teeth affect your treatment outcome. If you get a whitening treatment or use whitening strips, the area under the tooth jewelry will not be exposed, therefore will not get whitened. This will wear off within a couple of weeks from normal brushing and eating. You may feel some extra of the bonding around the gem area. If sensitivity or pain persists, please see your dental care provider. You can apply a fluoride or sensitivity toothpaste directly on the area, let it sit for 5 minutes, and gently brush it off to ease the sensitivity. This can vary depending on the health of your tooth’s enamel. There may be slight sensitivity in the first 48 hours where the tooth gem was applied. When brushing your teeth (after 12 hours), do so gently and do not use charcoal based toothpaste. Please come to the appointment with your teeth brushed and cleaned.ĭo not play with it with your tongue or fingers. Under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Under the age of 16 (parental consent is required for clients under 19 years of age). Not had your teeth professionally cleaned for the last 2 years. Tooth Gem is not recommended for the following patients with:Īctive cold sores or in the past 2 weeks.
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