Can I reduce the size of my teeth? (pulled, gums, implants)

[david377007]

Hi,

I have clean bill of health for my teeth, no fillings. One session of laser whitening a few months back a take home and in-tray whitening follow up. Both were fairly successful (went from mid brown to off white).

My teeth are straight but there's one major problem for me - they are huge. Particularly my front teeth, although the rest of the teeth are somewhat in proportion so I don't have major rabbit teeth, but the front teeth protrude a little.

I had terrible orthodontic problems for years when I was younger, mainly because my teeth were just all over the place. Finally got the braces off when I was a teenager (17 years ago). I chatted with my new dentist about this (just moved countries) and he wasn't particularly helpful, focused more on the tiny bit of ground down incisor and that one tooth looked wonky from the side. He even did a wax up for veneers for $200 which made my teeth look even bigger, so evidently he wasn't listening and he isn't actually a cosmetic specialist, just a young generalist dentist so my fault really I should've gone with a cosmetic guy for this stuff. He's now referred me to an orthodontist but I'm not entirely sure what he can suggest..

Here are some pics:

https://imgur.com/a/6myxW3o
https://imgur.com/a/50576hG
https://imgur.com/tvYHoSY


Before anyone replies with 'they're not so bad!' or 'they're not big at all', believe me in person, they are. Whenever I talk to anyone their gaze generally lowers to my teeth for at least the first part of the conversation. It's been bugging me and affecting me my whole life, mainly starting when I got braces and the front teeth got pulled down even more, giving an enlarged look.

Anyway, I was just seeing if there were any suggestions. I imagine it's either going to be a large overhaul i.e. removal of teeth and replacement with implants. With implants though, surely my gums would have to be re-contoured to match a new, narrower set of teeth as well?

Another option might be to just to grind down the bottoms of the teeth by a dentist, which is still going to leave them looking wide anyway.

All suggestions are welcome, and please, no-one tell me I'm imaging it or have facial dysmorphia or anything, it's not helpful. Cheers.

[CLfan1977]

My natural front teeth were too big also. I was very self-conscious about it. I went to a younger dentist who said I could get veneers (“caps”) that would fit my mouth better. They do some grinding down but with local anesthetic so it didn’t hurt. They look natural and are a huge improvement.

If I were you I would consult with a cosmetic dentist about your options. Good luck.

[2sleepy]

I think you have beautiful teeth and they fit your face perfectly. Perhaps people look at them for the same reason that I would, because they are extraordinarily attractive

[oldgardener]

Originally Posted by david377007

Before anyone replies with 'they're not so bad!' or 'they're not big at all', believe me in person, they are. Whenever I talk to anyone their gaze generally lowers to my teeth for at least the first part of the conversation. It's been bugging me and affecting me my whole life, mainly starting when I got braces and the front teeth got pulled down even more, giving an enlarged look.

They look at your teeth because they are nice looking teeth.

[wit-nit]

Shaving/grinding down teeth would expose their interior, causing pain and permanent damage. The protective enamel will not grow back.
You should discuss this with a cosmetic dentistry.

[david377007]

Originally Posted by 2sleepy

I think you have beautiful teeth and they fit your face perfectly. Perhaps people look at them for the same reason that I would, because they are extraordinarily attractive

Did you not read my post? I specifically asked do NOT respond with this stuff. I guess there's just no hope for some people.

[david377007]

Originally Posted by CLfan1977

My natural front teeth were too big also. I was very self-conscious about it. I went to a younger dentist who said I could get veneers (“caps”) that would fit my mouth better. They do some grinding down but with local anesthetic so it didn’t hurt. They look natural and are a huge improvement.

If I were you I would consult with a cosmetic dentist about your options. Good luck.

Yea thanks, I think that'll be my next option. I should've gone to a cosmetic one to start with to be honest (who also does general dentistry) as my teeth are in very very good health otherwise. Cheers.

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by david377007

Did you not read my post? I specifically asked do NOT respond with this stuff. I guess there's just no hope for some people.

Sorry but you don't control what people post here. Your teeth are attractive and the thought of undergoing procedures that might weaken them or compromise them for absolutely no reason is disturbing, it's my sincere hope that you rethink this

[gypsychic]

Well, the picture links don't work for me, but I would think hard before messing with perfectly good teeth just for what you perceive to be flaws. If you are unhappy you can't really undo.

[david377007]

Originally Posted by 2sleepy

Sorry but you don't control what people post here. Your teeth are attractive and the thought of undergoing procedures that might weaken them or compromise them for absolutely no reason is disturbing, it's my sincere hope that you rethink this

I never said I wanted to control what people write on here, it was a polite request that you immediately ignored.

I wouldn't be undergoing a procedure for 'no reason' it's because I want them to look more aesthetically pleasing. You sound like my wife! haha