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Need for realignment

My teeth are mostly OK, except for one tooth that is recessed deeper inside my mouth than the other teeth in my upper set. Food tends to get stuck there and even though I brush my teeth and try to keep it clean, food still gets stuck and makes smiling embarrassing at times. Can the tooth be realigned?
Miss Tay

Dear Miss Tay,
Depending on how deeply your tooth is recessed, and how it bites the opposing tooth, there are a few ways we can manage this condition. If your tooth is only mildly recessed and the bite is favourable, porcelain or composite veneers could be indicated. The veneer serves to bulk up the front surface of the tooth so that is appears to be aligned with the surfaces of the other teeth.

BeforeBeforeAfterAfterIn certain situations, a 'removable orthodontic appliance’ can be used instead. This appliance is a thin plastic plate with wires and springs attached, and is worn in the mouth like a denture or a mouth guard. The springs in the appliance are used to gently push out the tooth into proper alignment.

If the tooth is deeply recessed, braces could be the only option.

Answered by Dr. Sim Tang Eng | Fri, 2007/03/30 - 2:33pm
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