Initial situation
- Narrowing of the upper and lower jaw bases
- Upper canine teeth overlap
- Misalignment of the central smile line
- Misalignment of the upper lateral incisors
- Crowded teeth
The decision
This case is presented as a before-and-after outcome. As with other cases in this practice, the treatment plan followed a standard staged assessment addressing the narrow jaw bases, canine overlap, lateral incisor position, and crowding together.
Correcting arch width and alignment orthodontically can achieve a result esthetic enough to eliminate the need for restorative veneers.
The result
Orthodontic correction achieved a straight, well-aligned smile, resolving the crowding, canine overlap, and midline misalignment to the point that veneers were no longer necessary to achieve the desired esthetic result.
When crowding and arch narrowing are corrected orthodontically, patients may achieve an esthetic outcome that removes the need for restorative options like veneers.
About skeletal expansion & MARPE
This case shows how comprehensive orthodontic correction of narrow jaw bases, canine overlap, and crowding can achieve an esthetic result strong enough to make restorative veneers unnecessary. Addressing the transverse and alignment issues together, rather than masking them restoratively, supports a more conservative treatment path. This underscores the value of a thorough staged assessment before deciding between orthodontic and restorative solutions for esthetic concerns.
Questions clinicians ask
Why did this case avoid the need for veneers?
Orthodontic correction of the crowding, canine overlap, and midline misalignment achieved a straight, esthetic result on its own, removing the need for restorative veneers.
How does canine overlap relate to jaw base narrowing?
Narrow jaw bases can leave insufficient room for the canines, causing them to overlap adjacent teeth until arch width and alignment are corrected.
When should orthodontics be considered before restorative treatment?
A thorough staged assessment can reveal whether orthodontic correction alone can resolve esthetic concerns like crowding or misalignment, potentially avoiding more invasive restorative options like veneers.
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Original case shared by Dr. Mark Radzhabov on Instagram @orthodont_mark · Published for professional education.
