Q.
Hi Dr. Kirtley, my 4/5 and 12/13 teeth have a strange alignment where they are pointed in different directions which puts them sitting almost next to each other on the roof of my mouth. It doesn’t look too weird or anything but it makes cleaning between the teeth difficult and an unnoticed cavity between 4 and 5 broke my #4 tooth earlier this year. I had a root canal done on the tooth and a filling put in which was supposed to be temporary. Now I have a cavity on the opposite side developing. My dentist recommended pulling one of the two teeth and that I talk to an orthodontist about braces. I would like to avoid braces if possible, so does it seem logical to pull the inward teeth and not having to deal with braces, but have two teeth with fillings – or to pull the damaged outward teeth and use braces to slide the inward teeth into their correct places. Additionally, if I absolutely needed braces are lingual braces an option for this situation? I know it is difficult to diagnose without xrays and what not but I would just like a second opinion. Thanks so much for your time.