Removing braces on teeth

[Tracylynn]

OK Frank here is the picture. As you can see if I could remove the braces it would be a much better picture.

Thanks for your help!

[Diana]

Tracy, I took a try at this (I always love a challenge).

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1DTdiI7eis15EJryMEvBxxleLYfNsX_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1DTdiI7eis15EJryMEvBxxleLYfNsX)

I used the Lasso tool to select each tooth and worked on each, one at a time. I sampled the exposed white above the braces on a front tooth to clone over the braces. I also used the Dodge and Burn tools to lighten and darken areas to give the teeth more shape and definition between teeth.

The real challenge was the lower teeth as it's really hard to see exactly where they begin and end. I know from experience, because I wore braces for 4 years (and had two jaw surgeries) in my 30's, that once the braces are removed, the lips protrude less because of all that metal being gone. So I took the liberty of moving her bottom lip up a little to cover the bottom teeth.

I hope it still looks like her own beautiful smile. She is a very pretty young lady.

Diana

[efarnstrom]

Wow, Diana....you really did a good job on this one. This is one challenge I wouldn't begin to try.

[riversidema]

How much do you charge to remove braces?

Very well done, I was still trying to figure out where to start and you were done!

[Abby]

Wow, Diana! Most impressive.

Can you give us a few tips on how you accomplished this? Thanks!

[Diana]

Thanks for the compliments, everyone.

Abby, I gave a basic description of what I did in my original post showing the result. If you have any specific questions, I'd be glad to answer them.

Diana

[Abby]

I was so enthralled with the results, I didn't read the words--sorry :o.

[Jancy]

Your amazing Diana:)
Beautiful girl

[Kathy]

Fabulous Diana! It must have taken a lot of patience. :)

[Diana]

Thanks Jancy & Kathy. I enjoyed working on this for the challenge it presented.

Diana

[Tracylynn]

Wow, Diana that looks amazing! Thanks so much for all your hard work!
I took the picture and whitened her teeth. See attached. She gets her braces off in three weeks and then gum surgery. Pictures will be a little easier to work with then.

[Diana]

You're welcome Tracylynn. It's a very nice portrait. I'll bet she'll be glad when the braces come off.

Diana