You want your outward smile to match the happiness you feel inside, but when there are some cosmetic issues with your teeth, it could put a damper on the way you feel about your image. Is there a way to change the shape of your teeth? The following are four options to speak with your dentist about when you are considering improving your smile.
Bonding
If your teeth are healthy and strong, but you simply don’t like their shape, consider dental bonding. This is a process in which a durable plastic material called resin is created in the shape you want your tooth to be. Using a special light, the resin piece is bonded to the surface of your tooth. This can fix a misshapen tooth, turn a broken tooth into a whole tooth and improve a variety of other cosmetic dental issues.
Crowns
A crown is typically used after a tooth has enough decay to warrant a large cavity, but still has strong roots to keep it in the mouth. After fillings have been placed on a tooth, it’s possible it will be misshapen, discolored or otherwise unsightly. A crown is like a cap that sits around the tooth. The actual tooth is shaved down to a “post” that still holds the original roots of the tooth. The crown, which has been created to be the shape of the actual tooth, is cemented into place on the post, giving the look of a perfectly natural tooth.
Re-Contouring
Re-contouring is a process in which tiny amounts of the enamel of the tooth are removed to give the surface, length or shape of the tooth a different look. It is often referred to as enameloplasty, odontoplasty, reshaping, slenderizing and stripping. Re-contouring can be done on teeth that are quite sharp and haven’t been naturally grinded down, as well as on teeth that are big or bulky within the mouth.
Veneers
A veneer is bonded to the front of the tooth, and is very thin so as not to look out of place. Teeth that have sunken back are often corrected with veneers, which are also referred to as porcelain laminates. Each veneer is custom-made to perfectly fit the specific patient’s tooth.
Contact Your Dentist Today
If you don’t like the shape of your teeth, there is something you can do about it. Bonding, crowns, re-contouring and veneers are all options you can discuss with your dentist. Contact an orthodontist in Dana Point, CA today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Thanks to John Redmond Orthodontics for their insight into dental care and getting a better smile.
