110 – How Do You Fix Short Teeth
How Do You Fix Short Teeth?
It’s no secret that nowadays beauty is important. And often, those who have small teeth can feel uncomfortable with their own appearance. Small teeth can give the impression of disproportion in the mouth and smile. Additionally, though they are mainly an aesthetic concern, if your teeth don’t fit together well because of their size, the gaps that are made can trap food and bacteria, which can lead to tooth wear and decay.
For those who are not satisfied with their smile because of short of small teeth, there are treatment options for this discomfort, which can impact not only the patient’s aesthetics and emotions, but also have an impact on the chewing of food and word pronunciation.
With the help of a professional, you can recover the harmony of oral aesthetics. There are 4 possible types of treatment, which we will discuss below.
1. Lumineers or ceramic fragments
When the person has disproportion between the size of the gum and the tooth, an option may be the application of the ceramic fragment or Lumineers. The fragment is a partial prosthetic piece and the Lumineer is a complete piece that fits over the existing tooth. Both are very small and thin and require very little tooth prep, protecting the integrity of your existing tooth. Both can be applied to increase the size and change the appearance of the teeth and correct both the problem of small teeth and the changes caused by bruxism (the grinding of teeth).
2. Porcelain veneers
Veneers are nothing more than prostheses made to improve the appearance of the smile and can be made in both resin and porcelain. Porcelain veneers tend to be more durable and can have a better aesthetic function. Veneers are thin covers that are glued to the surface of each individual tooth, which is prepared for the veneer by a bit of shaping and grinding by your dentist. They are also thicker than Lumineers and require more tooth preparation but tend to last longer and be slightly more durable than Lumineers. They can be placed in the entire dental arch or just in specific teeth. and are not recommended in cases of bruxism, overlapping or devitalized teeth.
3. Botulinum toxin
The name is complicated, but this “Botox” treatment is often used to correct short teeth. In this context, Botulinum toxin, which acts directly on muscle contraction, can help control the opening of the lips and prevent the excessive exposure of the gums. This treatment basically conceals the short teeth.
4. Gingival plastic surgery
Known as gingivoplasty, the technique is performed as a surgical procedure. After examination and indication of the procedure by the appropriate professional, the surgery is performed in the gum region, which is remodeled to recover the correct proportion between it and the teeth. If you are considering this type of surgery, you will need to make sure you and your mouth are healthy enough for this kind of work.
We understand that it can be difficult to feel less than great about your smile. If you are concerned about having small teeth, talk to your dentist for their recommendations for treatment. Make sure you discuss the pros and cons of each procedure or solution.