Porcelain Veneers for Small or Misshapen Teeth
Cosmetic flaws, such as small or irregularly shaped teeth, can take away from the overall beauty of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry treatments such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers can transform your smile and give you a boost in confidence.
Here, our team at The Smile Center in Virginia Beach, VA discusses porcelain veneers for small or misshapen teeth and explains how this treatment option can enhance the overall aesthetics of your smile.
What Causes Small or Misshapen Teeth?
One of the most common causes of small or misshapen teeth is genetics. If you have parents or grandparents with this issue, you are more likely to have the problem yourself.
Small or abnormally shaped teeth can also be caused by:
- Bruxism: If you grind or clench your teeth habitually, it could lead to dental erosion. As a result, your teeth can appear jagged or small.
- Gaps or spacing: Large spaces in the smile can make the teeth appear smaller than they really are.
- Excess gum tissue: Patients with a “gummy smile”, or overgrowth of gum tissue, may notice that their teeth seem small, boxy, or misshapen. This appearance can occur when the natural tooth-to-gum ratio is off.
- Misalignment: Orthodontic malocclusion or misalignment can make normally shaped teeth appear irregular.
Why Correct Small or Misshapen Teeth?
In addition to making your smile appear “off”, small or misshapen teeth can actually interfere with normal occlusion and bite function. As a result, your oral health could suffer.
Therefore, if you have irregularly shaped teeth, it is a good idea to see your dentist for an evaluation. If treatment is recommended, our team at The Smile Center can go over your options with you.
Porcelain Veneers for Small or Misshapen Teeth
Made from several layers of medical-grade ceramic, porcelain veneers are bonded to the front portions of the affected teeth. With veneers in place, the smile is transformed, offering optimal balance and symmetry.
How Does it Work?
Before placing veneers, your dentist will need to perform a comprehensive assessment to ensure you are free from decay and gum disease. If you are eligible for cosmetic treatment, minute amounts of enamel will be removed from the affected teeth.
This is necessary to make room for your new veneers and increase the bonding surfaces. Next, impressions will be taken and will be used to craft your veneers according to your distinctive dental anatomy.
Once your veneers have been made, your dentist will assess their color and fit. If everything looks good, they will be bonded permanently into place.
Are There Alternative Treatments?
There are several cosmetic treatments that can enhance your smile. If you have small or misshapen teeth, dental bonding may be another option.
Typically reserved for minor aesthetic flaws, dental bonding can alter the size and shape of the teeth through the application of composite resin. Your doctor can let you know if this is an option for you.
Learn More about Porcelain Veneers
If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers for small or misshapen teeth, schedule a visit at our practice. Contact us online or give us a call at (757) 473-8482.
