Treating Misshapen Teeth With Cosmetic Dentistry Article

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Treating Misshapen Teeth With Cosmetic Dentistry

Misshapen teeth are a common cosmetic dental problem. Most patients have at least one tooth that is too small, too short, or has been worn down unevenly, making it look out of place.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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Unfortunately, all it takes is a single misshapen tooth to throw off the symmetry of an otherwise attractive smile.

In the past, malformed or misshapen teeth were simply something patients had to live with. With today’s cosmetic dentistry materials and techniques, that is not the case. If you want to improve both the look and function of your smile, cosmetic dentistry has several options for treating misshapen teeth. The option that is best for you will depend upon the extent of your tooth’s damage and your own aesthetic preferences.

Causes of Misshapen Teeth
Several different factors can influence the shape of a tooth either during or after its development, including:
• Genetics
• Malnutrition
• Illness
• Medical treatments
• A traumatic injury to the mouth
• Excessive bruxism (tooth grinding)
• Environmental factors

Misshapen teeth are not just a cosmetic issue. Over time, they can cause other teeth in your smile to shift, throwing off your bite and causing premature tooth wear in other areas of your mouth. By addressing this problem now, you can prevent future dental problems and preserve the beauty and strength of your smile.
Treatment Options for Misshapen Teeth

As long as your misshapen tooth is healthy, cosmetic dentistry offers several different options for treatment, including:

• Dental bonding – Bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin material to re-shape gapped teeth, short or small teeth, narrow teeth, or chips in the tooth’s enamel. Dental bonding is highly customizable and cost-effective, making it a popular option among patients. You can correct problems with several teeth in one office visit.

• Porcelain veneers – Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth, masking the tooth’s inherent flaws. Porcelain veneers are custom-designed to fit your teeth and provide a more symmetrical, even smile line. Because porcelain reflects light just like enamel, your veneers will be virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your natural teeth.

• Dental crowns – When a tooth becomes worn down, its strength and integrity are often compromised. Dental crowns can restore a weakened or misshapen tooth’s strength, making it a functional part of your smile again. Today’s dental crowns can be custom-designed and color-matched to seamlessly blend with your surrounding teeth.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can treat misshapen teeth, please visit the website of experienced Oklahoma City cosmetic dentist Dr. Terry Bass, DDS today.

About Author

Oklahoma City cosmetic dentist Dr. Terry Bass offers smile makeovers, porcelain veneers, dental implants, tooth whitening, and more. Please Click to schedule an in-depth dental consultation with Dr. Terry Bass.

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