If you have short-looking teeth, they could be making you feel self-conscious about how your smile looks. Shortened teeth can throw off the balance of a smile, making gums look too long, or making it seem like you still have your pre-adulthood deciduous teeth. While this problem can make you feel bad, it's not hard to fix. Keep reading to learn what causes this problem and what you can do about it.
How Teeth Get Shortened
Most of the time, shortened teeth get that way due to too much wear and tear over the years. Teeth are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but under the right circumstances, they can get worn away and develop a shorter appearance as a result.
In general, if your teeth have gotten shorter looking over time, chances are you perform a repetitive chewing or biting act that's damaging your teeth. It might be biting your nails, grinding your teeth, or a combination of the two. In addition, you might frequently consume drinks that are acidic and harmful to the enamel of your teeth, making it easier for damage to be done to them.
In some instances, teeth are just short by nature. If your teeth have always looked that way, it's not due to damage, but rather just because your teeth are shorter than average.
How To Make Your Teeth Look Longer
Although repairing existing damage to your teeth can help to make your teeth look longer, it may not be enough. You could have a crown placed over your repaired tooth, which would make it look normal again. However, this could be an expensive and time-consuming process. Instead, the best option is to have dental veneers placed in front of your teeth.
Once the damage - if any - is repaired on your teeth, veneers can cover the front of your tooth, providing the appearance of a healthy and longer tooth. It doesn't matter how short or long the underlying tooth is, as the veneer will be custom-crafted to your specifications.
What To Expect
Veneers take almost no time to install, but there is some prep work involved. A dentist like Dansville Family Dental Care will measure your teeth to send your specifications to the veneer manufacturer, and the two of you will choose the color that's closest to your natural teeth. It may take some time for the veneers to be shipped to your dentist's office, depending on the manufacturer.
Once they've arrived, they can be easily installed with dental adhesive. Your dentist won't have to drill your teeth or attach them with any kind of hardware. They simply stick to the front of your teeth like a little shield.
With your new veneers attached, your teeth will now be a proper length. Veneers are the easiest and most cost-effective way of repairing damage to teeth or correcting the appearance of naturally short teeth. If you're upset about how your teeth look, see a dentist about veneers.
