Can You Make Short Teeth Longer
If your teeth appear shorter than normal when you smile, or if one or a few of your teeth are narrower or generally smaller than the others, you might be considering treatment to restore the appearance of your smile. Sometimes, a person’s teeth are smaller than average because of a genetic or systemic condition; there are multiple hereditary contributors to tooth size, and tooth size can also be affected by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In many cases, however, a person might develop short teeth over time, as the teeth are exposed to excessive wear. Your dentist can help you figure out the best approach to fixing your short teeth based on the underlying cause of the problem. When appropriate, you and your dentist will also address the root cause of your short teeth; for example, if your short teeth were caused by chronic clenching and grinding of your teeth, you’ll get a night guard or splint to protect your teeth from further damage. There are many possible causes of tooth erosion, and each should be addressed before cosmetic treatments are chosen to ensure their long-term success.
One of the more popular options for making short teeth longer is dental bonding. For a dental bonding treatment, your cosmetic dentist will sculpt layers of composite dental resin onto the surface of the affected tooth, curing the resin with a special high-powered light before applying additional layers, as needed, until the shape and size of the tooth has been built up as desired. Dental composite resin is tinted to match the surrounding teeth and appears natural and luminous. A common solution for patients who only need to improve the shape and size of one or two teeth, dental bonding can fill in narrow gaps between teeth, modify the shape and size of a tooth, and enhance the color and brightness of stained or otherwise mildly or moderately damaged teeth.
The common lifespan of dental bonding is around five to seven years, varying based on the behaviors, habits, and oral health of the patient. There are a few other cosmetic treatments that can be used to repair short teeth, like dental veneers and crowns; dental bonding doesn’t last as long as these other solutions, but it’s considerably less invasive, more affordable, and far more convenient. To place dental veneers or crowns, which are permanent, often costly dental restorations, the structure of the existing tooth must be modified and the restoration must be custom crafted before being placed. This extends the duration of treatment and recovery time. In cases of more severe dental repair, however, or when patients want to invest in a more permanent solution, dental bonding isn’t recommended.
When dental bonding is the chosen treatment option for making short teeth longer, the process can usually be completed with a single dental visit. First, the dentist will clean the teeth and etch their surfaces with acid, preparing them to better adhere with the composite resin. Then, your dentist will shape the resin onto your teeth in layers, using an ultraviolet light to harden the resin periodically while sculpting and trimming the tooth until it looks perfect. Each tooth takes about thirty minutes to an hour to complete, and no anesthesia is needed, so the treatment is fast and convenient. Follow your dentist’s instructions for care after getting your teeth bonded, and take care to curtail the habits or behaviors that wore your teeth away in the first place. With some simple care, you can make your short teeth longer easily and affordably and keep them that way for years.