Do you look in the mirror and wish that your front teeth were larger? You're not alone. There are many people who are self-conscious about front teeth that they feel are too small for their mouth. Instead of just ignoring this issue, talk to your dentist about your options for making your front teeth appear larger. Here are a few solutions your dentist may suggest.
Reshaping the neighboring teeth.
The problem might not really be that your front teeth are too small, but rather that the teeth next to them (the lateral incisors) are too large and make your front teeth look small in comparison. A good cosmetic dentist can take pictures of your teeth and then alter them to show you what your smile would look like if these teeth were smaller. If you find that you like the look of your smile with the lateral incisors reduced in size, your dentist can file down these teeth to make them smaller. Your front teeth then won't look as large in comparison.
Removing gum tissue.
Do your front teeth simply look too short? The problem might be that your gums are too large and have grown over portions of your teeth that really should be exposed. Your dentist can take X-rays to determine if this is the case. He or she may then suggest a procedure in which a laser or a scalpel is used to remove some of your gum tissue, revealing more of the teeth that lie beneath. Your front teeth will then look larger because more of them are exposed.
Applying veneers.
Sometimes it's not your gums or the neighboring teeth -- your front teeth really are too small. When this is the case, your dentist is likely to recommend veneers. These are thin shells of porcelain that are cemented to the front of your teeth. In your case, the veneers would be made slightly larger than your real teeth. When you look in the mirror, you see the veneers -- not your smaller teeth that are behind them.
Having veneers applied will take a few appointments. Your dentist will have to first create a mold of your teeth, and then send it to the lab so veneers can be made. Once they're made, they'll be attached to your teeth in a separate appointment. The process of having veneers applied is painless. Your teeth might be a bit sensitive for a few days after the procedure, but this sensitivity will soon go away.
If you hate your tiny front teeth, don't go on suffering in silence. Discuss these and other possible treatment options with your dentist as soon as possible.
Share12 April 2016
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!