If your teeth look smaller than you’d like, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. Teeth can appear small for several reasons, including genetics, naturally short teeth, excessive gum tissue, tooth wear or differences in tooth shape. Cosmetic dentistry offers several ways to create a more balanced and proportional smile!
The best treatment depends on why your teeth appear small and the results you want to achieve. Here are just a few options.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the simplest cosmetic options for making small teeth appear larger. During treatment, your dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth and carefully shapes it to improve its size and appearance.
Bonding can be especially useful for making subtle changes to tooth length or shape. It’s generally less invasive than some other cosmetic treatments and can often be completed in a single appointment.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers can provide a more comprehensive cosmetic transformation. These thin restorations are placed over the front surfaces of teeth and can alter their size, shape, color and proportions.
For someone with naturally small teeth, veneers can be designed to create a longer, more symmetrical appearance. Because veneers may require some alteration of the natural tooth, your dentist will need to determine whether you’re a good candidate before proceeding.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns aren’t typically the first choice for simply making healthy teeth look larger, but they may be appropriate when small teeth are also significantly worn, damaged or weakened.
A crown covers the tooth and can restore both its structure and appearance. Your dentist can determine whether a crown provides benefits beyond those available through more conservative cosmetic treatments.
Gum Contouring
Sometimes teeth aren’t actually too small; the gums simply cover more of the tooth than expected. In these cases, gum contouring, also called crown lengthening when appropriate, may expose more of the natural tooth.
This procedure reshapes excess gum tissue to create a more balanced gumline. Depending on your needs, it may be performed alone or combined with another cosmetic treatment.
Orthodontic Treatment
If tooth positioning contributes to the appearance of small teeth or an uneven smile, orthodontic treatment may help. Braces or clear aligners can move teeth into more balanced positions, potentially improving the overall appearance of your smile.
There isn’t one cosmetic treatment that’s best for everyone with small teeth. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health before recommending an approach. Be sure you clearly communicate your goals during your initial consultation so you can get the results you desire!
About the Practice
If you’re in Fort Worth and want to address your small teeth or other imperfections in your smile, why not head over to the talented professionals at Harris Parkway Dental Care for all your cosmetic dentistry needs? With custom-tailored treatments like porcelain veneers, dental bonding, gum recontouring and more, we can help give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of having. Book a consultation through our website or you may call our office at (817) 423-2223.