What To Do About Teeth That Look Too Long
For many people, a pretty smile is one where the teeth are proportional to the mouth and face, among other attributes. Sometimes teeth can appear too long, though, giving the person a horse-like appearance. If this describes your smile and it is bothering you, there are a couple of ways a cosmetic dentist can fix the issue. Here are your options.
Grow Gum Tissue
One common reason why teeth may look too long is because of receding gums. This is a condition where gum tissue gradually pulls back or is lost due to a variety of factors such as aggressive flossing and brushing or periodontal disease. As the gum tissue disappears, more of the tooth enamel is exposed, making teeth look longer than normal.
Gum tissue growth can be stimulated in several different ways, depending on the severity of the problem. Sometimes the gum recession is mild enough that adjusting your oral care routine (e.g. using a soft-bristled brush, massaging gums) can help stimulate tissue growth. For more serious cases, the dentist may remove tissue from the roof of the mouth and place it on the gums to help encourage growth.
The cost of treating gum recession can range anywhere from free (using at-home remedies) to up to $3,000 for tissue grafting. If the tissue graft is medically necessary, then your dental insurance may chip in to pay for the treatment.
Dental Contouring
Depending on how long the teeth are, the dentist may be able to shorten them by shaving a few millimeters of enamel off the length. This is known as dental contouring, and consists of the cosmetic dentist removing enamel using an abrasion tool and then polishing the teeth smooth.
This option is only good for people whose teeth aren't so long they require more than a few millimeters to shorten to the right length. Removing too much enamel can lead to problems such as cracks or exposed pulp. Additionally, your teeth need to be healthy overall. Unhealthy teeth (e.g. those with cavities) may be further damaged by the procedure. However, dental contouring may also make teeth healthier, since it removes harmful plaque and tartar buildup associated with gum disease and cavities.
It costs about $50 to $300 per tooth for dental contouring, depending on the dentist and where you live. Since it is a cosmetic procedure, it's unlikely your dental insurance would pay for it.
For more information about these and other options for shortening long teeth, contact a cosmetic dentist like those represented at http://accentdentalnwi.com/.
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