Cosmetic Dentistry Methods to Change the Shape of Teeth

Cosmetic dentistry by the dentist in Phoenix, AZ, offers various methods to change the shape of teeth and improve their appearance. These methods can address issues such as uneven or misshapen teeth, gaps between teeth, or teeth that are too small or too large. Here are some common cosmetic dentistry methods used to change the shape of teeth:

How cosmetic dentistry alters the shape of deformed teeth

Let us take a closer look at how cosmetic dentistry uses treatments like crowns, veneers and composite resins to change the shape of a patient's teeth:

1. Crowns

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that go over the visible part of a tooth. They completely hide the tooth under it along with its deformities. All people see when the person's smiles is a crown that is shaped and colored like the rest of their teeth.

Covering a tooth with a dental crown requires the removal of enamel to create a better fit for the crown. This is a permanent alteration, so the tooth will always need to be covered moving forward. A crown also provides therapeutic benefits to the patient as it protects the covered tooth from irritants in the mouth and bite forces. Crowns are durable oral restorations that can last up to 25 years with good oral hygiene.

2. Veneers

Veneers are ultra-thin, tooth-shaped shells that only cover the front surface of teeth. They can be used to alter the shape of a tooth and make it look more aesthetically pleasing. Installing veneers requires the removal of portions of enamel, but not as much as is needed to install crowns. There are newer types of veneers called no-prep veneers which do not require much enamel to be removed.

Veneers serve only cosmetic purposes since they only cover the front of teeth, leaving the other sides exposed. Veneers are a cheaper alternative to crowns.

3. Composite bonding

Composite bonding can also be used to alter the shape of a tooth. It is the cheapest way to go about changing the shape of a tooth and the results look great. It involves applying a composite resin that is made up of a mixture of plastics and glass to the patient's teeth.

The process starts with the dentist in Phoenix, AZ applying an etching solution to roughen the surfaces of the tooth being treated. A thin layer of the putty-like resin is applied directly to the tooth and hardened with a curing light. The process is repeated several times until the tooth has the desired shape.

The dentist in 85053 will finish up the process by polishing the restored tooth. It helps to prevent stains from forming on the tooth and it gives it a nice shine. It takes about 45 minutes to change the shape of a tooth with composite resin.

4. Gingival Contouring

Gingival contouring, also known as gum reshaping or gum contouring, involves removing excess gum tissue to improve the appearance of the smile and create a more balanced gum line. This procedure can enhance the proportions of the teeth and gums, making the smile appear more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing.

Improve the shape of your teeth

Call or visit our Phoenix clinic if you are unhappy with the shape of one or more of your teeth. Our dentist will evaluate you and help you to decide which treatment works best for you.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.