Correcting Teeth Which Are Uneven In Length
Our Epsom dentists take a look at the problem of teeth that are not level and what can be done to correct them.
We have talked before about people having crooked or uneven teeth. In most cases, this means that they have started to come out of alignment, sometimes protruding or overlapping other teeth. This can be problematic both for appearances and also for increasing potential damage to your smile.
There is another situation where teeth are uneven though and that is in their height or length. Although this is often only by a small amount, it can still have an impact on the teeth and on the appearance and confidence of the person who has them. Sometimes also known as an occlusal plane discrepancy, some patients may wish to consider treatment to correct this situation.
What problems can this cause?
At the Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre, we sometimes see small incidences of damage that may have been caused by teeth being this way. Usually, the damage is relatively small with chips being the most likely, although cracked or broken teeth are also possible. This is usually caused by the incorrect coming together of the teeth. Naturally, once damaged, this can eventually lead to further breakages or even by allowing bacteria to enter the inner part of the tooth, potentially resulting in issues like tooth decay or root canal infections.
The other problem of course, is that of aesthetics. While not so noticeable at a distance in most cases, when seen close up, the differences in tooth height can be quite noticeable and can make some people quite self conscious about their smile.
Correcting the problem
Our Epsom dentists are pleased to offer a wide range of treatments that can be used to correct this problem. Naturally, you will need to be seen prior to any treatment to examine the extent of the issue and to discuss the best way forward with you so that you achieve the appearance that you hope to see.
Let us take a look then at some of the options that are available for patients of our local dental practice:
Orthodontics
Although usually associated with correcting crooked teeth, orthodontic treatment can also be used to correct the height of teeth in some cases, leaving them evenly lined up once the treatment is completed. This can now be done more discreetly through the use of the clear aligner style of orthodontics which we have available. This includes the widely known and popular brand, Invisalign.
Bonding or shaping
If the discrepancy in height is relatively small, dental bonding can be used to level them out. This is done by applying a small amount of tooth coloured composite resin to the top of the affected tooth or teeth, and shaping it to give it both height and a natural appearance. This is usually a non-invasive treatment and one that is cost effective. It is unlikely though to offer the longevity of the veneers which we will discuss shortly.
Corrective jaw surgery
Also known as orthognathic surgery, this is a very invasive procedure that is used to correct problems with the jaw that might be causing significant problems with the crookedness and unevenness of the patient’s teeth. This is likely to be used only in the most severe cases and it is far more likely that one of the other options will be used to correct your teeth.
Porcelain veneers
The use of dental veneers to correct the height of teeth is a popular one with many patients. While bonding and reshaping the teeth can also work, it tends not to have the longevity of fitting porcelain veneers which can last for ten years or more if looked after correctly. Even after this time, they can usually simply be replaced with new veneers. Attaching veneers to the teeth usually requires some invasive dentistry to remove a portion of the tooth enamel so that the veneer can be fitted in a way that is effective and also natural looking. For those with a number of teeth that are affected in this way, the addition of dental veneers can contribute to a much more attractive smile.
These are some of the methods that are available if you want to have teeth of the same height. If you are interested in finding out more about what is involved in these treatments, or to discuss your tooth height or any other dental issues with a dentist, why not call the Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre today to arrange an initial, no obligation, consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists to discuss this. You can do so by calling us on 01372 720136. We look forward to helping you have a more attractive and confident smile.