3 Common Cosmetic Dental Problems Explained

28 September 2016
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Tooth discoloration is not the only problem that can negatively impact the appearance of your smile, and it is not the only problem that cosmetic dentists can treat. Here is an explanation of three common dental imperfections and what cosmetic dentists can do to correct them.

Gummy Smile

Excess visible gum tissue above the upper front teeth is sometimes referred to as a "gummy smile." The two most common causes of gummy smile are an unusual formation of the upper jaw and a hyperactive upper lip muscle that causes the lip to raise more when you smile. Your cosmetic dentist will usually perform an X-ray when you are seeking treatment for a gummy smile to make sure there are no serious problems with the upper jaw's development.

Laser treatment is a quick and painless way to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. Laser treatment is a non-surgical procedure that removes small amounts of the upper gum tissue. This reveals more of the front teeth and hides the gums behind the upper lip.

Crowded Teeth

While minor tooth crowding may be nothing more than a cosmetic issue, more serious crowding can cause cracked teeth and pain or discomfort when closing your mouth. Teeth crowding is often caused by early loss of baby teeth, which in turn causes permanent teeth to grow in at the wrong angle. It is more difficult to clean all the surfaces of crowded teeth, which leads to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

The technique that a cosmetic dentist uses to correct crowded teeth will vary depending on the severity of the problem. Mild crowding that is not causing any immediate pain or damage is usually solved with braces. Severe crowding may require extraction of one or more teeth in the crowded area. The extracted tooth is usually replaced with a dental implant that is aligned with the surrounding teeth at the proper angle.

Gaps Between Teeth

Diastema, or extra-wide gaps between teeth, can be localized to only two teeth or can affect all of the teeth in your mouth. Localized diastema, like tooth crowding, is often caused by teeth growing in at the wrong angle. Whole-mouth diastema is usually the result of genetic factors that cause the jaw bone to "outgrow" the teeth. The teeth are too small to cover the dental arches completely, resulting in noticeable gaps between each tooth.

Braces can be an effective long-term solution for gaps between teeth, but your cosmetic dentist may choose to solve the problem immediately using dental bonding. Bonding is the process of layering dental composite over the enamel of your teeth to make your teeth appear larger and reduce the space between them.

Cosmetic dentists can repair almost any problem with the color, shape, or alignment of your teeth. Contact a cosmetic dentist like Russell M Morrell DMD if you are unsatisfied with your teeth in any way so you can have the beautiful, natural-looking smile you deserve.