Making Your Teeth Appear Longer

If your teeth appear too short, they may cause your smile to look less attractive. Here are a few dental procedures that can help your teeth appear longer.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are tooth-shaped porcelain shells that are microthin. A veneer can be fabricated a bit longer than the natural tooth. Thus, after the application, the veneer-covered tooth can appear longer. Veneers can be used to correct the length of one or more teeth.

Before a veneer is applied, some of the enamel is removed from the front surface of the tooth. The placement of a veneer is permanent, so the desired tooth-lengthening effects are long-term.

However, if a veneer does become damaged, the device can be replaced. Additionally, the veneer can correct other cosmetic dental issues, such as minor misalignments, gaps, or discoloration, at the same time.

Laser Gum Contouring

In the past, gum contouring was achieved using a scalpel. After the desired amount of gum tissue was removed, the gums would be sutured. However, nowadays, laser gum contouring is available.

Laser gum contouring, which is quick and painless, strategically removes a designated amount of gingival tissue from the gum line. After the procedure, the gum line appears more even, and the teeth appear lengthened. Because a laser is used to contour the gums, the tissues do not bleed or bleed very little during the process. 

Before the gums are contoured with lasers, the mouth is x-rayed. The dentist uses the resulting images to ensure that the teeth are structurally sound. Problems with the pulp, the innermost layer of the teeth, can result in dental sensitivity.

Once the x-rays are complete, the dentist uses specialized ink to place marks on the gums that will help guide the contouring process. Lasers are used to remove the designated tissue and expose more of the tooth material.

Dental Bonding Material

Dental bonding material can be added to the lower edge of the natural crown to lengthen a tooth. The bonding material, which is a type of composite resin, is white and blends with the tooth enamel.

The material is hand-molded onto the bottom edge of the tooth. Once the dentist is satisfied with the appearance of the resin material, they apply a curing light to harden the bonding material in place.

If your teeth appear too short, and you would like them to appear longer, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in your local area.

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