Did you know enamel is the hardest substance the human body makes? It’s even denser than bone, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Daily biting and chewing, teeth grinding, and other habits and routines can eventually wear down your teeth, increasing the likelihood of developing damage, decay, or other issues.
Thankfully, many dentists offer cosmetic services to improve the function and appearance of stunted, worn, or too-small teeth. Continue reading to learn about 3 popular treatment options to help decide which is right for you!
Option #1: Veneers
Veneers are a versatile and effective way to address one or several aesthetic concerns, such as chips, cracks, stubborn stains, mild misalignments, or misshapen teeth. These thin, ceramic shells are customized to match the size, shape, and tone of your enamel, then are cemented over the fronts of your teeth to hide one or more imperfections.
They’re also strong enough to resist damage and discoloration, and can help shield the underlying teeth from the same. However, they’re mostly intended to improve your appearance and require enough healthy enamel to support them, so they may not be ideal if you have more significant damage or decay. But with proper care, they can last 15+ years, making them an excellent long-term cosmetic investment.
Option #2: Dental Bonding
Dental bonding addresses many similar concerns as veneers, but usually at a fraction of the price. This procedure involves placing putty-like composite resin directly to your teeth to mend or mask flaws and can also be used to rebuild or reshape the biting surfaces of your enamel.
Like veneers, the material can be color-matched so the results blend beautifully into your smile, with no one the wiser. Results often last between 5 and 15+ years with routine maintenance.
Option #3: Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are the tried-and-true solution for restoring injured teeth. They have historically been made from metal alloys, but most dentists today offer more lifelike restorations made from color-matched ceramic, such as porcelain, to help enhance your appearance.
However, this standard service is mostly intended to restore function to damaged or decayed teeth so you can continue eating, speaking, and smiling confidently. They can be customized and cemented over worn-down teeth to improve your chewing power and prevent misalignments and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and discomfort. Some dentists even offer same-day CEREC restorations created with an on-site milling machine for minimal wait times.
If you’re concerned about stunted teeth and still unsure which treatment option is best for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist to learn more!
Meet the Author
Dr. Mohannad Abboushi takes the time to get to know his patients so he can devise customized treatment plans to help them build beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his dental degree from New York University and is certified in ABLS laser therapy, dental implants, and Invisalign. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetic and restorative procedures, tailored to meet your unique needs under one roof. If you want to reshape too-short teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call the office at (973) 250-6400.