Porcelain Veneers for Misshaped Teeth By Danny O'Keefe D.D.S. on September 25, 2018

Having a straight, bright, and spotless smile is a sure way to make a winning impression. Not everyone is born with a perfect smile, however, which is why porcelain veneers may be the ideal option for your needs. Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic dentistry smile makeover option, able to treat a whole host of cosmetic issues. We have been able to dramatically transform smiles here at Family Dental Care just by using a few porcelain veneers.

Dr. Danny O’Keefe, Dr. Jan O'Keefe Belote, and the team at our Flowood, MS office would like to consider the use of porcelain veneers on misshaped teeth. It’s a great option to consider, and the results of treatment are generally quite excellent.

Why Misshaped Teeth Are a Problem

Misshaped teeth can cause dental health problems as well as issues with smile aesthetics.

In terms of dental health, misshaped teeth could be associated with malocclusion, meaning your teeth are crooked and poorly spaced. This could contribute to teeth grinding (bruxism) as well as a host of other issues that result in worse dental health overall.

In terms of smile aesthetics, misshaped teeth can lead you to feel extremely self-conscious about your smile. This may result in a hesitance to laugh, speak, and smile around others. This can lead to problems with your professional life, especially if your job involves public interaction.

Causes of Misshaped Teeth

There are a number of different causes of misshaped teeth. Some of these include:

• Genetics - If your parents had poorly shaped teeth, chances are that you will similarly suffer from some issues with the appearance of your smile.
• Poor Dental Alignment (Malocclusion) - Teeth that are improperly aligned may appear to be uneven and misshaped. This could be due to twisting of the teeth, spacing issues, and so forth.
• Tooth Decay - Tooth decay eats away at enamel and can alter the overall shape of your teeth, causing them to be misshaped.
• Dental Injuries - Chips, cracks, and other kids of trauma to the teeth can lead to teeth having unnatural or uneven shapes.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) - Teeth grinding can wear down the teeth, causing them to be shaped differently.

How Porcelain Veneers Can Help

If your misshaped teeth are the result of purely cosmetic issues, for porcelain veneers may be ideal for you. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are adhered to the fronts of the teeth. When in place, a porcelain veneers conceals flaws from view, masking problem and giving the treated tooth a perfect, pristine appearance.

The Porcelain Veneers Procedure

The first step of the porcelain veneers process involves the prepping of the misshaped tooth. This means removing a thin layer of tooth enamel from the front of the tooth to accommodate the veneer. Once the tooth is prepped, an impression is taken of the tooth from which the veneer will be crafted. This impression is sent to a dental lab.

When the dental lab completes the custom veneer, it is sent back to the practice. The dentist checks the veneer for fit one last time before it is adhered in place.

The Results of Porcelain Veneers

With porcelain veneers on, patients will have a smile that looks perfectly aligned. The veneer material blends is partially translucent, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. In natural light and artificial light, they will look totally natural.

Other Treatments for Misshaped Teeth

If porcelain veneers are not ideal for your needs, a dentist may recommend orthodontic care or the use of dental restorations to rebuild the misshaped tooth. These other procedures can be discussed during the consultation process.

Creating a Custom Treatment Plan for You

For more information about porcelain veneers and whether or not they are right for you, be sure to contact the dentists of Family Dental Care. Our team is here to help you smile with renewed confidence. You can reach the team at Family Dental Care by phone at (601) 936-2526.