My teeth are too big, what can I do?

Some people are unhappy with the size of their two teeth, the lateral incisors. If you also fall into this category, you're not alone. Today, our dentists in Vancouver list treatment options available to you if you'd like to increase your confidence in your smile.

Tooth aesthetic issues can be addressed as part of your entire smile, not just your large teeth. This is why the large front teeth may actually be left untouched by some approaches to treating them. 

Here are some options to help you improve the appearance of large front teeth:

Reshaping large teeth

Simply making a person's teeth's smaller is normally the easiest way to reduce their size, however this isn't always the ideal approach and may increase the risk of cavities. 

In most situations, reshaping of teeth should be thought of as a last resort. Dentists normally like to preserve the natural tooth whenever possible. Therefore, if another approach can be used to offer the result you're looking for while preserving the tooth, your dentist will most likely take it. 

Reshaping surrounding teeth

Your front teeth may appear too large because the teeth surrounding it, the lateral incisors, are in fact too small. This could be due to a number of cases, including a peg lateral or retained baby teeth. 

But whatever the cause may be, your dentist may be able to correct the issue by making these teeth appear bigger and more proportionate with porcelain veneers.

Gum recontouring

Sometimes your front teeth look large because of your gums. If your gums are not properly contoured, it can change the shape and size of your teeth. It could be your gums covering too much of the lateral incisors, causing them to look small, or not covering enough of your front teeth, making them look big.

The good news is that gums should be able to be restored to their natural healthy position, especially if the issue is being caused by receding gums. Most dentists will investigate potential bite problems caused by receding gums if this is indeed the issue you are having.

Orthodontics

Sometimes your front teeth may look too large or even too small because they have been placed too far apart and thus not properly positioned. In this case, Invisalign can be a good orthodontic treatment that can move your front teeth closer together so they appear more centred in your mouth.

In other instances, the lateral incisors may not have properly erupted from the gums. In this case, orthodontics might be used to get them to emerge properly so they look more proportionate with the front teeth. Invisalign, nor traditional braces, are normally recommended for this purpose, and more traditional orthodontic treatments are usually prescribed.

What's the best approach for me?

If you are unhappy with your smile, it is imperative to talk to your dentist. They should be able to properly diagnose the issue with your front teeth and provide a treatment option that is best for you. Your dentist can help you understand each option and why they are recommending it for you.

Are you displeased with the size of your two front teeth? Contact our Vancouver dentists today! They can help you understand why you feel this way and provide a treatment plan.

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