How to Fix Pointy Canines With Cosmetic Dentistry
Everybody has uniquely shaped teeth. However, some people may consider the shapes of some of their teeth to be unattractive or disproportional to the rest of their smile. One such concern is having canine teeth that are too pointy. Fortunately, this is a condition that is easily fixed through the use of cosmetic dentistry.
- Contact your dentist and obtain a referral to a cosmetic dentist if he is not one. Tell him your concerns about your pointy canine teeth; he will be able to advise you on a treatment plan.
- Assess your options. Generally, the options available are veneers, dental contouring and tooth bonding. Veneers are overlays that are bonded to and completely cover the front of the tooth. Veneers may be produced in any shape desired. These will disguise pointy canines by completely covering them. Dental contouring, or tooth reshaping, involves removing miniscule amounts of tooth enamel to change the shape of the tooth. The amount of enamel removed is so small that it does not affect the function or integrity of the tooth. This process fixes pointy canines by reducing or removing the point. Tooth bonding is performed by adhering material made of composite resin to the tooth to reshape it. While this procedure has the advantage of leaving your tooth completely intact, the resin may stain and chip within a few years; however, replacing any chipped resin is easily done. This procedure corrects pointy canines by adding material to alter their shape.
- Secure financing for the procedure. Since fixing overly pointed canines is most likely considered a cosmetic procedure, it will probably not be covered by insurance. If you do not have the money immediately available to cover the entire procedure, some dentists may offer in-house financing. Otherwise, seek out alternative avenues of financing, such as credit cards or loans.
You should be completely comfortable with your dentist. If you have any doubts, please seek a second opinion from a different cosmetic dentist.