Though they are fairly common, misshapen teeth can keep you from having that perfect smile you have always wished you had. Misshapen teeth can result from any number of hereditary and environmental factors. Illness, malnutrition, and trauma during infancy and childhood are common culprits. Bruxism (tooth grinding) can also cause severe wear on teeth causing them to be misshapen.

Until recent years, misshapen or malformed teeth were something you had to live with. That is not the case today. Individuals with misshapen teeth who want to achieve the perfect smile have a wide variety of cosmetic dental options to choose from.

Dental Bonding - This is often the ideal option for teeth that need minor reshaping. Dental bonding is basically a tooth-colored putty-like material that the cosmetic dentist uses to reshape a misshapen or malformed tooth.
Porcelain Veneers – A thin shell of extremely durable porcelain can be fitted over misshapen teeth. Porcelain closely resembles tooth enamel, and has the advantage of not being susceptible to decay and staining.
Porcelain Crowns – Porcelain crowns improve both the tooth’s appearance and function, covering and protecting the entire surface area of the tooth. These may be necessary for severely misshapen teeth. Like veneers, crowns can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

As it is with having gapped teeth, your misshapen or malformed tooth may be something that does not bother you. Perhaps you have embraced it as part of the character of your smile. This is perfectly fine, but be aware that having misshapen or malformed teeth can be much more than a cosmetic or aesthetic concern. Malformed teeth can lead to bite problems, which then may lead to any number of additional dental problems. An examination by an experienced dentist will determine if your misshapen teeth might be putting you at a greater risk of developing other problems in the future.

If you live in Southern Oregon and are interested in getting your misshapen tooth re-sculpted, or have any further questions about your options, please contact us today to arrange a consultation.