How To Repair Uneven Or Ragged Teeth
There are plenty of factors that go into determining how your smile looks and whether you and others consider it to be attractive. Most of it is entirely in the eye of the beholder, however. Some people think whitened teeth are too bright and unnatural-looking. Others look at smile "defects" and think on them positively, like the Japanese fondness of crooked smiles and the gap in Madonna's front teeth. However, uneven or ragged teeth are almost always considered unsightly. Read on to learn why this is and what you can do if your teeth are uneven.
Why It's a Bad Thing
Teeth that are no longer level with each other (meaning one or more are shorter than the others) are an eyesore as well as a danger to your oral health. The reason they're generally frowned upon is that while crooked or widely spaced teeth form naturally, teeth that have become shortened or ragged only do so due to wear and damage.
This not only means that your teeth are at a higher risk of developing decay and nerve sensitivity, but it also looks bad to others when you smile. Shortened or ragged teeth look like they haven't been taken care of and are often associated with bad habits like nail biting that can prematurely wear down your teeth.
Fixing The Problem
There are two main ways that you can repair ragged and shortened teeth: fillings and veneers. Fillings are generally used when an excessive amount of the tooth has been worn down and the underlying pulp, nerve, or root is at risk of being exposed. Veneers, on the other hand, can be placed in front of your tooth, giving the appearance of a healthy tooth. Veneers are typically only used if your tooth is healthy enough to not need additional dental care.
What To Expect
When you visit a dentist to have the damage to your teeth fixed, you should expect to have a thorough examination first. Your dentist will visually examine and x-ray your teeth to determine how bad the damage is and whether your enamel has been severely worn down. If so, your dentist will recommend fillings to carefully encapsulate your remaining tooth and to extend it outward to repair its appearance.
If your tooth is in good condition, your dentist will instead suggest veneers to quickly give you the appearance of level, even, and healthy teeth. However, if you choose veneers, it's important to take good care of your teeth to prevent further wear and tear from breaking down the underlying tooth.
Ragged and uneven-looking teeth are easy to fix, so don't let them drag down your smile. If you're dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile, talk to a cosmetic dentist like Webster Cosmetic Dental LTD.