Porcelain Veneers for Small or Misshaped Teeth
Many cosmetic imperfections, such as dental stains, tooth discoloration, chips, cracks, and fractures, develop as a result of prolonged oral wear and tear. However, there are also some dental imperfections that are congenital, such as small and misshaped teeth.
Small and misshaped teeth can affect the balance of the smile and the proportions of the face. Porcelain veneers sit over the natural teeth to enhance their size, shape, and color. They can conceal a comprehensive range of aesthetic flaws.
Dr. Byron J. Nordhus is proud to offer porcelain veneers for small or misshaped teeth at our Wichita, KS dental practice.
How Small and Misshaped Teeth Affect Oral Functions
Most people with small and misshaped teeth are concerned with the aesthetic effects that they have on the overall appearance of the smile. Unfortunately, small or misshaped teeth can also affect the health of the smile.
Teeth that are smaller than others and misshaped teeth can also contribute bite imbalances. This causes some teeth to be exposed to excessive force. Over time, this can lead to dental damage.
Other potential complications of an imbalanced bite include bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) and TMJ disorder (a condition that inhibits jaw movement).
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can address the aesthetic concerns of small or misshaped teeth because they improve the size and shape of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, but they are made of durable materials that can withstand the daily wear and tear of biting and chewing.
Porcelain veneers can be fabricated to match the size and shape of adjacent teeth, which creates a more even biting surface and improves symmetry.
The Treatment Process
One of the great things about porcelain veneers is that they can makeover the smile in as little as two dental appointments. The first treatment session will consist of designing a custom set of veneers, prepping the teeth for veneers placement, and taking molds of the teeth to use in the fabrication process.
Porcelain veneers preparation is pretty simple. During this process, a small layer of tooth enamel will be removed from the surface of the teeth. This ensures that the veneers will fit properly and fall into alignment with the natural teeth.
When the veneers are complete, patients will return to our practice for the placement procedure. Dr. Nordhus will ensure the veneers fit as intended before bonding them into place.
Porcelain veneers are bonded to the teeth with a strong dental compound. This compound holds the veneers securely so that the teeth can continue to function as intended. With proper care, veneers should last for a minimum of 10 to 15 years.
Learn More
If small or misshaped teeth have you feeling less than confident about the appearance of your smile, you may be an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers. To learn more about this popular cosmetic dentistry treatment, contact us at your earliest convenience. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Byron J. Nordhus by calling (316) 721-6730.
