Wondering if it's possibly to lengthen my front teeth since I have ground down my smile. Is bonding or veneers doable? (photos)

Question

I have grinded my teeth & bitten my fingernails for years. I'm now 49 years old and want to see about lengthening my front teeth, especially the 2 in the front top.Have asked my dentist about this and he brought up the fact my bite might make it difficult for veneers, that they might break when I bite down. I'm getting self conscious to smile in pics because it's like my smile it just so much smaller than it used to be. Esp two front teeth. Feel like my back teeth are ground down, bite different

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello there,While you can certainly get veneers on your teeth, your teeth grinding issues may cause these veneers to be displaced rather easily.  You would need to get full crowns on your teeth, instead of veneers, because full crowns are extremely difficult to dislodge.  Full crowns would mean that you would have more tooth structure removed, but this would be what's needed to give you that Hollywood smile.  Hope this helps.Dr. Sarah ThompsonSt. Louis, MO

Anthony Mobasser, DDS, DMD · Answer

Front teeth can be lengthened with dental bonding, and porcelain veneers.
Depending on your bite or occlusion, dental veneers is preferred due to strength and stability of the color!
However there is more preparation needed on your tooth when choosing veneers vs dental bond!
Depending on your xrays and bite analysis the cosmetic dentist will guide you in to which, and will discuss the pros and cons, so you can make a decision.

Desiree Yazdan, DDS · Answer

You need to have a full exam with a very experienced dentist.  If you have ground down your back teeth, it would be best to restore the vertical dimension of occlusion (aka bring your bite back to its normal height) prior to having veneers placed in the front.  After your bite is corrected, you can place veneers on the front, which will lower the risk of them fracturing.  If you have not ground down your back teeth and have not lost vertical dimension of occlusion, I recommend porcelain veneers over composite bonding.  Bonding will not be strong enough to withstand your grinding forces.  I also recommend you get a night guard to protect your teeth from further damage, or if you choose to have veneers placed, it will also help protect your veneers. Most importantly, please make sure you do your research and find a dentist very experienced with cosmetics, and also restorative/reconstructive dentistry.

Charles Briscoe, DDS · Answer

Sounds like your bite is the cause of the teeth becoming short because of wear.You need to address the bite before the cosmetics, or the bite will destroy the new smile.Lengthening teeth with bonding is often not successful. Veneers or crowns will be neededonce the bite issues have been resolved.

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Good afternoon and thank you for your question.
You mentioned that it feels like your back teeth are ground down and bite feels different.
Please consider discussing with your dentist bringing your bite back to normal by crowning back teeth. That will allow to have more space  for the veneers placement AND will ensure that they will last.
Also, consider a custom made night guard. Wearing it will be your "insurance policy" that your new smile will serve you for years to come.
Good luck!

Wondering if it's possibly to lengthen my front teeth since I have ground down my smile. Is bonding or veneers doable? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Bonding or Veneers

Answer: Bonding or Veneers

Answer: lengthen my front teeth since I have ground down my smile.

Answer: lengthen my front teeth since I have ground down my smile.

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Wondering if it's possibly to lengthen my front teeth since I have ground down my smile. Is bonding or veneers doable? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Bonding or Veneers

Answer: Bonding or Veneers

Answer: lengthen my front teeth since I have ground down my smile.

Answer: lengthen my front teeth since I have ground down my smile.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.