Is it possible to make your teeth longer with dental bonding?

Question

My teeth are very short. Is there a way to make them longer with dental bonding? I don't want porcelain veneers. Also, can they make your teeth appear more rounded around the edges instead of sharp?

Joseph B. Silberman, DMD, FAGD · Answer

There are several reasons why your teeth look short. They can be short because the edges of your teeth have worn down or have been short from the beginning. They also can appear short if your gums are too low on the teeth, but the edges are in the correct positions. For the latter, bonding would not be a good option since your edges are correct. In that case, you would need a "gum lift" procedure to make your teeth appear longer. If the gums are in the right positions, you might be able to have bonding placed but you would need to be evaluated for that. Adding length to teeth is tricky, but can be done.

George Tsangaroulis, DDS · Answer

I will preface my response by saying photos are always helpful to give an assessment.  The short answer is absolute, composite bonding can be shaped any way you want, provided there is enough space and how the teeth are framed by the lips.  If the teeth are overly lengthened, there could potentially be a biting or grinding interference and they will chip, particularly if you have an overbite and/or you grind your teeth.  It also depends on your smile and lips at rest position, ie how much upper tooth edge is displayed when you are relaxed.  
If the teeth are short due to wear, or if you naturally have a gummy smile, you may possibly need to have a crown lengthening procedure aka "gum lift" to expose more tooth structure, or conjunctive orthodontics - braces or Invisalign to move the teeth in which you will gain space to lengthen the teeth with bonding.   I would suggest having your dentist come up with a diagnosis as to the nature of the teeth being short, and provide comprehensive diagnostic records with a wax-up or prototype prior to treatment in order to have a visual esthetic outcome and to analyze how the teeth will contact if dimensions are changed.  Hope this helps, good luck!

Desiree Yazdan, DDS · Answer

It is possible to make your teeth look longer with dental bonding and to make the edges of your teeth more rounded, however your dentist would need to do a work up to make sure that the bonding won't fracture off after it's placed.  It all depends on your bite and how you function.  Porcelain veneers might be a great option for you as well.  There could be other reasons of why your teeth look short to you, so make sure you do your research and find a very experienced dentist to go see all of your options prior to having any treatment done.

Jennifer Ebner, DDS · Answer

Esthetic changes such as increasing length or color are achievable with bonding. It is a less expensive but also less durable procedure than veneers, which may be out of your budget. A complete esthetic workup will give your dentist the info necessary to advise the best procedure(s)- bonding, gingivectomy, Ortho extrusion. There are many options. If you don't do your homework and try to keep it as cheap as possible, your bonding will not likely give you the results you want. Bonding is a great way to improve your smile but as with any procedure, the correct planning provides the best outcome.

John A. Merrill, DDS · Answer

Great question--the answer is yes--you can have composite bonded to the edges to lengthen them. it may be necessary to resurface the opposing teeth and consider a night guard as well to protect the edges. Ask to see photos of the dentist work as this is a cosmetic procedure as well. Good luck!

Val Alexander Daniyar, DMD · Answer

Generally speaking it is possible to make your teeth longer with composite dental bondings, which will act as a substitute to porcelain veneers. However, before such (or any treatment for that matter) is undertaken one needs to look and determine why your teeth appear so short and sharp around the edges. Are you suffering from grinding? a photo would help. Please see an experienced aesthetic dentist , because thorough evaluation will be required to select and execute a proper treatment. Good luck!! Dr. Daniyar

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

You can certainly do it, but the problem is that they might brake, and sooner or later they will get stained, you should start thinking about getting veneers.

Is it possible to make your teeth longer with dental bonding?

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I had my teeth splinted with bonding. I want it off. Can it be taken off?

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