man smiling

Most people say they want a smile that’s white, straight, and evenly spaced. If you’re one of them, another factor should play into your quest for a beautiful smile: the shape of your teeth. Though genetics determines how big, small, rounded, or squared your teeth will be, if you’re unhappy with their shape, there are a variety of dental solutions designed to give you the attractive smile you desire.

Rounded, Square, or Somewhere in Between?

The shape of teeth varies from person to person. And because different teeth play different roles, they also vary in shape in each person’s mouth. Younger people tend to have more rounded teeth as opposed to the square teeth most adults have.

As we age, teeth get less rectangular and shorter with teeth edges wearing down at different rates and angles. For example, women tend to end up with small, round incisors while men’s incisors are more square. When people want to change the shape of their teeth, they’re usually looking for them to be rectangular with the edges rounded and curved.

How to Change the Shape of Your Teeth

Teeth that are aligned in the right position can still look crooked if they’re misshaped. Luckily, this is easily fixable with cosmetic dentistry.

Teeth Reshaping

For minor modifications, you can have your teeth reshaped or contoured by your dentist. A comfortable procedure that’s best performed on healthy teeth that require only slight changes, the dentist uses special dental equipment to make subtle changes to the shape of your teeth.

Your dentist can also evaluate your gumline to see if you’re a candidate for gum contouring, a procedure that removes excessive gum tissue or restores receded gums. Some patients find that their “small” teeth can be corrected with this procedure.

Porcelain Veneers and Crowns

Want a more dramatic improvement? Porcelain veneers or crowns can be the perfect solution.

  • Veneers are thin, porcelain “shells” the dentist permanently applies and bonds to the front of your existing teeth. They’re typically used for front teeth that have little or no decay.
  • Dental crowns, or caps, are recommended for people who’d like to dramatically change the size and shape of their teeth. They’re also a good choice for teeth that have decay, existing fillings, or other damage. Both front and back teeth can have porcelain crowns placed on them.

If you’re interested in changing the cosmetic appearance, shape, or size of your teeth, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your dentist who can provide you with everything you need to know, including the benefits, risks, and expected results to achieve your desired outcome.

Wear a Beautiful Smile

Your smile speaks before you even say a word! At Kanehl Dental Group, we believe no one should have to live with a smile they’re unhappy with. No matter how extensive the damage to your teeth, you can take advantage of our years of combined experience in cosmetic dentistry to help you get your best smile. To learn more about which tooth reshaping procedure is best for you, or to schedule an oral checkup, contact us today.