Next time you’re at a family get-together, look around and you’ll probably notice the resemblance among all the members of your family. There’s always something that sets your family apart. Maybe it’s the ears. Maybe it’s the nose. And maybe it’s the smile.
You may be lucky: your family may be blessed with a wonderful smile. On the other hand, you may be stuck with a less-than-attractive smile. But if you’re unhappy with your family smile, don’t worry: we can help.
Crooked Teeth and/or Bad Bite
This is one of the most common problems that runs in families. If your parents have crooked smiles, or needed orthodontics to get their smile straight, chances are you will, too. Fortunately, we have great options for straightening your teeth.
And if you have a more serious bit problem associated with TMJ, that can be treated without surgery.
Peg Laterals and Other Small Teeth
Peg laterals also tend to run in families. In this condition, the teeth on either side of your central incisors are small and round, not large and flat like incisors should be. Other times, your teeth may just be small. It’s even possible that all your teeth are smaller than you want them to be.
Porcelain veneers and dental crowns can be used to build up small teeth to make them more attractive. Which is best depends on the actual size of your tooth and your bite.
Hypodontia (Missing Teeth)
It’s also possible that you may not develop certain teeth. This is genetic and also tends to run in families. You may retain your baby tooth in this case, which might be why you have a small tooth there, or you may lose your baby tooth but not get a replacement tooth.
If you are missing a tooth, dental implants or bridges can be used to replace it.
Defective Enamel
There’s a lot of natural variation in the actual shade of tooth enamel people have. Some people have naturally whiter smiles than others. Some families may be prone to developing visible defects in the enamel, too.
The color of your enamel can’t be changed with teeth whitening. However, porcelain veneers can be used to cover a tooth with enamel defects or give you a smile that is whiter than your natural enamel.
A Cosmetic Dentist Can Help
If you’re unhappy with your natural smile for any reason, the cosmetic dentists at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry in the Hilton Head area can help. To learn how we can improve your smile, please call (843) 706-2999 today for an appointment at our office in Bluffton, SC.
