Dentist shaved my top tooth now it’s too short

I thought I was getting my teeth contoured. The dentist I saw shaved my top left front tooth and now it is too short. She said that she can lengthen it with bonding but I don’t trust her. What are my options? Thanks. Kameel

Kameel – We recommend that you schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist. A tooth that is too short can be lengthened and restored with dental bonding or a porcelain veneer.

The cosmetic dentist will examine your tooth and determine which options are best for restoring it. A skilled dentist can manipulate composite bonding to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth. Bonding can last for years, but will eventually stain or wear and need to be replaced.

A porcelain veneer covers the entire front of your tooth. It can require light preparation of the tooth to prevent it from extending beyond the adjacent teeth or looking bulky. Veneers are very durable and can last for many years.

You can select a few cosmetic dentists with whom you can schedule consultations, discuss your options, and compare the recommendations.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Should a get a second opinion from a pediatric dentist?

My son’s permanent bottom teeth are growing in with chips in them. His dentist says this is normal, but I am concerned that he is going to have problems with the teeth in his teen years. Should I get a second opinion from another pediatric dentist? - Marcie

Marcie - We would need to examine your son’s teeth to determine if there is a problem. But what you describe sounds like normal tooth development. Ridges or bumps on the incisal, or biting, edges of teeth are referred to as mamelons. They are the result of three groups of cells that unite to form the incisal edge of a tooth.

The size and depth of mamelons vary by the individual. It is common to see them as teeth erupt. Some parents are concerned when they see teeth erupt with uneven edges, but as children grow into adulthood, the ridges slowly wear off. In some cases, the mamelons wear off unevenly, but a cosmetic dentist can contour the teeth to make them even.

You can ask your son’s dentist for more information. And if you want reassurance that the teeth are erupting normally, you can always seek a second opinion.

This post is sponsored by NJ top dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

My pointy tooth is cutting my tongue

One of my top left molars keeps cutting my tongue. It feels sharp and pointy. What will happen to the tooth if I go to the dentist? Thx. Sienna

Sienna – A dentist will examine your tooth. The sharp part of the tooth that is cutting your tongue will be gently shaved, shaped, and polished.

The procedure is called tooth reshaping or contouring. It is completed in a few minutes. You will feel a slight vibration while the pointed part of your tooth is reduced, but the process is painless.

This post is sponsored by top NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

How do I find top 10 dentists for teeth shaping?

Almost each of my teeth look like they belong in a different mouth. The shapes are so random it’s crazy. One tooth is pointy but the next tooth is square. Others are round on the edges and there are some that even look more oval. They are poorly shaped. My dentist told me that he can shape them for me. I asked him if it’s something that he normally does and he said that he never did before! Now why would I let him practice on me? Actually shaping my teeth sounds like a good idea but how do I find say the top 10 dentists that can do it right? Bella I.

Bella - You have made a wise decision to find an experienced cosmetic dentist to shape your teeth. And that’s the key—find a cosmetic dentist, not a general dentist to do the work. Although you won’t necessarily find a list of top ten dentists for tooth contouring in your area, you can visits websites of cosmetic dentists to find out whether they are accredited or not, and how much experience they have. After you have narrowed your choices you can call dental offices to ask questions specifically about tooth contouring.

An examination by a cosmetic dentist will also tell you if you are a candidate for contouring or whether a different treatment will work best for your case. You can start by having a consultation with two or three cosmetic dentist before you decide whom you would like to enhance your smile.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

I need dental work but I don’t have dental insurance

Hello. I am on Medicare and I keep getting turned down for dental insurance. I need a lot of work done on my teeth. I don’t want to lose any teeth so I am going to have to pay out of pocket somehow. How can I find a dentist who will see me even if I don’t have insurance? Thank you so much. – Liz

Liz – There are many dentists who accept forms of payment other than dental insurance.

Dentists often accept major credit cards, some have in-office payment plans, and others offer financing. An easy way to find out is by looking at a dentist’s website and viewing the financial policies or financial arrangements web page.

You will be pleasantly surprised by the number of dentists who accept alternative forms of payment to dental insurance. You will be able to get the dental care you need, even though you don’t have insurance.

This post is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Find out why she is considered to be a top New Jersey dentist.