Having a jagged or crooked tooth can cause you to be self-conscious about your smile, but there are a few cosmetic dentistry options you can choose to restore your smile. Here are just a few choices you have when it comes to repairing a crooked or jagged tooth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can restore the shape of your tooth through the use of tooth-colored resin. The resin is bonded to your tooth and shaped to create a natural look for your teeth. Bonding is an excellent option if your tooth needs minor repairs to shape the tooth properly. Bonding can also be used in conjunction with other cosmetic dental procedures to improve your overall smile.

Veneers

Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells that are placed over your teeth to create the new shape. They are often made of porcelain, though they do come in other tooth-colored materials as well. They can be a great option if your tooth is severely misshapen or if you have several teeth that need cosmetic dental work. Dental veneers can also be used if you have severely discolored teeth to bring a bright white back to your smile.

Dental Contouring

Dental contouring is a process used to change the shape of your tooth. If you have a crooked tooth, your dentist may smooth out the edges with dental contouring. He or she will use a sanding instrument to reduce the appearance of the crooked or jagged edge. In some cases, dentists will use contouring with bonding to reshape the original tooth and add extra material to create a more finished appearance.

Crowns

Crowns are similar to veneers in that they cover your original tooth material. They are essentially caps that fit over your tooth to create a natural look. They can be used to hide imperfections in the tooth, and they can also be used if you have a cavity. Crowns are a bit sturdier than veneers, and they may be used to help when the crack or jagged edge impacts the functionality of your tooth.

Your dentist will go over all these options with you to help you determine the right option for your smile. Whether you have a minor imperfection that requires a bit of contouring or you have a severely damaged tooth in need of a crown, cosmetic dentistry can help to restore your smile. Be sure to discuss your expectations with your dentist so you can get the look you want. Contact a dentist like Frederic J Mrugala DDS  for more information.