Why do some people have teeth missing?
What sort of treatment is available?
Sometimes people with missing teeth do not like the way their teeth look. This could be because their teeth are smaller or more pointed; or because teeth have moved into a different position to replace another tooth – making them not quite the right shape or colour.
The dental team can improve how these teeth look by:
Reshaping Teeth
Teeth can be reshaped by polishing the outermost layer (enamel). This is most commonly done when the canine tooth has been moved forward to replace a front tooth.
Research showsThis information about reshaping teeth mostly comes from moderate quality research and the clinical experience of dentists. that polishing teeth is safe and does not cause decay in the future if It is only the outer layer that is polished, and the polishing is done by a dentist who has been trained.
White fillings to change the size or shape of teeth
White filling can be added to small or pointed teeth to change their shape or size. This can be on just one tooth or lots of teeth.
The white filling is added to the tooth without any damage to the tooth. Most people do not need any anaesthetic. The fillings can be changed by a dentist if you do not like the colour or shape.
Research showsThere has not been much research about what happens when teeth are made to look bigger. The information here is based on reports about the clinical experience of dentists. that white fillings do not damage the teeth or gums if they are placed carefully. They last around 5-10 years. There is a cost to replace white fillings; this might be NHS or private treatment.
White fillings do not damage the teeth or gums if they are placed carefully
White fillings last around 5-10 years but then they might need a new one
There is a cost to replace white fillings. This might be NHS or private treatment
Tooth whitening
Tooth whitening can be used to change the colour of one or more teeth. This can help make teeth match.
In the UK tooth whitening can only be given to people who are 18 years old or older. Research shows that tooth whitening by a dentist is safe. The risk of damage to the teeth or gums is very small if whitening is supervised by a dentist.
Reshaping to make a canine tooth a better shape
Reshaping to make a canine tooth a better shape
This person has a missing lateral incisor. The canine tooth was moved forward to replace the missing tooth. The canine is a bit darker and more pointed.
The canine tooth was improved by reshaping during brace treatment.
This was simple treatment and did not need any anaesthetic (numbing).
White filling to change the shape or size of a tooth
White filling to change the shape or size of a tooth
This person has a small ‘peg’ lateral incisor. The tooth was improved by adding white filling material after brace treatment was finished.
This was simple treatment and did not need any anaesthetic (numbing). The white filing can be done by your own dentist or a specialist dentist.
The white filling will need replacement in the future.
Tooth whitening to make a canine tooth a better colour
Tooth whitening to make a canine tooth a better colour
This person has a missing lateral incisor. The canine tooth was moved forward to replace the missing tooth. The canine is a bit darker than the other teeth.
The canine tooth was improved by whitening by the dentist after brace treatment.
This was simple treatment and did not need any anaesthetic (numbing).