I have straight teeth, but my two front teeth are exceptionally long. What can I do to correct this?
P.S.

Dear P.S.,
Before any treatment can be recommended, the cause of these exceptionally long teeth must be determined. A thorough clinical and X-ray examination needs to be done to assess the dental condition and rule out any underlying problems. Gum disease is seldom symptomatic but can show up as excessively long teeth, i.e. the bone and the gums that support those teeth are destroyed, resulting in more root surfaces being exposed, and longer-looking teeth.

Gum disease is a serious problem that must be addressed early, so that those teeth can be preserved and not weakened further. If the diagnosis is receding gums, one option is gingival (gum) grafting – where gum tissue is added to the receded area.

If the gums are otherwise healthy, full ceramic crowns may be prescribed to shorten those teeth. However, root canal treatment may be required if the teeth are to be shortened substantially.

Orthodontics (braces) may be another solution. Braces (metal or ceramic) can align your front teeth to the same level. Invisalign braces, where a series of transparent aligners are used to straighten the teeth, is another option. The cost will depend on which type of braces are used.

There are various ways to address the problem but this depends on the existing condition of the teeth and gums. Ideally, you should consult a dentist that can discuss the various options and their pros and cons so that the most appropriate treatment can be prescribed.