One tooth is longer than the others

Question:

Hello, I have a tooth on my lower level that … stands taller than the other lower teeth.  This is very obvious…at all times…when I’m talking.  It makes me very self-conscious.  I’m not interested in braces but I am interested in lowering that tooth’s visibility.  Is it possible to file a tooth down shorter?  I am interested so that this tooth can be the same visible height as the other lower teeth.  It would help me to feel more comfortable smiling, talking and just living day to day.  I am a single mother and do not have the funds to do much for myself, which is why I’m looking for a “simple” solution which does not require a huge financial commitment.  Please reply.  I can’t tell you how much this affects my day to day life.

Answer:

Thanks for submitting your question with us.  And we completely understand the huge link between teeth and self-confidence.  First we will explain exactly what’s going on in your mouth, and then we will examine several options for its correction.

Teeth Move Throughout Life

Throughout life, teeth continually grow and move.  For instance, if you have a missing tooth, notice that over time the tooth adjacent to it will slowly drift into that open space.  From what you are describing, it looks like that tooth in the back of your mouth does not have a tooth above it (opposing it) and that is why the tooth continues to erupt, or “grow taller.”  Until there is a tooth, or prosthetic device (partial denture, implant, etc.) placed above it to oppose it, the tooth will continue to erupt.

How to Fix the High Tooth

So, what are some immediate and cost effective options:

• Have the tooth adjusted – To answer your specific question, yes, you can have the tooth filed down.  However, keep in mind the anatomy of a tooth (please see our article here on tooth anatomy for more details).  The dentist can take away tooth structure (in dental terms, adjust the occlusion) so that the tooth can appear more in line with the surrounding teeth.  This is the most cost effective option.  However, there is a drawback.  There is only so much tooth structure that the dentist can take away before encroaching upon the dental pulp.  Once near the pulp, the health of the tooth will be jeopardized.  Also, as stated before, the tooth in question will continue to gradually grow taller if there is not a tooth opposing it.
• Have a crown placed on the tooth – This option involves a little more money.  But with this option, the dentist will reduce the tooth so that it is aligned with the surrounding teeth, and then place a crown over the tooth so that the tooth will no longer continue to erupt.

Several other options include extraction and replacement with an implant, or extraction and replacement with a cantilever bridge, or even extraction and partial denture.

The best treatment really depends on how much the tooth has erupted.

We hope this advice helps and good luck,

Save My Smile Team.