My teeth look like short stubby pegs. I want them to at least be ¼ inch longer so they look like adult teeth. They are not crooked, just too short. What can a dentist do to make them longer or at least look longer? – Tanya E.

Tanya – Find an experienced cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and gums. There are several options, but what will work best for you depend on the results of your examination.

If you have excessive gum tissue, your gums can be contoured, which will make your teeth look longer. Porcelain veneers are another option. The veneers are applied to the teeth that show when you smile. Porcelain veneers will look completely natural if they are placed by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

It is also possible that dental bonding can be applied to your teeth. The composite bonding material will be made to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth. Composite bonding is not as durable and stain resistant as porcelain, so it will wear faster. It may need to be periodically removed and reapplied.

Before you make a final decision on which cosmetic dentist will transform your smile, you can schedule a consultation with a few cosmetic dentists to find out which options each of them recommend to lengthen your teeth.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.