If you were born with certain congenital defects, then your teeth may be misshapen, discolored, or even brittle as a result of certain genetic bone disorders. Your dentist can offer you a number of cosmetic dentistry options that suit both your dental needs and your financial situation. Here are some cosmetic dentistry options to consider if a congenital disorder has affected your teeth. 

Porcelain or Resin Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can conceal a number of tooth defects such as irregularly shaped teeth, stained teeth, and teeth that are too small. Veneers are porcelain or resin coverings that fit over your natural teeth. They are very versatile and long-lasting, however, before your dentist applies the veneers, your natural teeth need to be prepared. During the preparation phase, your dentist will need to shave off a small amount of your tooth enamel so that the overlying veneer will fit and look natural.

If the dental enamel is not shaved off your tooth, placing the veneer over it may cause your tooth to appear unnaturally thick and abnormally shaped. Before the shaving procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic so that you do not feel the procedure. After your teeth have been prepared, you will be able to choose the shade of your veneers from a dental color chart.

Tooth Bonding

Another cosmetic procedure that is often recommended for those who have congenital tooth defects is bonding. While highly effective in concealing dental imperfections, bonding is typically recommended when only a few teeth need treatment. During the bonding procedure, a composite material will be placed on the affected tooth. This alters the shape of the abnormally-shaped tooth to give it a more natural appearance.

Bonding may be the right choice for you if your permanent teeth developed too small, became chipped as a result of brittle bone disease, or are discolored as a result of enamel disorders. When your enamel is too thin as a result of congenital problems, it allows the dentin of the teeth to show. Dentin is dark yellow, and when your enamel is thin or eroded, your teeth will appear brown or yellow. Discoloration caused by thinning enamel does not respond to bleaching, and because of this, bonding may be recommended.

To learn more about ways the above procedures can treat your congenital tooth problems, make an appointment with your dental professional. He or she will explain your options and recommend a treatment plan best suited to your individual situation.