Are vampire teeth real? And are they rare?
Believe it or not, according to “Answer the Public”, a large number of variations of searches for vampire teeth happen all across the world, each and every single day. So if you think you’re alone on this, think again my friend. You have common elements of concerns, as do others on all corners of the world. However, are vampire teeth rare? It depends on what your threshold for “rare” is.
Recently, we completed a search via “Google Keyword Planner”. Our research is focused on the following explained keywords below. As a result, this helps us increase our outreach to patients with concerns over vampire teeth and canine teeth.
Are they real? Yes, of course vampire teeth are real, but not in the Dracula or Transylvania way some would think. And yes, compared to the nation’s population, it is reasonable to consider this a rare occurrence.
For example: In the image below, we collected 28 keywords related to:
- Vampire Teeth
- Canine Teeth
- How to fix vampire teeth
As you can see from the keyword search result, while it varies, there is a consistency of less than 10,000 across the United States for these 28 specific key terms. While this search produced less than 10K, it is an example to show the level of interest, although there are other keywords, we could have added to show a broader variation of the subject term.
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What are Canine Teeth?
Canines, also known as cuspids, are the single teeth on the right and left sides of both the upper and lower jaws. They are situated between the incisors and the premolars and erupt around ages 11 to 13. Compared to the other three types of teeth, canines are more pointed to serve their core function of holding and tearing food. This explains why they have long roots.
Some people may have extra pointy and sharp canine teeth which tend to significantly protrude beyond the length of other teeth. These are described as vampire teeth. What if people frowned every time you laughed or smile? It might be an indication that something about your teeth is not ordinary. If the overall health of your teeth is good, then you may have vampire teeth. This would be fairly easy to tell just by looking in the mirror and taking a quick visit to your dentist for a consultation.
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Reshaping or Bonding Pointy Canines
If you are not comfortable with your extra-pointy canines, consider fixing them to better fit in the structure of the rest of the teeth. This is done through two complementary procedures: reshaping and bonding.
Reshaping, also known as recontouring, involves the use of a sanding instrument to file down the excess enamel from your vampire canines. By performing this procedure, the cosmetic dentist gives your cuspids a new appearance, making them fit better among your other teeth.
Recontouring may be coupled with bonding to give your canines an appealing new look. Here, your dentist uses resin that has the same color as your teeth to reshape your canines. Bonding gives your recontoured tooth an extra coating to fill in any gaps or correct issue not fixed by the reshaping procedure. The new shape replaces the old extra-pointy look.
“Is reshaping painful?”
No, reshaping is not painful. Although you will feel the tool during the reshaping process, you will not have to worry about a painful procedure. The procedure itself is also a simple same day dental process that your dentist can complete within the same day visit.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Recontouring
The primary benefit in tooth recontouring is your transformed smile. You no longer have to feel conscience about vampire teeth that stand out in excess when you smile or laugh. With this benefit come several others:
- Unlike most dental procedures, tooth recontouring is painless and easy to affect.
- You do not need to dig deep into your pocket since the procedure is easy and fast.
- An extra-long tooth can affect your bite and create both an aesthetic and a functional dental problem. Tooth recontouring corrects your bite, promoting overall oral health.
- The need for teeth alignment braces may be eliminated by tooth recontouring since it creates a more even look on your teeth.
Despite the notable benefits, tooth recontouring can pose some risks:
Reshaping may cause damage to the tooth when sanding to remove the excess enamel. Not done correctly, such damage can create the need for unforeseen dental procedures, more time on the dental chair, and probably an extra unbudgeted cost.
Sanding causes thinning of the enamel and exposes the dentin. If bonding is left out, sensitivity may become the new issue with the former vampire teeth. A professional dentist like Dr. Suffoletta can walk you through this procedure and provide you with the smile adjustment you’d like.
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Undersized & Oversized Canines
As it relates to this subject, there are two categories you should know about:
- Microdontia
- Macrodontia
Instead of vampire teeth, some people may have a condition known as microdontia. This implies that one or more teeth are smaller than their expected usual size. When you have undersized cuspids or other teeth, veneers or porcelain crowns can be used to build up the tooth. Usually, teeth that are affected by microdontia have an abnormal shape and will require reshaping before bonding.
Macrodontia however, is the exact opposite of microdontia. This focuses on the tooth being abnormally larger than the rest of the teeth. When compared to all the teeth in the mouth, the lateral incisors are more commonly affected by macrodontia. Between reshaping, bonding, veneers and crowns, dental professionals have an array of methods they can use to fix both related issues.
In sum, whether you have vampire teeth or have teeth that are shorter than others, tooth contouring and bonding are optimal options for enhancing the appeal of your smile.
Call 702-671-0001 or visit “Functional Aesthetic Dentistry” online to learn more.
