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Also known as the cuspids, the canines are the pointy front teeth located on the top and bottom rows of your teeth. They are designed to help hold food in place as you tear through it and chew. When the canines are poorly aligned or not quite straight, this can lead to a number of problems with overall dental alignment.

Philadelphia, PA dentist Dr. Bruce Wilderman can perform various restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures to address problems affecting your canines. Let’s take a moment to go over some common flaws and what can be done about them.

Whitening Stained Canine Teeth

When canines are stained, they can lead to dingy, flawed smiles and feelings of self-consciousness. There are, thankfully, plenty of options out there to brighten and whiten stained teeth. Teeth whitening treatment is one option to consider. Bleaching agents are used to lighten the color of tarnished tooth enamel, leaving your smile whiter by several shades. For intrinsic dental stains, dental bonding may be an option to consider, painting over the discolored tooth structure.

Repairing Fractures to a Canine

When a canine is chipped or cracked, there are different methods of repair worth considering that use tooth-colored restoration materials. Denting bonding is ideal for minor chips and cracks on the teeth. More serious damage to a tooth’s structure can be addressed with fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns. These restorations rebuild any compromised tooth structure and strengthen your teeth in the process.

Reshaping Canine Teeth

Sometimes patients have issues with the overall shape of their canine teeth. Their cuspids could be too pointy, making the teeth look like fangs. Other times the canines are poorly aligned or shaped, leaving a person’s smile looking asymmetrical and uneven. In such cases, a dentist can reshape the canine tooth. This involves the careful removal of tooth enamel to ensure a more ideal shape.

Treating Crooked and Impacted Canine Teeth

Problems with dental alignment can have a major impact on the appearance of your smile as well as your dental health. The use of orthodontic treatment can go a long way toward improving the position of the canines as well as the overall symmetry of your smile. This is especially important for impacts canines, which can place the canine teeth in the gumline rather than aligned with the rest of your teeth.

Replacing Missing Canine Teeth

If you are missing canines, the gaps in your smile can lead you reluctant to smile and can also affect your ability to bite and chew normally. There are, thankfully, a number of options for treating missing canines. Dental bridges can help fill the gap left behind by missing teeth. You may also want to consider dental crowns supported by implants for maximum hold and effectiveness.

Tailoring Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to the Patient

As you can see, there are many ways that dentists can improve the appearance of the canines, potentially enhancing the health of your smile in the process. During a consultation at our practice, we can assess your need, discuss your dental care goals, and develop a treatment plan that is ideally suited to you.


For more information about improving the appearance and health of your smile, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. Our team is here to provide expert care and help you smile with a renewed sense of confidence.















