Q.
Hi. My 10 year old daughter broke her 2 upper front teeth.It is an arch shape. The doctor bonded them with composite.I’m wondering if it possible to file both teeth shorter as they are already longer than the other teeth.I also want to know how short can they be filed and if this would affect her speech or looks in any negative way.
A.
I am sorry to hear of your daughter misfortune. It seems the dentist performed the appropriate treatment restoring the teeth to their original length. If the teeth seem too long than it is a result of the position they have erupted in to. She is only 10 years old and significant growth will occur probably making her teeth seem more appropriate in size. If not, The appropriate treatment would be to move them with braces into the proper relationship and proportion with her other teeth. You would not arbitrarily file down or shorten teeth. Ultimately this would damage the teeth. I would recommend you consult with your dentist and perhaps an orthodontist to evaluate your daughters situation. Dr. Lemongello