Healthy teeth are flat or rounded at their edges, but for many people, the appearance of their teeth take a hit even if they're still considered healthy. Unfortunately, bad habits like biting one's nails, grinding one's teeth, or chewing on objects that aren't food, like toothpicks, can impact the appearance of your teeth. These things either wear down teeth slowly over time, or cause sudden chipping due to an excess of pressure. In any case, you may find that the ends of your teeth look shorter than they should, or that they're jagged or uneven. If you're unhappy with the way that your teeth look and don't know what you can do about it, then here are a couple of options a cosmetic dentist can help you with. 

Bonding

The first option available at your disposal at a reputable cosmetic dentist's office is dental bonding. Dental bonding is similar in some ways to having a tooth filled, but without any need for drilling or anesthesia. Dental fillings use a special kind of dental cement that's designed to be as strong and durable as the surface of your teeth. This dental cement can also be used in dental bonding, which effectively extends the length of your teeth and smooths out the edges.

If you're interested in dental bonding, your dentist will be able to examine your teeth - and any old dental x-rays or scans you may have - and can determine how long your teeth should be. From there, they can apply small amounts of this bonding material to the edges of your teeth, extending them back to their original length and ensuring that they're smooth and rounded looking again. 

Veneers

Another possibility for you is dental veneers. Dental veneers, unlike bonding, don't cause major changes to the teeth themselves. However, they're able to improve the appearance of teeth dramatically, even if you have problems extending beyond your teeth looking jagged or short.

Dental veneers are made of porcelain, the same material used in many dental crowns. Instead of a crown, though, which covers the entirety of the tooth, dental veneers just sit in front of the tooth and are attached to it. They create the appearance of a symmetrical, even, and white-looking smile without any kinds of imperfections like jagged edges or shortening. These are a great choice if you have other problems you aren't happy with when it comes to your teeth, like overcrowding, excessive space between them, or discoloration.

In either of these cases, a cosmetic dentist can quickly and effectively improve the look of your teeth. Get in touch with one if you're tired of looking at a marred smile.