Fangs

By Dr. Linda Niessen -- Baylor College of Dentistry
Monday, October 28, 2002

STORY:  FANGS

SCRIPT #483  SHOOT:  10/16/02

AIRDATE:  Monday, Oct. 28, 2002

DHC Master #16  Timecode:cued

Dentists can help get rid of 'vampire fangs'
10/28/2002
By Dr. LINDA NIESSEN / Baylor College of Dentistry - Texas A & M University System Health Science Center in Dallas

In vampire movies, teeth that look like fangs are the skilled work of make-up artists. But in real life, fangs are usually the side effect of crowded canine teeth.

For years, Shawn Harrison had the problem and was self conscious about his smile. “I never liked the way they looked and when I was young, we didn’t have the money for braces," he says. "So I always wanted, when I got old enough, to have my teeth fixed.”

Canine teeth really are designed to puncture - not, of course, the way vampires use them. When canine teeth are long, sharp, and pointed, they can appear a little bit scary.

“They are the last permanent teeth to erupt, so they have no place to go except inside or outside," says Dr. Brad Salter. "And typically, they go outside toward the face. And that gives them a very prominent appearance and makes them look like fangs.”

In children, we treat this problem with a palatal expander that slowly widens the arch to prevent crowding. Adults can still chose orthodontics, but cosmetic dentistry may take less time. Shawn chose porcelain veneers.

To make the thin shells that cover the teeth, the dentist uses both artistry and science. “You have to know the science before you can do the art,” says Dr. Salter.

“I guess I smile more,” Harrison says. So no more scary look for Shawn. “And I take better care of them now because I’m proud of them,” he says.

And on Halloween, the only frightening fangs should be the ones you put in and take out. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M System, I'm Dr. Linda Niessen.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

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