If you have small or short teeth, this could affect how your teeth bite together, possibly leading to eating difficulties or other concerns such as teeth grinding or jaw problems. Smaller teeth do not always lead to physical problems and can be easily fixed. However, people who have a disproportionate smile may feel unhappy with their appearance.
To find out how to balance small teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Before recommending the right treatment, your dentist needs to know what caused your small teeth.
Why do I have small teeth?
The condition microdontia, which is when teeth appear smaller than normal or develop in a small area, is also known as a “microdontia”. It’s the opposite of macrodontia, which refers to teeth that grow too big or become too small. While many people have only one or two small teeth naturally, it can also affect the majority or all of your teeth.
There are three main categories of microdontia:
- True generalised – all of your teeth are smaller than average. This can be caused by a condition like pituitary dwarfism.
- Relative generalised – teeth may be normal sized, but appear small in comparison to a large jaw or the gums extending too far over the teeth.
- Localised – only one or several teeth are affected, which may affect only the crown or root of the tooth. This is the most common form of microdontia, and it usually affects the top teeth.
Microdontia is inherited, meaning that your child or you are more likely have short teeth than other members of your family. Sometimes, however, it may be a sign that there is a genetic problem, a developmental issue, or a side effect of radiation exposure. These cases are often accompanied with hypodontia (having fewer teeth than the average).
Teeth can become shorter due to excessive teeth grinding (bruxism) or damage. Macrodontia is also more common with aging. Your dentist will offer treatment options to manage or treat any nighttime grinding or clenching.
Can Can small teeth be made larger?
Your dentist might suggest treatment if you feel your teeth are too small or causing you problems.
While short teeth may be an aesthetic issue, they can also pose a problem for your oral health. If your teeth don’t fit together properly or have large gaps, this could increase your risk of developing orthodontic problems. This can lead to increased wear and tear and food and bacteria getting trapped.
There are several dental procedures that can increase your tooth size. Depending on how much lengthening is needed, as well as your preferences and your price range, these treatments could include:
- Dental bonding
- Dental crowns
- Dental veneers
- Gum reshaping
Your dentist will give you all the information you need about treatment costs and possible risks so you can make fully informed decisions.
Dental bonding
Composite bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to repair, rebuild or increase the size of teeth. If your teeth are in need of minor work, and you don’t want to spend the time and money on more complicated treatments like crowns, this may be an option.
First, your dentist will carefully prepare the teeth for dental bonding. Next, he or she will apply a conditioning fluid to make the composite resin stick to the tooth. For a natural look, your dentist will use a colour guide to help choose the right shade of resin for you.
Dental bonding involves the application of composite resin to teeth in layers says this reliable dentist in Harrisburg. This is similar to a white filling. Each layer is bent and shaped before it is cured using a UV light, laser or other means. After hardening, the new tooth surface is polished and sculpted so it can be straightened.
This procedure is quick and can be done on multiple teeth in one visit. It’s also convenient for tooth restoration. But it’s best to use dental bonding for a small number of teeth.
The composite material is not as strong as porcelain and can stain more easily. Your dentist may recommend that you avoid hard foods that can chip your restorations, and that you avoid coffee and red wines that can stain teeth.
Dental crowns
For stronger, longer-lasting tooth extensions, your dentist may recommend porcelain crowns. A crown is a cap made of porcelain (ceramic). It’s made from a digital impression or a mold of the tooth to ensure it fits perfectly.
Sometimes, it takes several visits to a dentist to place a Crown. The tooth must be prepared first and impressions taken. After that, the crown is made in the dental laboratory and sent to your dentist for adjustments and fitting. Dental clinics with CEREC technology are able to design and make crowns in-house, sometimes in one visit.
Crowns, like fillings and bondings, can be matched to the shade of your teeth for a natural look. Before fitting crowns, your dentist will make sure that the new surface of your bite is perfect before bonding them in place. This will ensure that you can chew and grind food as normal and that your jaw and teeth are not under pressure.
A crown can be retained for many years if you take care of you oral health. After the cement has been bonded, you can still eat as usual. If you need to crown multiple teeth, it can be more expensive and require more preparation.
Dental veneers
Porcelain or composite veneers are cosmetic treatments that cover up the front surface of one or more teeth to change aspects of your smile you want to improve. If you are interested in whitening or straightening your smile, you may also be able to increase the size of the teeth visible or close gaps.
You can choose to make veneers from ceramic (ceramic), or composite resin. Composite resin veneers can be more cost-effective and quicker than porcelain veneers. However, they are stronger, last longer and look natural. To improve bonding, porcelain veneers may require more preparation. This involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface and roughening it.
Although veneers are a versatile and convenient way to change your smile, they can’t provide the same functional benefits as crowns or bonding. You also can’t typically claim the cost of veneers through your insurance.
The preparation of veneers can cause sensitive teeth to feel a bit more afterward. You will also need to be mindful about what you eat to prevent staining or damage. Although composite veneers can sometimes be repaired if damaged they will need to replaced if the porcelain veneer is chipped or cracked.
Gum reshaping
If the issue isn’t with your teeth, but rather with your gums extending too far over the teeth and leaving a ‘gummy smile,’ a dentist or cosmetic surgeon may discuss a ‘gum lift.’
Gum contouring is also known as gum reshaping. This involves removing excess gum tissue using a laser or scalpel in order to expose the remaining teeth. To give a natural looking smile, the gum line can be skillfully reshaped.
Although laser gum surgery is generally painless, your gums may feel sensitive for several days. A gum lift can be combined with crown lengthening, or another procedure to give your smile a complete makeover.
Medical treatments
If your microdontia may be a symptom of an underlying health issue, your dentist will recommend having this treated or managed as a priority before beginning a cosmetic dental treatment. You can either be referred to a qualified health professional by your dentist or talk to your GP.
If you suspect that your child could be affected due to microdontiasis or related syndromes in the family, ask their doctor for a genetic test. This will require a blood test.
Is it necessary to see a Brisbane CBD dentist?
Talk to a dentist about your concerns about short teeth. Book an appointment if you feel your teeth or jaws are hurting or if there is any damage to your teeth.
Face Value Dental provides a range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry services at five conveniently located Brisbane locations. Call us today at (07 3221 0677) or book an appointment online at one of our Brisbane CBD, Albany Creek or Helensvale dental clinics.
References
Better Health Channel. Cosmetic dentistry [Online] 2018 [Accessed October 2020] Available from: thegoneapp.com/health/conditionsandtreatments/cosmetic-dentistry
Healthdirect. Dental crown procedure [Online] 2019 [Accessed October 2020] Available from: thegoneapp.com/dental-crown-procedure
Healthdirect. Veneers [Online] 2018 [Accessed October 2020] Available from: thegoneapp.com/veneers
