As it turns out, small teeth can hurt your appearance. Namely, they cause imbalances in your tooth-to-gum ratio that give your smile a “gummy” look. Left untreated, they may even make you look older than you are!
If you want to treat the issue, your local dentist can help. Here are several causes and cosmetic solutions for small teeth — look them over to find a better way to show off your pearly whites!
Causes for Small Teeth
Teeth that develop small or appear smaller than average are known as microdontia. Though they come in several categories, they generally have the same causes. These include the following:
- Family History – Microdontia is often hereditary, with tooth size inherited from one’s parents. You or your child are more likely to have short teeth if other family members have them.
- Genetic/Birth Defects – Short teeth are sometimes the result of genetic disorders or development issues like a cleft palate. The latter can also cause hypodontia, resulting in fewer teeth than average.
- Bruxism – Teeth can become short over time due to excessive teeth grinding, making microdontia common with age. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist could recommend treatment options to avoid further damage.
Solutions for Small Teeth
Cosmetic dentists have several procedures that could lengthen small teeth. In particular, the most effective are dental bonding, dental crowns, and porcelain veneers.
Dental Bonding
Composite bonding can apply a tooth-colored resin to repair, rebuild or increase the size of an affected tooth. This option is preferable if you only need minor work or if you want to avoid the cost and time of more complex options.
Metal-Free Dental Crowns
You may want to get porcelain crowns for more robust, longer-lasting tooth extensions. These caps made from porcelain (ceramic) would be custom-made from tooth molds or digital impressions to ensure they fit perfectly.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic treatment where your dentist applies thin layers of porcelain to the front surface of one or more teeth. These layers then improve aspects of your smile’s look, including color, uniformity, etc.
One improved aspect is size, as porcelain layers can make a tooth appear larger. They would also allow you to whiten or straighten your smile.
A short, small, or “stubby” tooth isn’t something you have to live with for the rest of your life. Talk to your local dentist about possible treatments that are right for you.
About the Author
Donald Marks Family Dentistry is based in State College, PA. Led by Dr. Marks, their team adopts a patient-centric focus when meeting dental wants and needs. They always strive to address your oral healthcare needs and partner with you to create individual treatment plans. To that end, they offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency dental services. For more information or to book an appointment, reach them at their website or by phone at (814)-234-0329.
