Some small animals like hamsters and rabbits have open-rooted teeth that never stop growing, so they must chew on things constantly to wear them down.
Humans don’t have this predicament, but some wish their teeth would grow once again. If you have microdontia affecting one or more teeth to make you think they are too small, you may have wondered if you can do anything about it.
Fortunately, thanks to the wonders of cosmetic dentistry you have multiple options to choose from. Read on to learn some reasons adults can have small teeth, plus ways your cosmetic dentist in Longmont can help.
What Are Potential Reasons for My Small Teeth?
Microdontia is the condition for teeth that develop small or may just appear smaller than average. In most cases, it might be a matter of a person having 1-2 small teeth, but for some people, most or all their teeth can be affected. Here are the categories of microdontia:
- Localized: Affecting one or more teeth, this may only impact the crown or root of the tooth. This is the most common type of microdontia, and it usually affects upper teeth.
- Relative generalized: Teeth may be normal-sized but can appear small compared to a large jaw or gums that extend too far over the teeth.
- True generalized: All your teeth are smaller than average. Usually caused by a condition like pituitary dwarfism.
Microdontia is hereditary and can sometimes be a symptom of a genetic disorder. Short teeth can also be the result of excessive teeth grinding (bruxism), which makes it more common as people age.
What Can a Dentist Do for My Small Teeth?
Beyond appearance, short teeth can potentially be more susceptible to wear and tear or increase the likelihood that food and bacteria get trapped to elevate the risk of tooth decay. Fortunately, your dentist has several options to increase the size of your teeth:
- Porcelain Crowns: A crown can improve the shape and strength of an individual tooth. Having a crown created typically takes two appointments. There are a variety of reasons a dentist might recommend a crown, including cosmetic dental imperfections.
- Porcelain Veneers: An option for one to all teeth, veneers cover up the front surface to increase visible size or close gaps. While this will require a thin layer of your enamel to be removed, veneers are a strong, long-lasting option that looks natural and is stain-resistant. The process will take a couple of appointments.
- Dental Bonding: A tooth-colored resin is applied to increase the size of teeth. Recommended for only a few teeth, this treatment does not require a lot of preparation and is usually complete in one appointment.
Talking to your dentist about your microdontia is a great idea. If they believe it to be a symptom of an underlying health issue for you, addressing that will take priority over cosmetic dental treatment in Longmont. Otherwise, you can learn more about cosmetic treatments and choose which option is best for you.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Coats has strived to provide Longmont patients with quality dental care for more than 25 years now. He has always tried to teach patients how to take better care of their teeth since a preventive approach can stop most oral health issues before they start. Dr. Coats earned his dental doctorate from Creighton University. He’s a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of the American Dental Association. If you have questions about microdontia, feel free to ask Dr. Coats during your next checkup. If you want to address your small teeth with a cosmetic dental treatment, you can schedule a consultation on his website or call (303) 776-4090.