As you reflect on old photos with friends, you might have noticed a noticeable difference: your smile appears shorter than theirs. This condition is known as microdontia, where one or more teeth are smaller than the average size. Small teeth can be hereditary, a symptom of a genetic disorder, a result of developmental issues like a cleft palate, or a consequence of radiation exposure. Additionally, excessive wear due to teeth grinding or damage can also lead to shorter teeth. The good news is that your dentist can address this issue. Continue reading to explore the common causes of microdontia and how to make your teeth look larger.
3 Possible Causes of Microdontia
Now that you have a solid understanding of microdontia, let’s delve into its various forms. Microdontia can be categorized into three main types:
- True Generalized Microdontia: This form of microdontia is often associated with pituitary dwarfism, also known as growth hormone deficiency. In individuals with true generalized microdontia, the pituitary gland fails to produce sufficient growth hormone, leading to all the teeth being smaller than the average size.
- Localized Microdontia: Localized microdontia refers to a condition where only one or a few teeth are smaller than average. It can affect either the root or crown of the tooth and is commonly observed in the upper teeth. Among the various types, localized microdontia is the most frequently encountered.
- Relative Generalized Microdontia: In cases of relative generalized microdontia, the teeth may actually be of average size, but they appear small due to factors like excessive gum tissue covering the teeth or an unusually larger jaw structure.
3 Ways to Fix Microdontia
Your dentist can use several techniques to enhance the appearance of your beam, making them look bigger. Some of these procedures include:
- Dental crowns – Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that encase the entire visible portion of a tooth, referred to as the crown. Crafted from materials like porcelain, resin, metal, or ceramic, dental crowns are commonly used to repair damaged teeth. However, they can also be used to make teeth appear larger.
- Cosmetic dental bonding – Cosmetic bonding involves the use of a color-matched composite resin to conceal imperfections. It can be skillfully applied to slightly reshape the teeth, giving them a longer and more substantial appearance.
- Porcelain veneers – Custom-made thin porcelain shells, known as veneers, cover the front surface of your teeth. Your dentist may remove a small amount of enamel to ensure proper adhesion and a seamless blend with your smile. Veneers are highly effective in changing the size and shape of your teeth, thereby creating the visual impression of larger teeth.
If your small teeth are impacting your confidence in your smile, take the initiative to discuss one of the previously mentioned options with your dentist to address the issue. In no time, you’ll relish the benefits of a uniform, proportionate smile that you’ll be eager to proudly display to the world!
About the Practice
Although small teeth might not jeopardize your oral health, you have the opportunity to improve your smile with the exceptional services provided by the proficient team at Zhang Dental Group of Tustin. Veneers, dental bonding, and crowns serve as excellent solutions to address this matter, restoring your smile’s beauty and fullness swiftly. If you wish to schedule an appointment with Zhang Dental Group of Tustin or gain more insights into their cosmetic and restorative services for addressing microdontia, don’t hesitate to get in touch at (714) 836-5600 or visit their website.