Are you hesitant to smile due to one or more of your teeth seeming shorter than the rest? This is actually quite a common issue in the world of dentistry – however, just because it’s widespread doesn’t mean it should be shrugged off! In fact, it can lead to both aesthetic issues as well as problems that affect your dental wellness. Luckily, your cosmetic dentist can help resolve the issue! Here’s what you need to know.
Why Are My Teeth Smaller Than Average?
The medical term for teeth that appear smaller than average is “microdontia.” Many people naturally have one or two small teeth, but for others, this issue can affect most or even all of a person’s natural teeth. Often, microdontia is categorized as the following:
- True generalized – All of the teeth are smaller than average.
- Relative generalized – Teeth may be normal-sized but appear small in comparison to a large jaw or excessive gum tissue covering the teeth.
- Localized – Only one or a few teeth are affected. This is the most common form of microdontia, and it usually affects the upper teeth.
It’s worth mentioning that while small teeth can cause aesthetic issues, they can also increase your oral health risks or orthodontic risks if your teeth don’t fit together normally, or if they have wide gaps. They might be more susceptible to wear and tear, and food and bacteria could more easily get trapped and trigger cavities and decay.
Can My Dentist Make My Teeth Bigger?
Fortunately, there are several treatments for those with short teeth, however, your dentist will first need to determine the cause of the issue before making a treatment recommendation. A few common solutions include things like:
- Veneers – Veneers are one of the go-to treatments for addressing short teeth; these thin, porcelain shells are designed for each tooth so that once they’re bonded, they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your natural smile.
- Dental crowns – Crowns are another option for addressing short teeth, especially if the tooth in question is weakened or damaged. They’re essentially caps that are placed over the chewing surfaces of teeth, and they’re custom-designed to look and feel natural.
Besides the obvious aesthetic issues short teeth can cause, they can also threaten your dental wellness – and that alone is reason enough to speak with your dentist about how they can help!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph W. Costa, Jr. earned his DMD cum laude from the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in the Worcester, MA community for several years. Our practice offers a wide range of services, ranging from routine general dentistry to confidence-inspiring cosmetic treatment. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us, please feel free to visit our website or call today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 755-1980.