Beavers have incisors that grow continuously throughout their life, so their habit of chewing through hard objects like trees helps to trim their teeth down. That seems like a lot to have to deal with, but some people face the opposite predicament. They have teeth they consider to be too small and wish they would start growing once again. Teeth that develop small or only appear littler than average are the sign of a condition called microdontia. This can affect a single tooth or all of them, and it is a hereditary condition. Keep reading to learn some reasons adults can have small teeth in Rancho Bernardo and ways your cosmetic dentist can help.
Why Do I Have Small Teeth?
There are several 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.
Sometimes, microdontia can be a symptom of a genetic disorder. Short teeth can also result from excessive teeth grinding. Known as bruxism, this becomes more common as people age.
How Can My Dentist Help with My Small Teeth?
You may only be thinking about their appearance, but short teeth are potentially more susceptible to wear and tear. Also, they can increase the likelihood of food and bacteria getting trapped after you eat, which elevates your risk of tooth decay. Fortunately, there are several ways your dentist can increase the size of your teeth:
- Dental 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.
It is wise to talk with your dentist about your microdontia. If they think it is a result of an underlying health issue, addressing that will take precedence before moving forward with a cosmetic procedure. If that is not the reason for your small teeth in Rancho Bernardo, they can discuss cosmetic treatment options and help you choose when one is best for your needs.
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard earned his dental doctorate from UCLA, and he went on to be the first dentist in North San Diego County to become an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He’s a founding member of the West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry. If you are interested in altering your small teeth, he can check to see that your health is in good standing and then discuss dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or dental bonding with you. To schedule a consultation, you can visit his website or call (858) 451-0550.