Does having small, short, or “stubby” teeth make you self-conscious about your smile? Cosmetic dentistry can help you boost your confidence and have you showing off your pearly whites in no time at all. Here are some things to know about what causes small teeth, how they can affect you, and how your cosmetic dentist can fix them.
What Causes Small Teeth?
Teeth that develop small or appear smaller than average are known as “microdontia”. While many people naturally have one or two small teeth, that’s not always the case. For some, this issue can affect most or all of their teeth.
There are two common reasons you may have developed small teeth:
- Genetics – Microdontia is hereditary, so if other people in your family have small teeth, you are more likely to have them as well. It can also be a symptom of a genetic disorder or development issue.
- Teeth grinding – Short teeth can be the result of your teeth wearing down due to damage or excessive teeth grinding (bruxism).
It’s also possible for your teeth to simply appear smaller. The size of your teeth can actually be perfectly normal but look shorter due to excess gum tissue or a larger jaw.
How Can Microdontia Affect You?
It’s possible that your microdontic teeth don’t really affect your oral or overall health and are purely an aesthetic issue.
That being said, microdontia can lead to several medical conditions, such as TMJ dysfunction. Left untreated, your teeth can wear down to the point that the nerve is exposed, causing severe tooth pain.
How Can Small Teeth Be Made Larger?
Here are some cosmetic dental procedures that can make your teeth appear bigger:
Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that bond to the front-facing surfaces of your teeth to mask dental imperfections. They can make your teeth appear longer or wider, blend in seamlessly with surrounding teeth, and are incredibly long-lasting. With veneers, you can fix anywhere from one to a full set of teeth.
Dental Crowns
Metal-free dental crowns are most often used on molars, covering all of what is above the gumline. They are a great way to restore the appearance and function of teeth that have been worn down due to years of bruxism.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
If you only have a few short teeth, this is an excellent option to lengthen them. Composite resin fuses with your natural tooth enamel and is color-matched to the rest of your smile. Although it is not as durable as veneers, cosmetic dental bonding is cost-effective and convenient, making it highly accessible.
You don’t have to hide your smile if you have small teeth. Talk to your dentist about addressing your microdontia and revitalize your confidence!
About the Practice
Attleboro Dental Group is proud to provide patients with excellent and comprehensive dental care, all under one roof. Their services include, but are not limited to, dental cleanings, in-house dental implant placement, veneers, and same-day emergency care. If you want to make your small teeth look bigger, contact the team at Attleboro Dental Group through their website or by phone at (774) 331-0260.