Correcting Microdontia | Fixing Small or Short Teeth
Fixing Small or Short Teeth
Did you know that females usually have smaller teeth than men? Even different races of people tend to have different “average” sizes of teeth. A disorder characterized as having abnormally small teeth, microdontia can occur in adults and children.
Generally, something in one’s genetics tends to pass down microdontia, while other known causes link dwarfism, cleft palate, Down syndrome, and hormonal imbalances to microdontia.
Microdontia often affects women more so than men, and adults more so than children. In adults, small teeth can create spaces and gaps in the mouth, causing aesthetic flaws and functional issues.
No matter the cause or the reason, if you’re unhappy with the size or shape of your teeth, there likely is a cosmetic dentistry solution for you.
Levels of Microdontia:
- Truly Generalized Microdontia – all teeth are affected and smaller than normal
- Most often connected to hormones and dwarfism
- Relative Generalized Microdontia – multiple, but not all teeth, are affected by microdontia
- Localized Microdontia – only one tooth is abnormally small
For those with localized microdontia or relative generalized microdontia, the upper lateral incisors (each tooth on either side of your top two front teeth) and third molars (also known as a wisdom teeth) are most likely involved. Today, there are multiple services that can re-shape and improve upon the size of microdontia.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are one of the most common cosmetic dentistry services on the market. Many dentists use veneers as a solution for certain forms of microdontia. Because not much tooth prep is necessary prior to placing veneers, the already small tooth does not need to be further compacted or shrunk. Porcelain, a sturdy and high-quality material, helps to make the new tooth look natural while also making the teeth more durable.
Other Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions
If veneers are not the best fit for you, dental crowns and dental bonding are two alternative solutions used in correcting microdontia. While crowns are known for covering teeth, they are great for disguising and protecting the small teeth in question. Dental bonding is one of the more versatile and affordable cosmetic solutions that our patients choose to improve the aesthetics of their smile. Often, dental bonding is used to correct chips or gaps in teeth, but its versatile nature has made it a more common use for correcting the size and shape of your teeth.
Sedation Dentistry
Great when paired with any dental treatment, sedation dentistry allows the patient to have a much more relaxed dental experience, along with the luxury of a pain-free procedure. If you have any dental fears or phobias, try sedation dentistry at your next scheduled appointment. For those with truly generalized microdontia, a whole mouth of crowns or veneers should try sleep sedation dentistry for a faster, more pleasant procedure.
Our goal at Gulch Dental Studio is to provide incredible service in a state-of-the-art facility. We pride ourselves on our customer service and on the relationships we have been able to develop with our patients. Do you desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile? Do your teeth not look the way you have always imagined? Ask us about our dentistry services and schedule your next appointment using our fast and easy online form. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
