How to Tell if You Have Short Teeth?
If you have short teeth, or microdontia, odds are high you will notice. Depending on the severity of your microdontia, one to all of your teeth will appear smaller than the others. Some patients may think that they have small teeth, and it could simply be the alignment of their jaw and gums, known as relative microdontia. The form and severity of your microdontia should be analyzed by your dentist to assess treatment options.
How to Tell if You Have Short Teeth or Microdontia
- Does one of your teeth appear smaller than the others?
- Do multiple Teeth appear small in relation to your mouth?
- Is your smile “too gummy”?
- Are your teeth too small to touch when you close your mouth? When you chew?
- Do you have difficulty eating, speaking, or chewing?
Forms of Microdontia or Small Teeth
Microdontia comes in three primary forms:
1. Generalized Microdontia- Refers to the appearance of small or underdeveloped teeth throughout the entire mouth. This is the rarest form, and usually accompanies more advanced genetic disorders, like down’s syndrome or short-stature. Treatment options are more limited and depend on your genetics and your doctor’s recommendation.
2. Relative Microdontia- This form occurs most often when the patient actually has overdeveloped jaw and gums. The teeth look smaller relative to the general composition of the mouth. This form is often treated cosmetically with additional bonding and gum work.
3. Localized Microdontia- This is the most common form, and usually affects 1-3 teeth in the mouth. Occasionally one incisor or third molar appears smaller than the other teeth. This form is very apparent, because on tooth sticks out from the others. Usually this single tooth can be bonded or altered in some way, but occasionally more advanced restoration work may be taken.
How to Treat Short Teeth
Treatment begins with the Dentist. Start with a cleaning and examination, and discuss difficulty with your smile. Then you may review some common contributing factors, like acid reflux or soda consumption. You may then consider some hygienic alterations that can either help treat your underlying conditions, or protect your dental health after restoration work. Your dentist will then discuss one of several options with you, including:
- Dental Bonding- Dental bonding is a quick and comprehensive option for reshaping or restructuring the tooth. A small bit of advanced composite is added to the existing tooth structure, shaped, and set. The whole process takes about an hour and requires no additional anesthesia or pain medication. You can then care for your new tooth material the same way you do all your other teeth; and enjoy your new smile.
Porcelain Veneers- Veneers are new lustrous teeth which are attached to the existing tooth structure, but in a reduced manner. The original teeth is reshaped to be smaller, or small in this case, and then a veneer crown is affixed. This provides a new shiny smile and all the comforts of an immaculate tooth. Some veneers are also attached via a bridge, wherein a row of teeth are affixed to an area where a tooth is missing.
Discuss whether you have microdontia, and what replacement options are available at your next routine examination.