If one or more of your teeth are smaller than usual, you might have microdontia. As the name suggests, microdontia is a condition in which a person’s adult teeth have the appearance of baby teeth.
If left untreated, microdontia can lead to oral health problems, and some people may find it embarrassing to smile with large gaps between the teeth.
Types of microdontia
Cosmetic dentists have identified three main types of microdontia.
- True Generalized Microdontia: Very rare. All of the patient’s teeth are smaller than usual, but are otherwise well shaped. This type may be associated with Down Syndrome and pituitary dwarfism.
- Relative Generalized Microdontia: The teeth have the appearance of microdontia due to the disproportionate jaw size to the teeth size. However, the teeth may only be slightly smaller than usual.
- Localized Microdontia: Relatively common. It involves only one tooth, usually the maxillary lateral incisor or the third molar.
When teeth are smaller than usual, a person’s smile appears flawed. However, microdontia can involve more than aesthetic issues. Microdontia can cause the upper and lower teeth to fail to meet properly. For some people, this can make biting and chewing actions difficult. Over time, it can even lead to chipping and other tooth damage.
Cosmetic dentistry offers solutions
Cosmetic dentists can perform several different treatments to resolve microdontia, depending on the individual patient’s needs and preferences. For those with mild microdontia, dental bonding may be appropriate. The dentist can apply tooth-colored composite material onto the affected tooth and shape it appropriately. Then, the dentist hardens the composite material and polishes it. Dental bonding is particularly well-suited to patients who have minor damage caused by microdontia, since the composite material will cover missing parts of the tooth.
However, some patients need more extensive cosmetic dentistry for microdontia. Another possible solution is porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are custom-fitted to the visible sides of the teeth. They look exactly like natural teeth, both in color and shape. Before applying the veneers, the dentist may need to remove a small amount of the enamel from the tooth before making teeth impressions, which are molds that are used to create the veneers. Veneers are carefully shaped and shaded before being applied to to teeth, offering an instant smile makeover.
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental veneers. Those who have difficulty with bruxism or TMJ disorder in addition to microdontia may be better candidates for dental crowns. A cosmetic dentist who has invested in CEREC technology can offer same-day crowns, which means there is no lengthy wait for a laboratory to create the restoration.
Creating beautiful smiles in Suffolk County
Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry offers a comprehensive suite of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services to enhance your smile, including CEREC crowns and porcelain veneers.
Schedule a consult with Dr. Elliot or Dr. Nick today to discuss the best option for restoring your pearly whites. You can reach our Long Island cosmetic dentistry practice by calling 631-319-9509.
