If you’ve got small teeth, it can become a concern if you’re looking to improve your smile. It’s important to remember that smaller teeth can also lead to eating difficulties or other issues such as teeth grinding or jaw problems. We’re looking at what causes small teeth and the treatment options available for people with small teeth.
What causes teeth to be small?
Small teeth, also known as microdontia, is a common oral health problem that often runs in families. There are three types of microdontia:
- Localised microdontia is when a single tooth is smaller than the others that surround it.
- Truly generalised microdontia is when all the teeth are smaller than the normal size. This is quite rare and might be related to conditions such as pituitary dwarfism or Downs syndrome. It may also be a side effect of chemotherapeutic or radiation treatment provided when the permanent teeth are developing.
- Relative generalised microdontia is when teeth appear smaller than they actually are. For example, if slightly smaller than normal teeth exist on a large jaw, they would appear relatively smaller.
Other causes of small teeth include significant tooth wear or erosion, which can result from grinding, clenching, a high acid diet or a particular bite problem.
What does it mean when your teeth get smaller?
If your teeth are becoming smaller, but they were a normal size to begin with, it means you might be experiencing teeth wear. While this is a normal part of ageing, tooth wear and teeth shortening can be exacerbated by:
- Erosion from food or drink acids
- Teeth grinding
- Abrasion from overly vigorous brushing of your teeth
If you notice your teeth are getting smaller and you think it’s from one of these reasons, consult your orthodontist or dentist for advice.
How to fix small teeth?
The treatment for small teeth varies – dental treatments that can increase the size of teeth depend on how much lengthening is needed, as well as your preferences and your price range. These treatments include:
- Dental bonding involves applying a composite-resin material to the surface of the tooth. Once hardened, it resembles a normal-sized tooth.
- Dental crowns are a good option for stronger, longer-lasting tooth extensions. A crown is a cap made from porcelain (ceramic) that’s custom made from a mould or digital impression of a tooth or teeth to make sure it fits perfectly.
- Dental veneers are thin, tooth coloured ‘shells’ that cover the front of the tooth. They are made from porcelain or a high-tech ceramic. Some of the tooth may need to be removed to properly place the veneer but this is usually not needed when dealing with small teeth.
- Gum reshaping might be recommended by your orthodontist or dentist if your gums extending too far over the teeth and leaving a ‘gummy smile’.
What is gum reduction for small teeth?
A ‘gum lift’, gum re-shaping or gum recontouring is when your specialist removes excess gum tissue with a laser or scalpel to expose more of the teeth below. By reshaping your gumline, you can make your teeth look longer and drastically improve your smile. This process is also known as a gingivectomy, and is usually performed by another type of specialist dentist, known as a gum specialist (i.e., a periodontist)
What is the cheapest way to fix small teeth?
While dental bonding tends to be cheaper than crowns or veneers, the cost of your treatment for fixing small teeth will depend on your individual situation. It’s always a good idea to consult your orthodontist or dentist for advice on what the best treatment is to fix your small teeth.
Do braces work on small teeth?
Braces will still work on small teeth, but your orthodontist might recommend different, or additional, treatment to create a better smile. The type of treatment needed depends on whether teeth are shorter than average, narrower, or both. It also depends on how many small teeth you have.
Can orthodontic treatment make your teeth bigger?
Orthodontic treatment such as braces can’t increase the length of your teeth, but by straightening the teeth it could make them appear longer, especially if you only have a small number of smaller teeth or if they appear smaller due to their position. Once your treatment is finished, your orthodontist might recommend further treatments such as those listed above.
Do braces look good on small teeth?
If you opt for traditional braces, you might notice that the brackets look larger if your teeth are smaller. However, with the new sizes and colours available, braces on small teeth may not look very different, particularly if the less visible ceramic braces are used.
If you’re still worried that having braces might make your teeth appear even smaller, your orthodontist might recommend clear aligners so that the full surface of your teeth is still visible. Depending upon the size and length of the teeth, sometimes clear aligners are not the ideal option as the clear aligner will have less overall tooth surface area to grip the teeth. This good grip is required for effective orthodontic tooth movement with aligners. Your specialist orthodontist will advise you regarding the best treatment option and sequencing for your individual case.
Want to learn more about your treatment options for small teeth? Then you can use our Finder Tool to search for a local orthodontist and request a consultation – no referral needed.
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