Maybe you’re lucky enough to have white and straight teeth, but something about your smile still looks “off.” One reason might be the size of your teeth. Short or small teeth are often not considered conventionally attractive; they may make your smile appear imbalanced. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with small teeth forever. Your cosmetic dentist has ways of helping you even out the size of your teeth and smile with complete confidence!
What Causes Small Teeth?
There are many possible reasons why teeth may be small. One of the most common ones is long-term wear and tear of the tooth enamel. Usually, this occurs so gradually that it’s not even noticeable for years or even decades. Older adults tend to have a higher risk of short teeth due to their teeth becoming worn-down over the course of their lifetimes.
Some people are simply born with teeth that appear shorter in relation to their gums. Other times, a patient’s diet or lifestyle could be to blame. Consuming a lot of acidic foods and drinks over the years can wear down tooth enamel. Bad habits, such as smoking, drug use, and nail-biting, can also contribute to the shortening of a person’s teeth.
Can Small Teeth Cause Problems?
In some cases, small teeth are only an aesthetic issue. In others, however, they may increase the risk of certain medical conditions, such as headaches, and facial pain caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Your TMJs are the joints just in front of your ears that allow your mouth to open, close, and move side to side. If your upper and lower teeth don’t come together properly because they’re too short, you might end up with a teeth grinding habit. Eventually, this can erode your enamel, making your teeth more sensitive.
How Your Dentist Can Fix Small Teeth
Whatever the cause of your small teeth, there are ways that your dentist can help. Depending on your specific oral health needs, they may recommend one of several treatments, such as:
- Veneers – Veneers are custom-made porcelain shells that can be placed over the front surface of a tooth to flawlessly give it the appearance of having an ideal size. This treatment is best suited for patients whose small teeth are only a cosmetic issue.
- Dental crowns – Crowns also cover up a tooth with a natural-looking solution, but they fit over the entire portion of a tooth that extends above the gums. They’re ideal for patients with weakened teeth.
- TMJ therapy – With TMJ therapy, your dentist can address the root cause of your small teeth and ensure they don’t become even shorter. Typically, they’ll create an oral appliance that gradually shifts your jaw into a healthier position so that you don’t feel the urge to grind.
If you’re tired of feeling insecure about your small teeth, don’t be afraid to reach out to your dentist. They’re more than happy to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile!
About the Author
Dr. Shelly Strohman is a caring, experienced family dentist in Wichita Falls, TX who loves nothing more than helping patients feel proud of their smiles. She offers all of the services described in this post and more to correct small teeth. To learn more about which treatment would be best for you, you can contact Strohman Dental at 940-613-0299.