Table of contents
What is Microdontia?
This condition occurs when one or more teeth are smaller than average. Any tooth can be affected by microdontia, including both primary and adult teeth; however, it is more common in certain teeth than others. Overall, this condition is relatively rare.
Several types of microdontia are outlined below. The type you have depends on whether it affects one tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth.
Localized Microdontia
As you might imagine, localized microdontia affects just one or two teeth. The most likely teeth to be impacted by localized microdontia are the upper lateral incisors, which are the teeth on either side of your front teeth. It is the most common form of microdontia.
Relative Microdontia
This type of microdontia occurs when you have a larger-than-average jaw size. Consequently, your teeth may appear too small when, in fact, they are of normal size.
True Microdontia
This is the rarest form of microdontia, where all of your teeth are smaller than average.
Signs of Small Teeth
Typically, the most noticeable sign of microdontia is visual, as your teeth appear smaller than average. However, sometimes it can cause other symptoms that include:
- Issues pronouncing certain words.
- Gaps between teeth.
- Bite or misalignment problems.
- Problems with eating.
What Can Cause Microdontia?
Generally, microdontia is an inherited condition, so if parents or siblings have small teeth, you are likely to have them as well. Other causes can include:
- Nutritional deficiencies in A, C, and D vitamins can affect tooth development
- A severe infection during pregnancy can impact tooth development in the unborn baby.
- Preterm babies may have incomplete tooth development, resulting in microdontia.
- Certain hormonal issues, like hypothyroidism, can affect tooth development.
Small teeth can also be a symptom of certain conditions, including Down syndrome, ectodermal dysplasia, and Crouzon syndrome.
Diagnosing Microdontia
When you visit our NYC Dentistry Center, our dentists can diagnose this condition during a dental exam. If needed, they can discuss treatment for small teeth in adults, but treatment may not always be necessary.
However, if you feel self-conscious about small teeth or find that microdontia is causing issues, then it’s worth investigating different treatment options.
Treating Microdontia
If treatment is necessary or desirable, there are several ways to make teeth longer. Possible treatments can include:
- Dental bonding.
- Dental crowns.
- Veneers.
- Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is the most cost-effective and quickest way to make teeth longer and larger. Minimal preparation is needed, as our dentist will use tooth-colored composite resin that is applied directly to the tooth surfaces.
Once all the composite resin is in place, it is hardened, shaped, and polished to achieve the desired result. The final result should create the appearance of a normal-sized tooth that looks and feels natural. Composite resin is reasonably durable, so the results should last several years.
- Dental Crowns
A dental crown covers or caps the entire tooth and can be a useful solution when a tooth is really quite small. Usually, tooth preparation is necessary when placing a dental crown, but this may be unnecessary in cases of microdontia.
The latest dental crowns are made from all-ceramic materials and are extremely strong, durable, and beautiful. With the right care, they should last for years.
- Veneers
Small teeth veneers are thin shells of porcelain material custom-made to fit over the front surface of the tooth. Porcelain veneers for small teeth are often used in smile makeovers and can create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th Street, 8th Floor, Suite 2
New York, NY 10017
(212) 810-9264