Cosmetic Dentistry Options for Unusually Small Teeth
We all want a big, beautiful smile. However, if you have disproportionately small teeth, it can have a significant impact on your appearance. Little teeth can make you look several years older, or they can give you a childlike appearance. They can also affect the proportions of your other facial features. Fortunately, we offer a number of cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance your teeth – and your overall appearance. Of course, the procedure that is right for you will depend on your goals, dental health, budget, and the underlying reason for your small teeth.
What Causes Small Teeth?
There are several different things that can give you disproportionately small teeth. Often, small teeth are simply a genetic fluke. Just as some people are born with freckles, dimples, or pointed ears, you could be born with an unusually small smile. In rare cases, small teeth could be the result of a more serious congenital disorder, such as amelogenesis imperfecta. However, small teeth are not the only symptom of this disorder. If you suffer from this condition, you will also have fragile teeth that are prone to breakage.
Alternatively, you may actually have normal sized teeth, but they are obscured by a disproportionate amount of gum tissue. This is actually one of the most common reasons for “small teeth.”
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Enhance Your Smile
Whatever the cause of your unusually small teeth, we offer several cosmetic dentistry options to improve your appearance and the proportions of your smile. Before beginning treatment, you will have a complete consultation. After determining the cause of your small teeth, your dentist will choose the right treatment for your smile. Options include:
- Porcelain veneers: One of the most common options to enhance a small grin, these porcelain shells will attach to the front of your teeth. They will be custom-made just for you, and the material is incredibly strong. Therefore, they can be a great way to elongate the teeth that show when you smile.
- Dental bonding: Your dentist will apply composite resin to the front of your teeth before hardening it with a curing light. Bonding offers many of the same results as porcelain veneers. However, if you have slightly weakened teeth, or if you have suffered enamel erosion, bonding may be a better option.
- Porcelain crowns: In most cases, we will preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Therefore, we will not typically recommend crowns as a cosmetic option. However, if you have very weak or damaged teeth, crowns can enhance both your appearance and your dental function.
- Gum contouring: If your small teeth are actually the result of excess gum tissue, gum contouring will typically be the most effective solution. Your dentist will use our advanced diode laser to trim away a minimal amount of gum tissue. We can also combine gum contouring with another procedure, such as veneers.
ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE FAMILY DENTISTS:
As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
