Small teeth happens to some people, and it can be a little unsettling to say the least. Most people have an idea of what teeth should look like, so seeing microdontia can be startling. For those that develop into adulthood with smaller teeth than most people may want to do something about it.
Can anything be done to get larger teeth? Absolutely, but not without a great deal of expense and time at the dentist. The following will help you understand a little more about it and what your options are.
What Exactly is Microdontia?
Okay, so microdontia is a condition. This word describes teeth that are smaller than normal. It could just be one of your teeth or a number of them. Some people’s smile is filled with small teeth.
Most of the time, the teeth affected by this condition are the molars or incisors. The reason this happens deals with genetics. A lot of people know how much genetics affects your health, but one thing some people don’t know is that it could also impact the way your smile looks.
Those who have someone in their family with this specific condition, even if it is mild, might know why you are dealing with it as well. Usually, when a person develops this issue they end up having gaps between their teeth. If you have this issue, that means chewing is going to cause more wear and tear.
Too much wear and tear could lead to other dental issues like chips or worse. On top of that, the way your teeth form has a big impact on the way you chew. You could have digestive issues given enough time because your teeth are unable to process your food.
No one wants to have digestive issues, and no one wants to deal with dental problems due to microdontia. Keep in mind that dental issues could end up costing a lot to fix them, which is the reason dealing with this problem is of the utmost importance. The good thing is there are modern tools that give you options for small teeth.
What Can Be Done to Get Larger Teeth?
The reality is this is something you need to take care of, and you can do this with the right specialist. Like any other treatment, it is first going to start with an initial meeting and a frank conversation with your dentist. You’ll learn about the severity of your microdontia and what your dentist thinks you should do.
There are only a few treatments your dentist might suggest. The following are some options you might have available:
Composites
A popular solution for this issue that many dentists suggest is composite bonding. The dentist will apply a composite to the affected areas. The composite is malleable and looks similar to your teeth. The dentist spends some time shaping the substance until it begins to look like your teeth should look.
The dentist is probably going to check his or her work a few times before moving on to the next step, which is allowing the composite to harden. Once this happens, your dentist is going to polish it, which makes the substance look as white as the rest of your teeth. Your oral specialist is going to give you a good cleaning before this process starts to make sure the composite matches your natural teeth.
It may sound like this is going to take a long time, but the truth is the prep work won’t take that long. Your dentist will need to prepare the affected area so that it is not so smooth. This is done to make sure the material will stick.
It should be pointed out that this is one of the most economic options you have available. If you are worried about costs, you should consider composites. Don’t think that since this is a cheaper option, it’s not going to be a good option.
Composites are not only sturdy, but they also resist staining. You know how hard it is to remove stains from teeth, so knowing that this material won’t stain easily should give you some relief.
Veneers
Another option you have available to you is veneers. In a sense, veneers are covers that are placed on top of the affected teeth. Veneers look like regular teeth, which is one reason people love them.
Veneers can be made from porcelain or ceramic. Both of these materials give off a beautiful shine that could give you that Hollywood smile everyone wants. These covers are placed on top of your teeth using a powerful adhesive, giving your back your teeth.
These last quite some time, but they are also a little pricey. You are going to have to talk to your dentist to find out how much these might cost and what kind of financial options you have. Some people who choose this path are quite happy with their choices, but this is entirely up to you and your budget.
Crowns
Those who want something stronger than a veneer might want to consider a crown. This is one of the most involved options because there is some prep work involved, but the dentist is going to place a cap over your affected teeth. Your tooth or teeth will look normal after this procedure, and you’ll be able to bite with the confidence you lacked before.
The crown that is will be used is usually made of ceramic, but there are other materials available. Ask to find out what is available to you, but keep in mind that ceramic is probably the most inexpensive option.
Normally, this option is not suggested first. A dentist will not want to do this unless it’s necessary. The reason is that placing a cap means healthy parts of your natural teeth will be altered. You don’t want to do that unless you want to.
The goal of your dentist is always going to be making sure your teeth are healthy as can be, so removing parts of your teeth is not great. This could end up weakening your dental structure in the long run. There’s no need to do this unless your dentist thinks it’s your best option.
The overall price of this procedure does vary. Sometimes, it could be affordable if you are only getting one crown, but the price can rise relatively quickly, so make sure you ask about estimates before you make a decision.
Are There Any Natural Solutions?
It would be nice if you could do something at home that’ll make your smile look better, but there isn’t a straight natural solution for this issue. You are going to have to talk to your dentist if you want this problem to be truly fixed.
Now, there are a few things you can do at home. For example, you can make sure your teeth are as clean as possible. Any discoloration could end up making your teeth appear smaller than they are. You probably want to do everything you can to avoid smiling or showing off your teeth because of this condition, but having clean teeth goes a long way.
Another thing you can do at home is to teach yourself to smile differently. This one might take some time and might be a little strange, but you can train yourself to smile differently. Practice in front of the mirror until you see a smile that doesn’t show much of your teeth.
This is not something you have to do forever, just until you decide what you’re going to do to fix this small teeth issue. You won’t mind smiling if you master a smile that doesn’t show too many teeth, which is sometimes considered a winning smile. You don’t have to completely close your mouth just enough to make you feel comfortable.
These solutions won’t solve anything in the long run, so make sure you aren’t stalling.
Talk to your dentist and be open about what you think, what you want, and how much you can afford. If you want to find a natural solution, then talk to the dentist to see if he or she has some additional advice for you.
