Small Teeth
Human teeth can come in many shapes and sizes, and some people have smaller than average teeth, a condition called microdontia.
Microdontia only affects one or two teeth, and it is rare for it to affect all teeth.
Microdontia only affects one or two teeth, and it is rare for it to affect all teeth.
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Very occasionally, a genetic syndrome is the underlying cause of microdontia dental issues. There are two main types of microdontia.
Someone with a larger jaw than average or with a protrusive jaw may be diagnosed with relative generalized microdontia, where the size of their jaw makes it appear as if their teeth are smaller when in fact, they are the right size.
Localized microdontia affects single teeth that are smaller than average or which are smaller than neighboring teeth. It can affect the tooth root, the tooth crown, or the entire tooth. Localized microdontia is the most common form of microdontia. It usually affects teeth in the upper jaw or maxilla.
The most likely teeth to be affected are the lateral incisors, which are right next door to your central incisors or two upper front teeth. The shape of the lateral incisors may be normal, or these teeth can be peg-shaped and are smaller than average.
Some people have a small lateral incisor on one side while the adult lateral incisor on the other side is missing because it didn’t develop. Sometimes a baby lateral incisor is left in its place, or a person will have no tooth at all. Wisdom teeth or your third molars may also be affected and can appear smaller than the other molars.
Receiving chemotherapy or radiation during childhood before age six can affect tooth development. Treatment can result in microdontia.
Most times, localized microdontia does not need treatment, but some people want to improve the appearance of their smile. We see quite a lot of small teeth in adults and can provide cosmetic dental treatment to make teeth longer and more aesthetically appealing.
We can provide custom-made veneers for small teeth and which are thin shells of porcelain made to fit precisely over the small tooth. Because we are increasing the size and potentially the length of the tooth, tooth preparation is usually unnecessary. We can simply take an impression of the tooth, which is used to custom make your veneer. Once the veneer is ready, it is bonded firmly onto the tooth, giving the appearance of a regular-sized tooth.
Veneers can also be made from a tooth-colored composite resin that is applied directly to the tooth surface in a process called dental bonding. The material is hardened, shaped, and polished to create the correct sized tooth.
Instead of hiding the front surface of a small tooth, the entire tooth is covered with a dental crown. If your tooth is very small or has signs of decay, a dental crown may be a preferable solution as it provides better protection for a peg-shaped tooth.
Our general dental specialists here at Gentle Dental can discuss all Small Teeth treatment options suitable for your situation. For more information about the best treatment for small teeth in Queens, contact Gentle Dental at (718) 461-0100.
I have been going to Gentle Dental for over 10 years. I always get amazing service and quality work. The staff is always friendly and I love that every step and detail is explained for all procedures. They really take the time to thoroughly examine you and for the most part everything I have had done was pain free. Patient’s comfort is their #1 concern. Most people don’t like to go to the dentist and don’t because of the discomfort involved. That has never been a problem here. I moved away 5 years ago but I still will drive 40 minutes to Queens to see this dentist because I like them that much. Highly recommend.
Dr. Ilyabaev is one of the best dentist I have ever had the pleasure of being a patient of. Not just for people who are VERY fearful of getting dental work done like myself, but also because he is a grade A professional at his craft. I Went into his office and was greeted by a VERY friendly staff and felt comfortable through the entire process. He knew I had a bad fear so he talked me through the whole thing and made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process .. I had such an excellent experience with him I plan to go back and get all the necessary work finished. I look forward to my next appointment!
I moved a good distance away. As a result I visited multiple dentist near my new location because of my work schedule. Needless to say, I regreted it. I have began going to gentle dental once again, the staff are very accomodating. The service and care is exceptional. The oral surgeon is by far one of the best, if not the best I have ever had the pleasure of have work done by. They are very attentive and follow up vicariously. Very professional and proficient. Thank you Gentle dental for not holding any grudges because of my disloyalty. Just kidding, but thank you sincerely…
After days of constant throbbing pain and sleepless nights. I asked my friends if they knew any good dentist. I was recommended that I go to the Gentle Dental to have the work done. Dr. Ilyabayev was assigned to my case and he put me at ease almost immediately.It might’ve been his friendly attitude or the fact that he covered the steps of the procedure and made sure that I understood what he was telling me. He asked me if i had any questions or concerns. The extraction went according to plan without any complications. I was finally pain free and able to eat and drink without any pain. I highly recommend Gentle Dental to anyone. The professionalism, competence and care given is superb and the cost is reasonable. Thank you again for everything
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