How to Tell if You Have Short Teeth?
Your smile is a unique and personal feature. A recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry states, “close to 50% of people believe that a smile is the most memorable feature after first meeting someone, more so than the first thing a person says.” It also states that 40% of women and 35% of men agree that an imperfect smile makes someone less appealing. Your teeth are the primary component of your smile, and many feel that their teeth could be improved.
Most common aesthetic complaints are about color or crookedness, but size can also be an issue.
Do You Suffer from Undersized Teeth?
You may see that there is something not right with your smile, but you do not know exactly why. You might not realize you have teeth that seem smaller, and this could be affecting your smile.
Your teeth might seem too small when you smile if you:
* Notice that your teeth appear short in comparison to your gums or some surrounding teeth.
* Your gums seem to be too long or describe your smile as gummy.
* You feel that your teeth are not large enough.
* Believe that your teeth are too low on your gums.
* In a more severe case having difficulty eating and speaking.
* Note that some or all of your teeth are too small to touch together.
Short Teeth Treatment Options
There is a variety of cosmetic and general dentistry treatments available. Your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your circumstances.
This solution could include one or more of the following:
* Porcelain veneers- These thin shells cover the front surfaces of your teeth, instantly transforming them by covering any imperfections. Your porcelain veneers are custom fabricated. If you have short teeth they can be made longer, giving you a balanced smile.
* Porcelain fixed bridges- If a few teeth in a row are too small, your dentist can correct this by placing a durable, beautiful, tooth-colored bridge over them.
* Dental implants- If the tooth that is too small needs to be removed, a dental implant, titanium posts inserted in your jawbone, to hold a restoration. A dental implant-supported prostheses is usually more aesthetic, functional, and comfortable.
* Dental crowns- If one or more individual teeth are too small, you might be able to enhance your smile with a dental crown. Like a fixed bridge, the restoration covers the tooth, instantly increasing its size.
* Gingival treatments- If larger gums are the reason your teeth appear smaller, your dentist can perform a gingival treatment, such as a gum lift.
* A night guard- To help with smaller teeth because of bruxism, your dentist may recommend that you wear a night guard. This device will prevent you from grinding while you sleep, which will slow down the wear and tear.
* Changing medications- If a drug-induced gingival overgrowth is the cause of your aesthetic concern, your dentist might suggest that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to review your medications.
* Braces or aligners- If your tooth size problem is related to misalignment, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment. You can correct your teeth using traditional braces, or translucent plastic aligners.