If you have small teeth, it’s pretty easy to feel self-conscious about them. After all, they can hurt a smile’s looks and make socializing awkward. Fortunately, though, you can always fix “stubby” pearly whites with cosmetic dentistry! This dental field has treatments that can make your smile look longer. To prove it, your Lincoln dentist is here with the evidence. Here’s a summary of the causes behind small teeth and how cosmetic dental work can fix them.
What Causes Small Teeth?
Most cases of small teeth stem from a condition called microdontia. Hereditary in nature, you’re more likely to have this defect if shorter pearly whites run in your family. However, it can sometimes result from genetic disorders, developmental issues, or radiation exposure.
On the other hand, severe wear-and-tear and chipping can cause shorter teeth too. In these cases, the source of the problem is likely an accident or frequent tooth grinding. As such, macrodontia becomes more common with age and tends to require dental treatment.
How Can a Dentist Fix Them?
As it happens, cosmetic dentists have ways to make your teeth look longer. Depending on your preferences and price range, these procedures could include:
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Among other things, dental bonding can increase the size of your teeth. Its tooth-colored resin can add to enamel’s bulk while blending seamlessly with the rest of your smile. You’d also be a good candidate for treatment if you only need minor and quick cosmetic work. Bonding could then give you a flawless new grin in as little as one hour!
Porcelain Veneers
If you don’t already know, veneers are porcelain layers that cover the fronts of teeth. In doing so, they could effectively lengthen your pearly whites.
At the same time, veneers also have other benefits. Their versatility allows them to cover many smile flaws, including stains, chips, cracks, and more. Plus, these porcelain layers are beautiful and durable — they can thus whiten and straighten teeth for years with good care.
Metal-Free Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a protective “cap” that snugly fits over your tooth. It thus works as a treatment for dental damage and small teeth alike.
In particular, metal-free crowns improve oral health and enhance appearance. Each one is custom-made from porcelain (ceramic), so they prevent bacteria from reaching vulnerable areas, all while looking very natural.
In the end, small teeth shouldn’t have to hold you down. Therefore, consider the treatments listed above to get your dream smile.
About the Practice
South Ridge Dental is based in Lincoln, NE. As led by Drs. Ryan and Steven Shaffer, our practice emphasizes personalized and proactive dental care. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, not to mention emergency procedures. Our office is also a qualified provider of dental sedation and TMJ therapy. For more information or to book a visit, reach us on our website or call us at (402)-423-1616.