3 Causes of Short Adult Teeth and How to Find the Best Dentist to Lengthen Them

Short adult teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. Some people smile less so their short teeth won’t be noticed. But what prevents adult teeth from fully developing or erupting? What can be done about it? And how can you find the best dentist to lengthen them?

What Causes Short Teeth?

There are many conditions that contribute to the development of short teeth. A few of them are listed below

Excessive gum tissue – Gingival hyperplasia is the growth of excessive gum tissue. When gum tissue is dominant, teeth will look small.
Genetics – Genetics can cause teeth to form incorrectly. Peg ateral incisors are common. The tooth on either side of the front center teeth is small and does not develop correctly.
Microdontia – This term describes adult teeth that are
abnormally small. Some contributing factors include:

The health of a mother while pregnant – Diabetes, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions affect the growth development of the baby, including tooth development.
Radiation or chemotherapy during infancy – These treatments affect the development of primary and permanent teeth.
Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions, syndromes, and craniofacial abnormalities can prevent teeth from fully developing.

Options for Lengthening Short Teeth

Gum contouring – If you have gingival hyperplasia—or a gummy smile—excessive gum tissue can be removed with a dental laser. This is a comfortable procedure that is completed in the dental office. The removal of excess gum tissue might be all that is needed to help your teeth look longer.
Cosmetic bonding – Dental composite, or dental bonding, is made of a mixture of plastic resin and silica or quartz. Various shades of composite are blended to match the color, translucence, and gloss of your natural teeth. It is applied, shaped, and polished while you’re sitting in the dental chair. An experienced cosmetic dentist achieves lifelike results with composite. Composite can stain over time. If you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or dark beverages, you’ll need periodic maintenance from your dentist to keep the composite bright. If you take good care of it, composite lasts about ten years. It is not as durable as porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers – A very thin shell of porcelain can be bonded to the front of each short tooth. Porcelain mimics the characteristics of natural teeth. This is the most costly form of cosmetic dentistry, but it is also the most costly. With regular maintenance by a cosmetic dentist and dental hygienist who are trained to care for them, your porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years or longer.
Porcelain crowns – This option can be considered if a short tooth is severely damaged. A porcelain crown covers an entire tooth. Your natural tooth will need to be shaved for the crown to fit over it. This aggressive reduction of your natural tooth structure isn’t recommended unless it is necessary. A crown can last 15 years of longer if it is well maintained.

How Can You Find a Top Dentist to Lengthen Your Teeth?

Although any dentist can lengthen your teeth, the results you receive will vary. A general or family dentist might not have received post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. And he or she might not be an artist. Although cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty, producing beautiful results requires additional training and experience. So what should you look for? Consider a few ways to find a top cosmetic dentist and get beautiful results.

Ask for recommendations – If you have friends or family members who have received cosmetic dentistry, ask what they do or don’t like about their cosmetic dentist, as well as the results of their smile.
Training and credentials – Search on the Internet for cosmetic dentists in your area. Look on the websites of at least two or three cosmetic dentists to find the following information:
- Advanced training in cosmetic dentistry – True cosmetic dentists continually participate in training.
- Accreditation by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – If there are no accredited cosmetic dentists in your area, look for membership in cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry associations.
- Awards or achievements in cosmetic dentistry – Many top cosmetic dentists have been recognized for producing amazing results with patients’ smiles
Smile gallery – A cosmetic dentist’s website should feature a smile gallery of patients’ before-and-after photos. Examine them closely.
Consultations – We suggest that you schedule at least two consultations with cosmetic dentists. You should be given information about your options for lengthening your short teeth, as well as a rough estimate of the cost.

The before-and-after photos below show how Dr. Hurley used porcelain veneers and crowns to lengthen this patient’s teeth and make them whiter.

BEFORE
AFTER

If you’re on a budget, ask your cosmetic dentist about financing
or payment plans to make lengthening your teeth affordable.

This post is sponsored by award-winning accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Does a Pediatric Dentist Really Need to Fill Kids’ Cavities?

Yes. Consider four benefits.

Keeps Teeth Aligned – When cavities are filled, it prevents further tooth decay. Primary teeth guide permanent teeth into the right position. And when a decayed tooth is lost due to lack of treatment, nearby teeth will drift into the empty space and cause misalignment. Orthodontic treatment will be recommended.

Limits Sensitivity – Cavities can create sensitivity in tooth nerves. If your child’s teeth become painful or sensitive, properly chewing food will become difficult. Food that isn’t sufficiently chewed can create digestive issues. Also, if decayed teeth make eating uncomfortable, your child will avoid certain foods and possibly suffer from inadequate nutrition.

Improves Appearance – Cavities can darken teeth and cause them to chip or break. If a decayed tooth is visible when your child smiles, it can be embarrassing, and your child won’t enjoy smiling.

Controls Bad Breath – Tooth decay stinks. The odor from bacteria lingers on the breath. Your child might be teased or shunned by other children.

If your child has cavities and the dentist is recommending treatment for them, give serious consideration to the benefits, as well as the consequences of leaving the cavities untreated.

Ways to Limit Pediatric Dental Visits for Cavities

Below are some ways to limit pediatric dental visits for
having cavities filled.

Practice good oral hygiene at home – Monitor your child to ensure they are brushing their teeth twice daily and flossing between them daily. Brushing and flossing keep bacteria and plaque at a minimum.

Proper nutrition – Sugary foods and drinks increase the amount of acid on teeth and promote decay. Ensure your child drinks plenty of water. Plan ahead by keeping healthy snacks at home, including fruit, veggies, and nuts.

Regular dental checkups – Maintain regular pediatric dental appointments for cleanings and exams. Preventive care detects developing cavities early so they can be treated before a filling is needed.

When your child’s first tooth erupts, schedule an
appointment for a checkup. The dentist will examine the tooth and determine if it is healthy. Early attention to tooth development can identify any concerns and treat them before they worsen.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Dr. Hurley is an accredited cosmetic dentist who enjoys helping children achieve and maintain healthy, attractive smiles.

Keeping Our Patients Safe

Archives for February 2019