How Do You Fix Short Teeth?
Do you have short teeth? If so, you may be looking for a solution to fix the appearance of your short teeth and provide you with the smile you’ve always wanted…
Below is more information about the causes of short teeth and what can be done to fix them.
The Causes of Short Teeth
There are a few main causes of short teeth. These include:
* Wear. If you suffer from bruxism or acid reflux and it goes untreated, you may notice your teeth begin to wear down over time. Acid reflux involves the acid from your stomach coming up your throat and often into your mouth. Bruxism is a condition where you clench or grind your teeth (generally at night). If you believe you are suffering from either of these conditions, set an appointment with your dentist.
* Genetics. Patients that have always had short teeth suffer from a condition known as microdontia. Microdontia is a condition in which some or all of a patient’s teeth are naturally shorter. There are three main types of microdontia—true, relative, and localized. Localized is where one or a few teeth are shorter than the rest. Relative is caused by a large or protruding jawbone (with this condition, the teeth aren’t actually too short). Finally, there is true. True involves all of the patient’s teeth being shorter. This condition is very rare.
* Excessive gum tissue. While having excessive gum tissue doesn’t actually mean your teeth are shorter, it will create the appearance of shorter teeth.
How Do You Fix Short Teeth?
There are a few methods which your dentist may choose from to fix your short teeth. These include:
* Dental bonding. Dental bonding is a procedure that involves the placement of bonding resin on the patient’s tooth. This bonding material can be shaped to address cracks, chips, and other conditions (such as short teeth). It’s important to note that dental bonding is only an option for minor repairs.
* Dental veneers. Dental veneers are a step above dental bonding and are used to replace more of the tooth. Dental veneers are prosthetics that sit on the front of teeth and can be used to extend the length of teeth.
* Dental crowns. A dental crown is the most comprehensive repair option and involves the replacement of the entire crown of a patient’s tooth. The tooth is reshaped to allow for a prosthetic to replace the crown of the patient’s tooth.
* Gum contouring. Gum contouring involves the reshaping of the gums, which shows more of a patient’s teeth and makes them appear longer.
Reach Out Today
If you have short teeth or longer-than-usual gums, reach out today. We’ll set an appointment for our dentist to examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine the root cause of your short teeth. From there, a plan can be put in place to address the issue and lengthen your teeth.
We look forward to providing you with treatment for your short teeth.