Do your teeth seem too small, and you’re worried that they’re shrinking away? You’re not alone. Tooth shrinkage, or tooth wear, is a common problem that can occur for various reasons.
Symptoms of tooth shrinkage may include teeth that seem smaller, narrower or more yellow, as well as tooth sensitivity or cracking. Causes can range from genetics and aging to teeth grinding (bruxism) and poor oral hygiene.
Treatment options include dental bonding, crowns, veneers and changes to oral habits and overall health. By understanding the causes and symptoms of tooth shrinkage, you can take steps to prevent or correct the problem and enjoy a healthy, confident smile.
What is microdontia?
Microdontia is a condition in which one or more teeth appear smaller than normal. It generally involves all teeth or a few, with the upper lateral incisors and hind molars commonly affected. Microdontia is usually genetic. Other causes, like poor oral hygiene, an erosive diet, teeth grinding or other damage can lead to teeth appearing small over time. Treatments like dental crowns can help enhance smile esthetics and functionality.
Microdontia is relatively common and particularly affects specific teeth and demographics. The condition is most frequently observed in the maxillary lateral incisors and third molars, although it can affect any tooth. It is more prevalent in women than men, with an overall occurrence rate of 1.5 to 2 percent.
Types of microdontia
Microdontia can be classified into three types:
- Single-tooth microdontia: Only one tooth is smaller than normal.
- Relative generalized microdontia: Teeth appear small relative to a larger jaw.
- True generalized microdontia: All teeth are uniformly smaller than average.
Why are my teeth so small?
Your teeth may be small due to various factors, including malocclusion, tooth wear, excessive gum tissue and developmental conditions. Small teeth are a natural variation in the population but if they are concerning enough, they can be addressed through cosmetic dentistry procedures if desired.
Common reasons for small teeth include:
Genetics
Genetics can significantly influence the size of teeth and contribute to conditions such as microdontia, where teeth appear smaller than typical. Genetics plays a significant role in the development of microdontia. Mutations in the PAX9 gene, specifically, are known to cause microdontia. This gene is responsible for the development of teeth, and its disruption can lead to various dental anomalies, including microdontia.
Genetic factors, environmental influences and potential syndromic conditions dictate the final size and appearance of an individual’s teeth. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help maintain dental health despite these genetic factors.
Diet
Diet significantly influences oral health and tooth size by affecting the enamel and potentially leading to tooth loss. A diet high in sugars and acids can contribute to tooth decay, which may result in a smaller tooth if the decay leads to significant destruction or if tooth loss occurs before dental intervention. Consuming sugary foods and drinks frequently without proper oral hygiene can increase the risk of dental caries, which may affect overall tooth size and health.
Dietary habits can indeed influence the health and appearance of teeth, including their size. Consuming foods that are high in sugar and acids can make teeth more prone to decay. Over time, this decay can lead to cavities, and if untreated, it may lead to tooth extraction or the need for dental restoration, possibly affecting the perceived size of teeth. Moreover, poor dietary choices can weaken dental tissues, potentially increasing the risk of gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss.
The American Dental Association (ADA) advises against frequent snacking and consumption of sugared beverages because they can cause a constant sugar bath on the teeth, enhancing the risk for caries. Furthermore, acidic foods like citrus fruits can harm tooth enamel, emphasizing the need for a balanced diet to maintain optimal oral health.
Tooth erosion and wear
Tooth erosion and wear contribute to the perception of teeth being too small or shrinking due to weakening enamel, often from acidic foods, grinding or wear. Regular oral hygiene and dental checks can lower the risk. Erosion progresses slowly, often unnoticed.
Prevention strategies include limiting acid-rich diets, maintaining good oral hygiene and routine dental visits. A well-balanced diet also contributes to dental health.
Chronic tooth erosion can create grooves and notches, giving teeth a shrunken appearance. Directly addressing erosion can help avoid this visual alteration.
Consider using enamel-strengthening products, fluoride gels or sealants to help counter tooth erosion. In severe cases, dental procedures like crowns or dental implants may be required.
Excess gum tissue
Excess gum tissue can cover the teeth and make them appear shorter than their actual length. This condition may be caused by a hyperactive upper lip muscle that lifts the lip higher than normal, exposing more gum tissue when smiling.
How to stop teeth from shrinking?
To prevent teeth shrinkage, brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily and floss once daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid overbrushing. Limit acidic foods or beverages to meal times. Increase saliva flow by chewing sugar-free gum. Follow your dentist’s recommended preventive care.
Visit a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Avoid clenching or grinding teeth. Break any sugar habits and avoid acidic or sugary foods/beverages.
See the four dental procedures below that your dentist could recommend to stop teeth shrinking.
1. Gum reshaping
Gum reshaping, also known as gum contouring, is a cosmetic dental procedure that adjusts the appearance of the gums. It is performed to improve the esthetic appearance of teeth and gums, primarily for those who feel self-conscious about their gumlines. This procedure does not impact the health-related elements of teeth, so other treatments for health issues may still be required.
Gum reshaping involves removing or adding excess gum tissue to create more esthetically pleasing gumlines. Typically, this procedure is elective since it only alters the cosmetic features of the teeth, not their shape, color or position.
To determine if gum reshaping is suitable for people with small teeth, it is essential to consult a dental professional. They will examine the teeth and gums and provide recommendations for enhancing the smile.
Maintaining oral care during recovery is crucial, including following the dentist’s instructions on avoiding spicy or seed-filled foods. Risks are associated with any surgical procedure so it is essential to consider these factors before deciding on gum reshaping.
Regular oral care such as brushing and flossing can help prevent the need for extensive procedures such as gum reshaping.
2. Porcelain dental veneers
Porcelain dental veneers can improve the appearance of chipped, cracked, discolored, stained or misshapen teeth; seal cracks and chips; prevent shifting or gaps from forming; and protect teeth from future damage. They also provide whiter, brighter teeth with excellent esthetic results and predictable longevity.
Porcelain dental veneers are thin layers of tooth-colored material (composite or porcelain) permanently bonded to the front of teeth. They are an excellent cosmetic solution that seals cracks and chips, helps prevent shifting or gaps from forming, protects teeth from future damage, and provides whiter, brighter teeth with pleasing esthetic results and predictable longevity.
Studies like the one published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) report[1] that porcelain veneers demonstrate excellent aesthetic results and predictable longevity of the treatment. A survey of 1,471 patients with porcelain veneers showed a 93-percent overall satisfaction rate.
The cost for porcelain veneers varies depending on the number of teeth being treated, the type of porcelain used and the dentist performing the procedure. However, they are typically less expensive and less invasive compared to other cosmetic procedures such as crowns.
By having porcelain veneers placed, you can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, stained or misshapen. The veneers provide a permanent solution that will not break the bank while significantly improving the look and radiance of your smile.
Taking care of your teeth and the porcelain veneers is important since they can be chipped or broken from habits such as clenching and grinding your teeth or biting your fingernails. Maintaining proper oral hygiene, attending regular dental appointments and avoiding bad habits will help ensure the longevity of the porcelain veneers.
3. Dental crown
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores or protects a decayed, broken, weak or worn-down tooth. Dentists also use crowns to cover dental implants and root canal-treated teeth. Dental crowns last between five to 15 years with proper care and can prevent further tooth damage.
Dental crowns play a pivotal role in the restoration of weak, decayed, broken or worn-down teeth. They offer protective support for damaged teeth and maintain oral health by acting as a durable covering for teeth affected by tooth decay or extensive damage. A dental crown acts like a shell over a natural tooth to provide protection against external factors that cause further damage.
The lifespan of dental crowns varies but generally ranges from five to 15 years, given proper care. Maintaining oral hygiene and practicing regular dental visits help prevent additional issues such as bacterial infection, which may cause damage to the dental crown or tooth underneath.
The dental crowns themselves can be manufactured using different materials such as resin, metal or porcelain, depending on esthetic considerations, functionality and location in the mouth. Metal crowns provide better strength and durability, while porcelain and ceramic offer better esthetic results because of their close resemblance to natural tooth color and structure.
While the majority of people undergoing crown procedures report immediate results with little or no side effects, complications can occur during or after the process. Common problems may include poor crown fit, incorrectly positioned crown, sensitivity or tooth discomfort, loose crown and even tooth fractures beneath the crown. These complications are avoidable by scheduling routine dental exams to assess crown health and maintaining a high level of oral hygiene at home.
If your teeth show signs of damage or weakening, discuss the possible need for dental crowns with dental professionals at TeethXpress to learn about treatment options tailored to your individual case and long-term oral health.
4. Composite bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses a tooth-colored composite resin material to enhance your smile. This procedure is used to repair chips, close gaps and change the shape and color of teeth. Dental bonding is a minimally invasive treatment that preserves the natural structure of teeth and can often be completed in a single visit to the dentist. It is a cost-effective solution that is less expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures like crowns and veneers.
Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure utilized to enhance the appearance of your teeth and restore or repair damaged teeth. Utilizing a tooth-colored composite resin material, dentists bond and sculpt this material to specific tooth locations to conceal irregularities, like chips and discoloration, and modify size or shape. Dental bonding’s simplicity makes it suitable for patients who seek minor yet significant esthetic improvements; a single office visit is usually adequate, unlike with more intricate solutions such as porcelain veneers.
Bonded tooth material is relatively stain-resistant but does not withstand discoloration as well as its porcelain counterpart, resulting in reduced longevity compared to veneers. Though bonded teeth aren’t as resilient in regard to resistance to abrasions, bonding isn’t invasive, which makes this choice suitable for young patients and adults with healthy teeth.
Are your teeth actually small or do they just look small?
Your teeth are not necessarily small in reality but they may appear small due to various factors. Tooth wear and tear, gum recession or changes in facial structure over time can also contribute to the perception that teeth have become smaller.
Excessive gum tissue
Excessive gum tissue can make teeth appear smaller by covering a significant portion of the crown, giving the illusion of a shorter tooth structure. This is because the excess gum tissue can make the tooth appear to be buried beneath it, reducing its visible height and making it appear smaller than it actually is.
Wear, flattening, chipping
Wear, flattening and chipping in teeth can occur for various reasons. Tooth decay and cavities eat away at the enamel while large fillings can weaken teeth. Teeth grinding and eating acidic foods can also break down enamel, causing teeth to appear smaller. Additionally, poor oral hygiene, genetic predisposition and bruxism can contribute to the wearing down of teeth.
Natural tooth shape and size are disproportionate
The natural shape and size of teeth can be disproportionate for various reasons, including an uneven jawbone, misaligned teeth or an overbite. For instance, if the front teeth are longer than the rest, they may appear smaller than they actually are. Additionally, a gummy smile can also make teeth appear smaller because of the excessive gum tissue covering them.
FAQ
How can small teeth impact your oral health?
Small teeth can lead to eating and speaking issues and may impact your teeth’s overall wear and tear. Additionally, they may cause jaw issues. Identifying the cause of your small teeth is important since this root concern can be addressed and possibly prevent potential bite alignment problems like overbites, underbites or crossbites. In some cases, small teeth can also indicate a larger health issue.
Does a tooth shrink?
A tooth does not shrink in the literal sense. However, it may appear to be shrinking because of skin elasticity loss as we age or excessive tooth wear caused by rubbing or grinding the front teeth. This can create an illusion that the teeth are shrinking rather than any actual physical change.
Do teeth look like they are shrinking?
The illusion of shrinking teeth is created because the skin loses its elasticity as you age. Additionally, teeth grinding or clenching can cause erosion, making them appear smaller over time.
What is it called when your teeth are too small?
Microdontia is the condition in which one or more teeth appear smaller than normal. It can be categorized into two forms: generalized, where all teeth are affected, and localized, where only a few teeth are involved. The most common teeth affected are the upper lateral incisors and third molars.
What happens if your mouth is too small for your teeth?
If your mouth is too small for your teeth, you may experience dental concerns like crowded or impacted teeth. This can lead to speech problems, trouble breathing, and misaligned teeth. The tongue and lips may not function correctly, resulting in crowded teeth and underdeveloped jaws. This bite imbalance puts stress on the jaw, leading to further issues.
Why do my teeth seem smaller?
Your teeth can seem smaller due to factors like tooth wear, attrition and poor oral hygiene. Beverages like soft drinks and energy drinks containing sugars and starches can wear away tooth enamel, causing teeth to appear smaller. Additionally, bruxism and clenching during the night can also contribute to tooth wear and a shorter appearance over time.
Why do teeth shrink with age?
Teeth do not shrink with age. However, factors such as inconsistent brushing and flossing, sugary and acidic foods and beverages, and teeth grinding can wear down tooth enamel, making teeth appear shorter over time. This natural wear and tear is common, but it can be prevented or managed with good oral hygiene practices.
Do small teeth look good?
Small teeth are often considered a cosmetic concern. But small teeth can appear esthetically pleasing for those with smaller faces, yet they may lead to oral health risks. Short teeth might result from genetics, wear and tear, or jaw size, and can increase bacteria accumulation and tooth decay. Porcelain veneers offer a cosmetic solution to create the illusion of larger teeth. Treatments like dental bonding, gum contouring, and orthodontics are additional methods to address short teeth appearance.
How do small teeth affect your face?
Small teeth can weaken the jawbone, causing it to shrink and change the facial shape. The bone may rotate forward, making the face look shorter than it should be. This can lead to facial asymmetry, wrinkles and a loss of facial structure. Furthermore, a collapsing bite can propel the jaw forward, resulting in a sunken, hollow facial appearance.
Is mewing healthy?
Mewing is considered harmless as long as you don’t clench your teeth, and there’s no evidence to suggest it can change your jawline. Some experts believe it may benefit children whose jaws are still developing, but there’s no scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness for reshaping the face.
Can small teeth affect speech?
Yes, small teeth can affect speech. Small teeth can lead to speech difficulties since the tongue and lips have to adjust to a smaller oral space. This can cause difficulties in articulation, pronunciation and even confidence when speaking.
Will teeth tighten back up?
A loose permanent tooth can be tightened back up if the cause is mild, such as a minor injury. In these cases, the tooth will usually tighten on its own once the root heals over time. However, if the looseness is severe or caused by advanced gum disease, injury, or osteoporosis, a dental visit is required for treatment.
Do teeth roots shrink?
Teeth roots can shrink due to various factors, including orthodontic tooth movement, physical injury, and tooth nerve or gum infection. When root resorption occurs, the physical root structure of the tooth begins to erode or dissolve away, potentially shortening the tooth’s root length. This can be seen in X-rays as a shortening of the root lengths and a flattening of the root tips.
Can you reduce the size of a tooth?
Yes, teeth reshaping is a cosmetic procedure that allows dentists to remove some of your teeth’s enamel to change their size and shape. This process, also known as teeth shaving, can reduce teeth size, especially in cases where the teeth are uneven or larger than desired. Dental crowns and veneers can also be used to change the size and shape of teeth.
