Cosmetic Dentistry Options For Small Teeth

While most people worry that their teeth may look too large and obvious, there are some people who feel that their teeth are too small. Tiny teeth may leave you feeling embarrassed or bashful each time you smile. They can even make you feel too juvenile. Usually, small teeth don't cause any functional problems; you can chew and speak just fine. But if their appearance is concerning you, there are a couple of remedies that a cosmetic dentist can employ.

Gum Reshaping

If you head into the cosmetic dentist's office looking for solutions to your too-small teeth, the first thing the dentist is likely to do is take some X-rays. This will allow them to see how small your teeth really are, versus how much of them are actually exposed below the gumline. In some cases, people have normal size teeth, but they have too much gum tissue covering over the teeth, which makes them look too small.

If your X-rays reveal that this is the issue, then your cosmetic dentist may schedule you for a surgical procedure to push your gum tissue back. This is done under local anesthesia, so you won't feel a thing. You'll need to stick to soft foods for a couple of weeks, but other than that, recovery is pretty straightforward.

Veneers

If your X-rays reveal that your teeth really are small, then the cosmetic dentist may instead recommend veneers. These are basically caps of porcelain that fit over the front and sides of your teeth. They can be made to size, making your teeth look just a little bigger or much bigger, depending on your preferences. Veneers can also be made in any shade, so they can be colored to match your natural teeth exactly. People who look at you won't know you have veneers.

Veneers are simply cemented to your teeth after a thin layer of enamel is removed from the tooth surface. This does mean that once you have them, you need to keep them for life. A set can last a decade or more, especially if you take good care of them by avoiding really crunchy foods.

If you think your teeth look too small, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. Whether you end up having a gum reduction procedure or getting veneers, this is a relatively easy problem to solve—and solving it can really boost your confidence. Contact a cosmetic dentist for more information. 

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