How your Cosmetic Dentist Can Help with your North Phoenix Microdontia!!

Are you familiar with the term microdontia? Most North Phoenix dental patients are not. Although it sounds a little like a disease, according to a Phoenix cosmetic dentist, it simply means small teeth. This condition may have been around longer and be more prevalent than previously thought.

Excavated bones dating as far back as the Middle Ages show generalized microdontia, possibly stemming from intrauterine growth retardation, meaning the fetus did not grow at a normal rate while inside the mother’s womb.

Are you aware that genetics determine how teeth develop, including the size and shape of your teeth? Genetics are the most widespread cause of microdontia, and a person can be born with microdontia even if neither parent has it, since both parents can carry a recessive gene for it.

Cosmetic dentists see various forms of microdontia. True cases of generalized microdontia, characterized by all of the teeth being abnormally small, are rare. Often what is thought to be generalized microdontia is actually the result of inheriting average sized teeth from one parent and an unusually large jaw from the other parent.

The most common type of microdontia involves just one tooth or only a few teeth. Most frequently microdontia involves the lateral incisors, which are the teeth on either side of the two center front teeth. They can be peg lateral incisors, in which case along with being abnormally small they are also misshapen. These lateral teeth should be approximately 2/3 the size of the center front teeth. The next most likely place to see microdontia is in the third molars. Sometimes these microdonts never erupt and may require surgical removal to prevent complications.

Many dental patients are embarrassed by the cosmetic aspects of having microdontia, such as having small or misshapen teeth with spaces in between.

They feel like they still have their “baby” teeth. What they may not realize is that microdontia can also affect their oral health and interfere with chewing. When teeth don’t fit together the way they should it not only makes it difficult to chew properly but can also create abnormal wear on your teeth. It may even result in chipped or cracked teeth. In addition, it can contribute to TMJ syndrome.

Whatever the cause, the good news is that a North Phoenix dentist can help correct the condition. Since microdontia presents itself differently in each person you will need an Arizona cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth, take x-rays and determine a personalized plan to achieve the smile you want.

If you are only dealing with small restorations, you may be able to use composites to change the shape of the tooth. Composites consist of a tooth colored material often used in fillings and restorations. One advantage of composite bonding is that it can be bonded directly to your natural tooth without the need to remove any enamel.

Another option to change the size and shape of teeth are porcelain veneers. A dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that completely covers the front of a tooth. Porcelain veneers can hide a multitude of problems including chipped, broken, crooked, stained and misshapen or abnormally spaced teeth. They can change a smile so completely they are often called “instant orthodontics.” Although the use of dental veneers does require removing a small amount of enamel, most patients feel the improvement is definitely worth it.

For more serious restorations a crown may be called for. A dental crown completely covers a tooth. Dental crowns can protect and strengthen weak or broken teeth. A crown can also improve the shape and appearance of the tooth. In addition, crowns are used to cover dental implants.

Depending on the severity of the microdontia your North Phoenix cosmetic dentist may even recommend braces or dental implants to his Phoenix patients..

At Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead Dr. Greg Ceyhan has over 20 years of experience in helping patients achieve the smile they hope for. Dr. Ceyhan regularly attends conferences and continuing education in addition to teaching at Midwestern University School of Dental Medicine in order to stay up to date on the most current techniques. Don’t let something like microdontia spoil your smile. Call Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead to schedule a consultation. Changing your smile may be easier than you think.

Phone: (623) 979-1515
Fax: (623) 878-1811
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Website: https://www.drgregceyhan.com
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