Are your teeth too small? Discover more about microdontia

Some people have to face dental anomalies which affect both the aesthetic and function of their mouth. An uncommon but highly visible anomaly is microdontia, a condition that can have a significant impact on the shape and size of the teeth. In this article, we’ll explore what microdontia is, the types that exist, their causes, consequences and how it is diagnosed. In addition, we’ll explore the treatment options for small teeth, from veneers and crowns to orthodontic treatments like braces.

What is microdontia?

Microdontia is a dental disorder in which teeth appear smaller than usual. This anomaly can affect one tooth or many teeth, and can be visible in both milk teeth and adult teeth.

Microdontia is a rare pathology, but is no less important than others. It’s imperative that it’s diagnosed correctly to avoid serious problems with the patient’s health.

Microdontia or small teeth in adults

Small teeth in adults can often occur in one tooth or several teeth. When it occurs in just one tooth, it’s important to diagnose it correctly and not to confuse it with a milk tooth that hasn’t fallen out yet, as it has no permanent tooth to replace it if removed.

Microdontia or small teeth in children

Microndontia in children shows as teeth that are much smaller in relation to the size of the roots and gums. Microdontia in children should not be confused with milk teeth when they have a mix of both milk and permanent teeth. The contrast in size between the permanent teeth and the milk teeth makes the milk teeth appear even smaller.

Types of microdontia

Microdontia can be classified into three main types: partial, generalised and relative.

Partial microdontia

Partial microdontia refers to when only some of the teeth are affected, not all all of them. It usually appears in the upper lateral incisors, and while it’s less common, it can also appear in the third molars or premolars. Partial microdontia often creates a noticeable discrepancy in the appearance of the teeth.

Generalised microdontia

Generalised microdontia, which is less common than partial microdontia, occurs when the majority or all of the teeth appear smaller than normal. Generalised microdontia can have a significant impact on the appearance of the smile and is often associated with other genetic conditions.

Relative microdontia: when big gums and/or jawbones make the teeth appear small

Relative microdontia refers to when the jawbone is excessively large and developed, which makes the teeth appear very small. In other words, while the teeth are normal in size, they appear smaller in comparison to the size of the jawbone.

There are also cases of relative microdontia where the teeth appear small because the gums are big or overdeveloped. In these cases, even though the teeth are of normal size, the size of the gums make them appear smaller.

Why are my teeth so small? The causes of microdontia

If you are asking yourself, “why are my teeth so small?”, in this section we will explain the causes of microdontia. Microdontia can have a variety of causes, and is often the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the possible causes include:

• Genetic factors: genetic predisposition often plays a crucial role in the development of microdontia. If there is a family history of this condition, it’s more likely that it will be passed on to future generations.
• Problems during development of the teeth: abnormalities during tooth formation, either in the womb or during infancy, can lead to microdontia.
  
• Environmental factors: exposure to certain environmental factors during the development of the teeth, such as infections or nutritional deficiencies, may contribute to the development of microdontia.
  

Consequences of microdontia

The consequences of microdontia go beyond affecting the aesthetic of the teeth. It can also affect the functionality of the mouth and speech, as we will see below:

• Problems with chewing: small teeth can make it difficult to chew food efficiently, which can thus affect digestion.
• Speech problems: microdontia in certain teeth, especially in incisors, can affect pronunciation and speech.
  
• Psychological problems: the appearance of small teeth can affect a person's confidence and self-esteem.
  
• Further dental problems: interdental spaces can increase the likelihood of dental problems like tooth decay due to the accumulation of food or bacteria.
  

How is microdontia diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis of microdontia is essential for proper treatment planning. The use of dental radiographs is an essential tool in the diagnosis of microdontia. Radiographs, or X-rays, allow orthodontists or dentists to assess the relative size of the teeth, identify any problems with development, and plan any specific treatments to correct the microdontia and to prevent any future complications.

Treatments for microdontia or small teeth

Microdontia treatment is personalised according to the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. There are different treatments relating to orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry that are available for correcting small teeth. The choice of treatment will depend on various factors such as the patient's age, overall oral health and aesthetic expectations. Some of the most common microdontic treatments are listed below.

Veneers for small teeth

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance and correct their size. Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry solution for correcting small teeth. In cases of small teeth in adults, porcelain veneers are typically used. In cases of microdontia in children or adolescents, composite veneers are often used.

Crowns for small teeth

Dental crowns are protective coverings that are placed over the teeth, i.e. on top of the natural crown of the tooth that needs to be covered. Crowns are useful for restoring both the appearance and function of small teeth.

Dental implants

Dental implants are a durable solution for replacing missing teeth or teeth affected by microdontia. They consist of a titanium dental post inserted into the mandibular or maxillary bone, on which an artificial crown is placed. To place a dental implant, the affected teeth must first be extracted.

Gingivectomy or gingivoplasty for cases of relative microdontia

Gingivectomy or gingivoplasty treatments can be used in cases of relative microdontia where the teeth appear small and the gums are big. Both procedures work alongside each other to reduce the size of the gums to make the teeth more visible (gingivectomy), and to shape the gums for a more aesthetic result (gingivoplasty).

Orthodontics for microdontia: braces and aligners on small teeth

Orthodontic treatments, such as braces and clear aligners, are treatments that can help solve the problem of small teeth. Orthodontic treatments like braces can be used to correct the position of teeth and improve dental alignment in cases of microdontia, but are not a definitive treatment. Braces on small teeth are usually used in addition to other treatments.

Straighten your teeth with clear aligners at Impress

Impress aligners offer a discreet treatment for patients with microdontia. Our clear aligners are customised and can correct the position of the teeth. This is especially important to ensure an even distribution when chewing and to improve the overall dental aesthetic. Impress treatments are suitable for both teenagers and adults, and can be adapted to the needs of patients with small teeth to achieve functional results as well as the desired aesthetic.

If you are interested in our removable aligner treatments, come to your nearest Impress clinic and meet the team of professionals who will oversee your treatment. You can also make an appointment online, by phone at +44 20 3808 1072, or by writing to us on WhatsApp.