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Genetics determine everything from your natural hair color to the shape of your eyes, so it’s not a surprise that genetic factors are also at play when it comes to what your teeth look like. Microdontia is a condition that runs in the family — just like generosity or love of Frasier — and it makes your teeth look small, like baby teeth. Aside from affecting your smile confidence, microdontia also impacts the function of your bite. Your dentist in Orlando, Dr. John E. Russo, can help. Three common cosmetic and restorative solutions for microdontia (and other cosmetic issues) include composite bonding, dental veneers, and crowns.
Composite bonding is a conservative solution that your dentist uses to simply add structure to each tooth. A natural-looking composite resin (made of smooth glass and plastic particles) is applied directly to the surface of each tooth. Dr. Russo sculpts it into a new tooth using a blend of artistry and expert dental knowledge. Once each tooth looks just right, the material is hardened under a special light.
Composite bonding offers an affordable solution for patients of all ages. It may be preferred for younger children, whose smiles have not yet finished developing.
Adult patients seeking a more lasting solution to microdontia or other cosmetic issues often prefer dental veneers. This common cosmetic procedure is something like hitting the “redo” button on your smile. Wafer-thin porcelain shells are bonded directly onto the surface of each of the front teeth to remake their size, shape, and overall appearance. Porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant, so they stay the same brilliant shade of white for years after their application. They are also less porous than composite veneers, meaning they are an effective solution for patients who smoke or use tobacco and are unwilling to kick the habit.
Dental crowns provide renewed strength and beauty for smiles. Patients with microdontia may choose this solution for the teeth in the back of the mouth, especially. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that is permanently affixed around the natural tooth, which has been reshaped to accommodate the new restoration. Dental crowns help patients with microdontia chew, as they are stronger than their natural teeth. They also look beautiful and can last for many years with proper care.
Wondering whether your smile would be better served by bonding, veneers, or dental crowns? It depends on your needs — healthy teeth can be treated with veneers or bonding, while those that have suffered injury, decay, or any other structural issue may require a crown. You and your dentist will thoroughly discuss your options and determine a treatment plan that is best for you. Some patients can benefit from all three treatments!
If you or a loved one have microdontia or any other issue affecting the appearance of your smile, talk to an expert who has the tools to help — like Dr. Russo and his team. Request an appointment to get started on your best smile today!