How Can a Dentist Make My Small Adult Teeth Look Larger?

My adult teeth are too small. I compare them to the size of a preteenager’s teeth. My smile looks immature, and I am self-conscious about it. My teeth do not prevent me from smiling, but I do not smile with my teeth showing for pictures. I will be 40 years old next year, so I think it’s time for a more mature smile. What are the options for making small teeth look larger? Thank you. Anya from Reno, NV

Anya,

Thank you for your question. Although Dr. LeSage would need to complete a comprehensive exam and x-ray your teeth before recommending treatment options, we will discuss several options for enlarging small adult teeth.

How Can You Make Small Adult Teeth Look Larger?

Treatment options for making small adult teeth look larger include porcelain veneers, dental bonding, gum contouring, orthodontics, dental implants, or a combination of treatments. The condition and position of your teeth and the number of affected teeth influence treatment recommendations. Before transforming your smile, a cosmetic dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.

Treatment options:

• Porcelain veneers – A highly skilled dentist can bond custom-crafted thin porcelain shells to the fronts of your teeth. Veneers can transform your smile with natural characteristics, shade, and translucence. Veneers can last fifteen to twenty years or more.
• Dental bonding – Composite bonding can reshape your small teeth and make them look larger. Your cosmetic dentist will explain the pros and cons of dental bonding for your case. Cosmetic dentists skillfully select and blend dental composite. After roughening the surfaces of your teeth, they apply, shape, and harden the bonding. Your cosmetic dentist will polish your teeth with a natural-looking gloss. Well-maintained bonding can last five to ten years.
• Gum contouring – Sometimes, excessive gum tissue makes adult teeth look small. Removing excess tissue and contouring the gums around your teeth can help them look more prominent and enhance your smile.
• Orthodontics – Depending on the position of your teeth, you may need orthodontics before getting veneers to make your teeth look larger. If you are missing lateral incisor teeth, canine teeth can erupt in the wrong position—often beside your front center teeth (central incisors). Misshaped, pointy canines look even smaller beside center front teeth. A dentist may recommend Invisalign or other braces to reposition your teeth and make room for dental implants to replace the missing lateral incisors.
• Dental implants – If you are missing lateral incisors and require tooth replacement, an implant mimics a natural tooth’s structure. Implant components are an artificial root, an abutment (connector), and a dental crown attached to the connector. An adult-sized custom dental crown will complete each implant. The crowns will match the characteristics and color of your surrounding natural teeth.

Schedule a Consultation with a Highly Skilled Cosmetic Dentist

An advanced cosmetic dentist uses various tools, materials, and techniques to ensure your smile is healthy, functional, and attractive. Look for an accredited cosmetic dentist and schedule a consultation to discuss how you want to improve your smile and learn about the options for improving