Everyone’s smile has unique features that tend to complement the rest of their facial appearance. In some cases, though, teeth can look disproportionately small or short, making people feel self-conscious when they smile. There are multiple reasons why teeth can look short, such as: 

• Naturally small teeth – A person may have abnormally small teeth compared to their face and overall body size.
• Worn down or chipped teeth – Premature wear on the teeth can make them shorter over time, which is especially common in people who clench or grind their teeth.
• Excess gum tissue – A “gummy smile” is when the gums cover too much of the tooth’s surface, making the teeth look short.

Depending on the cause of your short teeth, a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Andrew Skasko can help you design a treatment plan to achieve a more proportionate smile appearance. If you have naturally small teeth or they’ve had excessive wear over time, porcelain veneers may be a great option for adding length. For those suffering from a gummy smile, laser gum recontouring can improve symmetry of the gum line while revealing the optimal amount of tooth surface for an aesthetic outcome. 

The best way to learn how to enhance the look of overly short or small teeth is to schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist. For more information about veneers, gum recontouring, or other dental treatments, please contact Elite Dental today!