What is small?
The crown relative to its usual tooth type.
← All explanationsMicrodontia
Why is one tooth much smaller than its neighbours?
Microdontia means unusually small tooth size. A small or narrow upper lateral incisor may be particularly noticeable. Assessment distinguishes a genuinely small crown from a tooth that only looks small relative to the arch.
For training & practice ↓
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Size and shape
A small tooth may have ordinary proportions or also be peg-shaped. Not every shape difference is the same developmental variation.
Assess gaps
Small crowns can contribute to gaps. Missing teeth, tooth position and arch shape are also considered.
Preference and function
Correction is not automatically needed. If desired, tooth tissue, bite, age and possible treatments are discussed together.
Read the full explanation
Size and shape
A small tooth may have ordinary proportions or also be peg-shaped. Not every shape difference is the same developmental variation.
Assess gaps
Small crowns can contribute to gaps. Missing teeth, tooth position and arch shape are also considered.
Preference and function
Correction is not automatically needed. If desired, tooth tissue, bite, age and possible treatments are discussed together.
Notes on the teaching images
- A small peg-shaped variant is only one example. Not every small tooth has this shape.
At a glance
Must it be changed?
No; function and preference matter.
Planning?
Assess bite, tissue and space together.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Small is not missing
Microdontia describes tooth size. Hypodontia describes missing developing teeth.
Quick answers
Is a small tooth necessarily unhealthy?
Not automatically. Size alone says little about decay or strength.
Does it always need a veneer?
No. Whether and how to change it depends on findings and preferences.
Can a gap prove the diagnosis?
No. Tooth measurements and the whole dentition need assessment.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
How do size, bite and tooth tissue affect possible correction?
If a small tooth or gap bothers you, the options can be discussed before choosing any treatment.
Discuss tooth shape and a gapAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Crown width
- Width of the tooth crown.
- Peg-shaped tooth
- A tapered crown, often affecting a lateral incisor.
- Proportion
- Relationship to neighbouring teeth and the arch.
Make the distinction
Microdontia describes tooth size. Hypodontia describes missing developing teeth.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.