What causes some people to have big teeth?
The teeth shape and size should be proportional to the jaw size. When they become disproportionate, it would force the teeth to develop smaller or larger than normal. Teeth smaller than the average size are referred as “Microdontia” whereas one tooth or a group of teeth that grows bigger than the standard tooth size is clinically termed as “Macrodontia”.
Despite the altered tooth size appears a benign condition, it might be the oral manifestation of various genetically inherited conditions, hormonal imbalance, etc. In this post, we are going to see about Macrodont teeth which are highly seen in Asians than others.
What causes Macrodontia?
Macrodontia otherwise known as Megadontia does not occur on its own. It is more likely to be seen in men than women. The enlargement in one or more teeth occurs due to a wide range of conditions. Here are the most common triggering factors:
- Genetics – Genes play a crucial role in pre-determining your dental health. Most of the Macrodontia sufferers we treated had developed this abnormality as a genetically inherited trait. The genetic mutations that handle teeth development make the teeth grow without stopping at the right time.
- Hormone problems – Hormonal imbalance is another reason so that some people have atypically shaped, large teeth. People who are suffering from hormone problems such as adult growth hormone deficiency, pituarity gigantism, diabetes insipidus have high chances of developing enlarged teeth.
- Health disorders – In certain cases, macrodontia is accompanied by various bodily disorders and hereditary conditions. The main culprits to mention are KBG Syndrome, Octodental Syndrome, Hemihypertrophy, Hemifacial Hyperplasia, Klinefelter Syndrome, and Rabson-Mendenhall Syndrome.
- External factors – Certain environmental factors to which a person is exposed during infanthood or childhood also tend to enlarge the teeth. Example: poor diet, overexposure to radiation.
Types of Macrodontia
Macrodontia is classified into 3 categories as follows:
1) Isolated Macrodontia – This is a condition where one tooth alone is abnormally big. Men are highly susceptible to developing this dental condition than women. Having one macrodont tooth is linked to a variety of hereditary syndromes and hormone problems like octodental syndrome, pituitary gigantism, unilateral hypoplasia. Tooth carving treatment is pivotal to correct this problem.
2) True Generalized Macrodontia – Also known as Total Macrodontia, it refers to the condition where all teeth grow larger than usual size. In most cases, it occurs as a side effect or a symptom of underlying disorders. For instance, people who are suffering from Hemihypertrophy exhibit atypical things like big teeth, enlarged hands, feet.
3) Relative Generalized Macrodontia – This condition involves the teeth are properly developed, sized normal but appearing large due to the undersized jaw. Orthodontic treatment is essential to get rid of this problem.
What are the treatment options available to correct macrodont teeth?
Dental doctors can identify this problem with a simple observation. However, radiographs are also paramount to detect the exact cause of this condition. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, the dentist will recommend a specific treatment course.
Otherwise, the dentist will perform any of the following procedures that meet your needs if there is no genetic or systemic cause is associated with macrodontia.
- Dental Braces – The treatment begins by widening the jaw with palate expanders. If the patient has crowded teeth, then he/she should wear dental braces for straightening. Moreover, the teeth will get accommodated in their respective rooms. A wider jaw with straight dentition makes the teeth appear smaller.
- Teeth Shaving – This procedure involves reducing the teeth size by removing the excess portions outside the teeth with a sanding device. However, it is not recommended for people with weak teeth because shaving a weakened tooth will tend to expose its inner layers followed by a sharp pain in the tooth.
- Teeth Extraction – Surgical removal is recommended for macrodont teeth that cannot be addressed with teeth shaving or orthodontic treatments. Removing such big teeth will make more space for the remaining teeth so that they can get more room. The extracted teeth can also be restored with appliances like dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants.
Have queries on Macrodontia or would you like to know more about the treatment options? use the comment section below to ask. We will reply to you soon.
