Teeth are a key part of our smile and overall appearance, making dental aesthetics an important part of oral health. One lesser-known dental condition that affects how teeth look is mamelons. These small, irregular ridges often appear along the edges of newly erupted teeth, especially in children. Although usually harmless, they can sometimes lead to cosmetic or functional concerns.
In this blog, we explain what mamelons are, why they form, and the professional treatments available to smooth or reshape them for a polished finish.
What Are Mamelon Teeth?
Mamelon teeth are small, rounded bumps found along the edges of the front incisors in both the upper and lower jaws. These bumps are especially noticeable on newly erupted permanent incisors in children and teenagers. Typically, mamelons have three to five ridges that resemble a scalloped shell. Over time, they naturally wear down through biting and chewing, although in some cases, they may persist a bit longer.
What Causes Mamelons?
Mamelons form during tooth development when enamel grows in layers, creating small bumps along the edges of new teeth. Delayed eruption can make these bumps more noticeable, especially if teeth take longer to emerge. Other contributing factors include genetics, variations in tooth size and shape, jaw growth patterns, and habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting that add pressure to the teeth.
While usually harmless and temporary, prominent mamelons lasting into the teenage years or adulthood can sometimes affect self-esteem, leading parents to consider cosmetic smoothing.
Each child develops differently, so if you’re concerned about your child’s dental development or the prominence of their mamelons, consult a pediatric dentist or your experienced dentists at Enhance Dental Centre. They can assess and recommend any necessary treatments.
Which Teeth Have Mamelons?
Mamelons are small bumps that appear on newly erupted incisor teeth—the four front teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. These teeth have flat edges and are essential for cutting food. As the most visible teeth, incisors play a big role in your smile, making mamelons on these teeth particularly noticeable due to their central position in the mouth.
How to Remove Mamelons
Removing mamelons is best done with guidance from a cosmetic dentist who can assess your needs and recommend suitable treatments. To even out the teeth’s appearance, the dentist may gently smooth or reshape the tooth edges. Common treatments for mamelon removal include:
- Tooth reshaping
- Tooth recontouring
- Tooth shaving
- Cosmetic contouring
These procedures are generally painless, typically do not require anesthesia, and allow you to return home the same day without recovery time. Mamelons are harmless and do not affect chewing, so treatment isn’t necessary unless a smoother look is desired for aesthetic reasons.
For children, early dental visits can be beneficial, helping to monitor teeth development and manage issues such as tooth decay, sensitivity, grinding, and thumb-sucking. Many families start these visits around a child’s first birthday or when their first baby tooth erupts. Regular dental check-ups are equally important for children and adults to maintain optimal oral health and address any concerns early on.
Do Mamelons Disappear Over Time?
Mamelons typically wear down naturally through everyday chewing and grinding, so no specific treatment is usually needed. However, if teeth erupt later or are misaligned, mamelons may remain. Certain alignment issues that can prevent this natural wear include:
- Crossbite: Upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth.
- Underbite: The lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw.
- Deep Bite: Front teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively when the jaw is closed.
- Crowding: Insufficient space for all teeth.
- Spacing: Excessive gaps between teeth.
- Protrusion: Front teeth extend outward.
- Open Bite: Teeth do not overlap.
In cases where mamelons persist due to alignment issues, a cosmetic dentist can recommend treatments to smooth or contour the teeth if desired.
Types of Mamelons
There are several types of mamelons, with variations in shape and appearance influenced by genetics, tooth development, or dental injuries. Here are the main types:
Classic Mamelons
The most common type, are small, rounded bumps on the front teeth (incisors) that typically wear down over time with chewing.
Exaggerated Mamelons
Sometimes, mamelons develop larger than usual, giving the front teeth a more pronounced look. These usually wear down naturally as well.
Multiple Mamelon Peaks
Some teeth may present extra ridges along the edges, rather than just one set. This feature is harmless but can be cosmetically undesirable for some.
Missing Mamelons
Some individuals naturally lack mamelons on their front teeth. This harmless variation doesn’t affect dental function and may make teeth look slightly smoother, though it rarely impacts the overall appearance of one’s smile.
Conclusion
Mamelons are a common, harmless dental feature, particularly in children, often wearing down naturally. Some may choose treatment for a smoother look or improved bite comfort. Enhance Dental Centre offers personalized options, from cosmetic contouring to bonding, to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. If you or your child have concerns about mamelons or other dental needs, our skilled team is here to help. Book a consultation today and discover tailored solutions for a confident, polished smile with Enhance Dental Centre!
FAQs
1. At what age do mamelons go away?
Mamelons are small ridges on adult teeth that are usually visible until about age 10 and typically wear down by age 25 as chewing smooths them out over time.
2. Why do some adults still have mamelons?
Genetics and bite alignment play roles in how long mamelons remain. If teeth wear down slowly or the bite doesn’t cause regular contact, these ridges may persist into adulthood.
3. Do dentists usually remove mamelons?
Mamelons typically wear down naturally with chewing. However, if teeth remain misaligned and retain these ridges into adulthood, a dentist can smooth them out by reshaping the teeth. Consult your dentist to discuss this cosmetic option.
<p>The post Why Do I Have Mamelon Teeth? (Removal + Treatment) first appeared on Enhance Dental CA.</p>