microdontia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “microdontia” mean?
A dental condition characterized by the development of abnormally small teeth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dental condition characterized by the development of abnormally small teeth.
A specific developmental anomaly where one, several, or all teeth are smaller than average in size; can refer to localized (affecting single teeth), generalized (affecting most teeth), or relative (teeth appear small due to large jaw) forms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard conventions for each variety.
Connotations
Purely clinical, with no additional cultural connotations in either region.
Frequency
Used with equal rarity in both British and American professional dental contexts. Almost non-existent in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “microdontia” in a Sentence
The patient presents with [type] microdontia.Microdontia is often associated with [syndrome/condition].A diagnosis of microdontia was made.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microdontia” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patient's microdontic lateral incisors required cosmetic bonding.
- A microdontic condition was noted in the records.
American English
- The microdontic premolars were planned for crowns.
- The syndrome includes a microdontic presentation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in dentistry, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A dentist might explain 'your teeth are unusually small' to a patient.
Technical
The precise diagnostic term used in clinical notes, research papers, and specialist discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microdontia”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microdontia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microdontia”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'microdontic teeth' is non-standard; prefer 'teeth affected by microdontia').
- Confusing it with other developmental anomalies like enamel hypoplasia or dens invaginatus.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively rare. Generalized microdontia affecting all teeth is very uncommon, while localized microdontia (e.g., in upper lateral incisors) is seen more frequently but is still not a typical finding.
Yes, treatment is primarily cosmetic and functional. Options include dental bonding, veneers, or crowns to build up the size and shape of the affected teeth, often combined with orthodontic treatment.
It can be. Microdontia is often associated with certain genetic syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome, ectodermal dysplasia). Isolated cases may also run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
The opposite condition is called macrodontia, where one or more teeth are abnormally large compared to the average for the individual's age and gender.
A dental condition characterized by the development of abnormally small teeth.
Microdontia is usually technical/scientific in register.
Microdontia: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.krəʊˈdɒn.ʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈdɑːn.ʃə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'micro' (small) + 'dont' (relating to teeth, from Greek 'odous') + '-ia' (condition). A condition of small teeth.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary feature of microdontia?