AboutMark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
Question I just asked a question about having extra teeth. I had an orthodontist look at my teeth and he confirmed that I have two extra lateral incisors located on my top jaw between the two big front teeth and the canines. My teeth are all aligned and I have plenty of space in my mouth. I also have all of my wisdom teeth. The orthodontist told me that I have a total of 34 teeth. This is no mistake. Is there a condition for this? How abnormal is this? If you want to see a picture of my teeth, I can email it to you if you have an email address that you will let me use. I think this might be interesting to you.
Answer Dear Gerard,
The extra teeth are called "supernumerary teeth", and the condition of having more than the normal number of teeth is referred to as "polydontia".
Although I am unsure of the exact statistics, polydontia is certainly not rare. Extra lateral incisors, as in your case, is probably the second most common variant, after extra wisdom teeth.
Hope this helps...
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
