Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 11/17/2004

Question
Hello,
  I went to the dentist for the first time.  I had an impression of my teeth.  I noticed that the my very back molars, no wisdom, grew a bit longer on the bottom and shorter on the top.  Is that unusual?  Do a lot of people have this?

Many thanks,
Adam

Answer
Adam,
I am not quite sure what you are describing here. I would need to see the models to make sure I am understanding what you are describing here. Just sit down with your dentist and your models and have him/her explain everything to you. But since you have asked, I will try to venture an answer here. I assume you are asking why your upper molars appear shorter than your lower molars. This is something that varies from person to person. Teeth come in at different angles, different heights, etc depending on genetics. Often they look longer on the outside than the inside. There is nothing abnormal about any of this. It is strictly what mother nature has given you. Everyone is unique in the way their teeth look. That is why dentistry is a big part of forensics these days. I am sure your dentist can point out all of these features to you and answer all of your questions. I hope this information helps. Good Luck,

Jeff Dalin, DDS