Rough Edges on Your Front Teeth?
Ever wondered what those serrated edges on your front teeth are? Lovingly known as ruffles, scallops or fins by my patients. They’re called mamelons and having them on the edges of your teeth is completely normal! Mamelons are the remnants of the developing tooth and the edges are thought to help the tooth break through the gums during eruption. They’re most noticeable when teeth first appear in the mouth, like in children. Over time they gradually wear away due to use (biting and cutting food with our front teeth) and bad habits like nail biting and using your teeth to open items. So having them on your teeth will give your smile a more youthful appearance. You’ll notice in older adults the front teeth are typically flat due to use.
Some patients are unhappy with the way their mamelons look and may choose to undergo an enameloplasty, to have them removed. It's quick, painless and doesn’t require numbing. Your dentist or orthodontist can smooth down the edges of the teeth to give the incisors a flat surface. This procedure isn’t necessary and it is completely a personal preference. I still have my mamelons, do you still have yours?
