The pointed teeth at the corners of your mouth are known as canine teeth, cuspids, or sometimes “eye teeth.” Humans typically have four canines—two on the top arch and two on the bottom—positioned between the incisors and the flatter premolars. If your canines appear larger or more prominent than others, this is often rooted in a combination of human evolution, genetics, and jaw structure. Understanding these factors clarifies why they stand out in your smile.
The Evolutionary Purpose of Canine Teeth
The existence of pointed canine teeth reflects our mammalian ancestry and their original biological function. Shaped with a single cusp, they are effective for gripping and tearing tougher foods. They are stronger than incisors and help prepare food for the grinding action of the back molars.
Canines are also structurally important for protecting the dental system. When the lower jaw moves side-to-side, the upper and lower canines slide past each other, guiding jaw movement and separating the back teeth. This protective function, called canine guidance, prevents destructive forces from being applied to the molars and premolars.
Evolutionarily, human canines are significantly smaller than those found in many other primates, which used them for defense and social signaling. Our ancestors’ shift to a softer diet and the development of tools led to a reduction in the need for large, pointed teeth. Despite this reduction, canines still have the longest roots of any tooth, anchoring them firmly in the jawbone.
Factors Influencing Individual Prominence
The perception that canines are unusually large often stems from variations in the interplay between tooth size and jaw size, both highly influenced by genetics. Macrodontia refers to teeth that are physically larger than average, sometimes affecting only the canines. More commonly, the issue is one of relative size, a phenomenon called pseudomacrodontia.
Pseudomacrodontia occurs when an individual inherits a smaller jaw structure or narrow dental arch from one parent and normal-sized teeth from the other. The limited space makes average-sized teeth appear disproportionately large and crowded. The jaw lacks the necessary room to accommodate all permanent teeth, causing the canines to stand out.
A longer appearance can also be caused by gum recession, which exposes more of the tooth’s surface. This makes the canine look physically longer than before. Recession can be caused by periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or the natural process of aging. Canines also appear more prominent if the adjacent lateral incisors are naturally smaller than average.
Common Dental Issues Related to Canine Position
The perceived size of canines is often related to their abnormal positioning rather than their actual dimensions. Canines are the last of the front teeth to fully erupt, typically around age 11 to 12. Because they arrive late, they are often forced to occupy whatever small space remains, which is a major cause of malocclusion.
When crowding is significant, the canine may erupt too high, leading to the appearance commonly referred to as “fangs.” This is ectopic eruption, where the tooth emerges outside its normal path. The canine may also be completely blocked, becoming impacted and trapped within the jawbone or gum tissue.
Lack of room can push canines forward or rotate them, exaggerating their pointed shape. An orthodontic assessment determines if the issue is simple lack of space or a complex problem involving the tooth bud’s angulation. Correcting these issues is important for aesthetics, ensuring a proper bite, and preventing damage to neighboring roots.
Options for Cosmetic Adjustment
For individuals bothered by prominent canines, several professional dental and orthodontic procedures can achieve a more balanced smile. The most conservative option is enameloplasty, or tooth reshaping. This procedure involves the dentist gently contouring a fraction of a millimeter from the sharp tip of the canine to create a softer, more rounded appearance.
Enameloplasty removes only a small amount of the outermost enamel layer, making it painless, requiring no anesthesia, and yielding immediate results. If the issue relates to crowding or high positioning, orthodontic treatment with traditional braces or clear aligners is the recommended course of action. Orthodontics gradually creates space in the dental arch and moves the canine into a lower, aligned position.
For substantial changes to shape or color, cosmetic restorations like dental bonding or porcelain veneers may be used. Dental bonding applies a tooth-colored resin material to the canine surface for reshaping. A porcelain veneer is a custom-made shell bonded to the front of the tooth. Veneers are a more durable and color-stable option, though they require more tooth preparation than bonding or enameloplasty. Consulting a dental professional determines the most appropriate treatment plan.