For a VR sensor the length of the tooth should be about the same as the diameter of the pole inside the sensor.  Often this is about 4mm.  If the pole is not externally visible (they often poke out the end) then you can get a feel for the diameter of the pole by dragging a paperclip across the end of the sensor and the magnetic bit is the pole.  But the length of the teeth I dont think would stop it from running - it will more likely just stretch out the wave form and give you poor accuracy as p