Worn Down Teeth
There are many dental problems that can result in tooth damage and tooth loss. Gum disease and cavities are perhaps the most common and well-known oral health problems. But did you know that chronic teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism, can also seriously damage the teeth?
Many people are affected by bruxism, or teeth grinding. Some people may do this consciously during the day, but it is a larger problem at night while you are asleep. Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, or irritate your gums. The noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your spouse's sleep if loud enough.
If you grind your teeth you should consider a night guard. The night guard, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing.
The good news is, cosmetic dentistry can rebuild broken and worn down teeth and restore them to their original length, shape and function. We can use dental bonding, Porcelain Veneers or Crowns to rebuild teeth and the smile to how it was, or better than how it was before.
Worn Down Teeth Treatment Option ; Tooth Bonding
Cosmetic tooth bonding employs the same composite resin that is used to fill cavities. Made of a soft, tooth-coloured material, bonding can cover imperfections such as cracks in the enamel or discolorations. It can also reshape a tooth that is chipped, misshapen, or worn down due to the normal wear and tear that occurs with aging.
Bonding often does not require anaesthesia, can be done in one office visit, and is a very conservative treatment for correcting imperfections, as it can be placed without removing any of your healthy tooth structure.
Porcelain Veneers
While bonding is a great choice in many cosmetic cases, porcelain veneers are a more durable and stain-resistant option for correcting worn down teeth and other tooth imperfections. Consisting of thin porcelain shells that cover the front of your teeth, veneers can be used to mask imperfections as well as lengthen and reshape your teeth. Treatment usually takes two office visits.
Tooth Reshaping
Tooth reshaping is the most conservative of all options. Requiring no anaesthesia, Worn down teeth that have become flat , are simply reshaped to create the natural curves of more youthful teeth. For teeth with small chipping areas that are worn flat and appear aged, tooth reshaping is the best way to recreate a more youthful smile.
A word of caution, whatever process wore and broke the teeth down in the first place, will also work to destroy the new reconstructed teeth. There are Occlusal splints (grinding guards) that should be worn at night to protect the teeth from being chipped or broken.
If you would like to find out more about non-invasive and gentle treatments for worn down teeth, please call our treatment Coordinator; Yvonne to book your cosmetic consultation.