Can Worn Down Teeth Be Fixed?
Various dental issues can cause damage to the teeth or even complete loss. Two of the most prevalent and well-known problems include gum disease and cavities. Another issue which can cause significant damage to the teeth and jaw includes chronic grinding of the teeth or bruxism.
Bruxism or teeth grinding impacts millions of patients each year. While some patients consciously grind their teeth during the day, many patients grind their teeth at night while they are sleeping and may not even be aware of the issue. The dentist will often make patients aware of bruxism. Grinding of the teeth can cause damage to the enamel, wear the teeth down, result in jaw pain, and cause gum irritation. In some cases, the spouse of a patient with bruxism finds the noise to be disturbing and disruptive to their sleep.
Patients who suffer from grinding their teeth often benefit from the use of a night guard. Night guards, which are quite similar to a traditional mouth guard, creates a barrier between the top and bottom teeth. As the name suggests, night guards are worn at night. Night guards are created to fit snuggly on the teeth and allow for proper breathing while the patient is sleeping. They are available through the dentist or over-the-counter.
Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers solutions for restoring teeth which are broken and worn down. Various treatments can restore the tooth’s original length, shape, color, and function. Some of the most common treatments used to repair worn down teeth include dental bonding, Porcelain Veneers and Crowns. In some cases, these treatments can be used not only to restore, but to improve the appearance of the patient’s smile.
Dental Bonding
Dental tooth bonding uses a composite resin to modify the teeth. Composite resin is also used for dental cavities. Because bonding is created from a soft material which closely matches the color of the teeth, it can be used to repair many imperfections including cracks, minor chips, and discoloration. Bonding can also be used to modify the shape of a tooth which is misshapen or worn down.
In most cases, anesthesia is not needed for bonding. It can typically be completed in a single visit. Bonding is also considered to be a very conservative treatment option and does not require for any removal of the healthy tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Bonding is an excellent solution for treating minor cosmetic issues, however, porcelain veneers are more durable and resistant to stains. Veneers use a thin porcelain shell which covers the front of the tooth. They are often used to conceal cosmetic imperfections, and adjust the shape of the teeth. Treatment typically requires at least two visits to the dentist.
Reshaping
The most conservative, least invasive treatment option is tooth reshaping. Anesthesia is also not required for reshaping. As the teeth become worn down over time, it can negatively impact the shape and length of the tooth. Reshaping the teeth allows the dentist to restore the natural curves of the teeth, giving them a more youthful appearance. Teeth with small chips and that are flat have an aged appearance. Tooth reshaping is an excellent solution in this case to restore the appearance of the patient’s smile.
Follow up with your dentist to discuss possible solutions for repairing and restoring damaged, worn down teeth.