Can Worn Down Teeth Be Fixed?
There are a variety of different issues which can result in damage or loss of the teeth. Gum disease and cavities are two of the most prevalent issues. Chronic grinding of the teeth or bruxism is an issue that can cause serious damage to the teeth and jaw.
Millions of patients are effected by bruxism. Some patients may be aware that they grind their teeth, while other patients are completely unaware as they grind their teeth at night while they are asleep. Dentists often alert patients of their bruxism. Teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, enamel damage, teeth wear, and irritate the gums. A patient’s partner may even notice a disturbing and disruptive noise from the patient when they are asleep.
A night guard is often recommended for patients who grind their teeth. Night guards create a barrier between the top and bottom teeth. Just like the name suggests, a night guard is worn while the patient is sleeping. The guards fit snuggly over the teeth and allow the patient to properly breathe while they are sleeping. Night guards can be purchased through a dentist and are also available over-the-counter to be created at home.
When the teeth become broken and worn down, there are fortunately tooth restoration solutions available. The various treatments are able to restore the tooth back to its original shape, color, length and also restore the tooth’s function. There are various treatments used to repair worn down teeth such as dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns. Not only can these types of treatments be used to restore, but they can also be used to improve the patient’s smile and make it more aesthetically pleasing.
Bonding
With dental bonding, a composite resin is used to modify the teeth as needed. This is the same material which is used to treat dental cavities. Bonding is created from a soft material that can mimic the color of the teeth. It can also be used to repair many imperfections such as chips, cracks, and discoloration. In addition, bonding can modify the shape of a misshapen tooth.
Anesthesia is typically not needed for bonding and the dentist can complete the procedure in a single visit. In terms of treatment options, bonding is considered a very conservative approach as it does not the removal or modification of healthy tooth surface.
Porcelain Veneers
While bonding is a great option for minor cosmetic flaws, porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains and durable over time. A thin porcelain shell is used with veneers to cover the front portion of the tooth. Veneers are often used to adjust or conceal cosmetic imperfections like the shape of the teeth. In most cases, the patient will need to make at least two visit to the dentist for the veneer placement.
Tooth Reshaping
Tooth reshaping is perhaps the least invasive treatment option for repairing worn down teeth. The dentist does not need to use anesthesia for reshaping a tooth. Over time, it is common for the teeth to wear down and result in poor tooth shape or length. Reshaping gives the dentist the ability to restore the tooth, making it more youthful in its appearance. Small chips and a flat surface make the teeth appear more aged. Tooth reshaping is an effective and affordable solution for restoring the teeth.