Can Worn Down Teeth Be Fixed?
Gum disease and tooth decay are the two most well-known causes of tooth loss and damage, but they aren’t the only conditions that can lead to these problems. A third common cause of tooth damage is chronic grinding and clenching of the teeth, a condition known as bruxism, which can seriously harm the structure of the teeth (sometimes to the point where teeth break and extraction is required). Bruxism can damage the lustrous enamel outer layer of the teeth, wearing down the tooth’s structure and leading to visible disfigurement, and it can lead to jaw pain and irritation of the gums. While some people habitually clench or grind their teeth during the day, the majority of bruxism occurs while people are sleeping; sometimes, the noise caused by bruxism can even interfere with people’s sleep.
Many people with bruxism find their condition is effectively managed by sleeping with a night guard, an acrylic barrier that resembles the type of mouthguard worn by athletes and that keeps the upper and lower rows of teeth from pressing aggressively against each other during sleep. These custom-fitted appliances are comfortable, easy to use, and effective at preventing bruxism and the effects it can cause, like worn down teeth. While teeth that have already worn down can’t regrow on their own, further damage can be prevented with night guards and stress management, and existing damage can be addressed. Worn down teeth can be fixed with a few different methods, including dental bonding and porcelain veneers, each of which can help rebuild a damaged tooth and return it to its ideal size, appearance, and function, and sometimes making the smile even better than it was before the teeth sustained damage.
Cosmetic dental bonding is a popular treatment for improving imperfections like discolored teeth or cracked enamel, and it is also effective for resculpting a tooth that has been misshapen or worn down by wear and tear. Dental bonding can be completed in a single office visit and usually requires no anesthesia nor any removal of healthy tooth structure. Cosmetic dental bonding relies on the same type of soft dental composite resin that is used for repairing tooth decay. This dental composite is tooth-colored and can be shaped directly onto the teeth, just like with a dental filling, and is one of the more conservative methods for fixing mildly damaged or worn down teeth.
When damage to the teeth is more significant, porcelain veneers might be the preferred solution. Porcelain veneers are extremely thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the fronts of the teeth, covering over imperfections and creating the appearance of long, even, lustrous teeth. Treatment with porcelain dental veneers usually takes at least two office visits, and the surfaces of the teeth must be altered in order to accommodate the veneers, further damaging their structure, though this alteration is minimal. When damage to the teeth cannot be corrected with cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers, dental crowns or gum surgeries could help restore the appearance of worn down teeth. When dental damage is very minor, like a small crack at the edge of the tooth, dentists may be able to reshape the damaged areas themselves, filing away flaws and restoring the youthful appearance of the smile. It’s imperative, though, to remember that the initial cause of worn down teeth must be addressed, no matter what method you choose to repair their damage; whatever it was that damaged your teeth in the first place will wreak havoc on your restoration, so make sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining the integrity of your repaired, new teeth.