Treating Worn Down Teeth
As we age, the wear and tear our teeth experience every day can lead to signs of worn teeth. As teeth wear down, they can become smaller and even darker, affecting your bite and self-esteem. There are three types of wearing that exact teeth the most, including attrition, abrasion, and erosion.
Types and Symptoms of Worn Teeth
Symptoms of warranties include increased sensitivity, chipping, increased translucency, and loss of enamel.
Attrition:
Attrition is the type of wear that teeth experience with tooth-to-tooth contact and is typically contained to the occlusal surface of the tooth which is the edge that we used to bite and chew. Bruxism is one of the main factors that can lead to worn teeth. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and grinding which many of us do in our sleep which is often caused by stress.
Abrasion:
Abrasion is wearing of the teeth by an external force, most often abrasive brushing, nail biting, and using a hard-bristle toothbrush.
Erosion:
Erosion is a type of tooth wear that is most often caused by acidic foods and drinks. Patients that suffer from bulimia or gastric reflux often have a lot of trouble with tooth erosion. Repeated exposure to the stomach acids eat away at tooth enamel and can eventually cause a lot of sensitivity and decay.
How are worn down teeth treated?
Depending on the severity of tooth wear, your dentist may use one of a few different treatments which include dental bonding, crowns, and veneers.
Night guard: A custom night guard can be fabricated for you to sleep in which can greatly prevent further wear and tear on your teeth. Bruxism is very hard on our teeth but if you notice tooth where early, a night guard can help prevent it from getting worse.
Dental bonding: Composite bonding is a tooth colored restoration that can be molded to fill any space. This is the same material that is used to treat small cavities and fractures or spaces in the teeth. Bonding is a great option but is not ideal for anterior teeth because it does not hold up as long as porcelain options under bite force.
Dental crowns: Porcelain crowns are a common treatment for worn teeth. A cap fits over the entire structure of the tooth above the gum line and can restore form and function to even the most extreme case.
Porcelain veneers: Veneers help restore the appearance and function of anterior teeth. They are reserved for front teeth because they are very thin and only fit over the surface that shows when you smile, they do not cover the entire tooth.
Left untreated, worn down teeth can quickly lead to further deterioration as well as other long-term issues including sensitivity, deterioration of tooth restorations, and even infection. If you notice flat areas on the biting and chewing surfaces of your teeth, bring this to the attention of your dentist as soon as possible. If it is caught early, a simple night guard may be all you need to prevent further damage. Composite bonding can also help restore any minor damage that has been done. If the damage is too far along, your dentist can discuss your other treatment options to restore your smile.