Veneers and Worn Down Teeth
Teeth wear down overtime due to normal wear and tear and simply aging. Worn teeth often appear much shorter than they were originally and can even become discolored and crowded. Patients suffering from any type of jaw pain or TMJ issues need to address those before restoring their worn teeth with porcelain veneers.
There are different types of tooth wear that can affect patients in different ways. Attrition is a type of wearing that comes into play with tooth on tooth contact, such as in bruxism. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that many patients do in their sleep. Patients suffering from bruxism may have a sore jaw upon waking as well as headaches and neck pain.
Abrasion is a type of wearing that is caused by an outside source, typically brushing too aggressively or with a hard-bristled toothbrush. Patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean their teeth using circular motions, not brushing laterally along the gum line.
Erosion is another type of tooth wear in which acid is constantly washed over the tooth surfaces. Assets from Food and beverages can lead to erosion in the teeth because the acids in these foods and drinks eat away at the enamel. Erosion can also come from internally, stomach acid from regular vomiting or gastric reflux. Patients with bulimia or those suffering from GERD often have a lot of tooth erosion on the back of their teeth.
Treating Worn Down Teeth With Veneers
Patients looking to restore their worn teeth have a great option in porcelain veneers. For patients with bulimia or GERD, they need to address the cause of tooth erosion for successful dental restoration.
Porcelain veneers are a natural looking restoration that uses wafer thin porcelain that is applied to the front of the teeth. Veneers are only appropriate for interiors because they are thin and cannot withstand the bite force applied when we chew. Posterior teeth that need to be restored are well served with dental crowns which are much thicker and cover the entire surface of the tooth above the gum line.
Before beginning treatment, your dentist will assess the damage with a full examination and dental x-rays to make sure there are no underlying issues. If tooth wear has caused an infection in a tooth, that tooth will need to be treated with root canal therapy to remove the infection before it can be restored with a porcelain veneer.
The process for having the veneers placed is relatively simple and has the added benefit of retaining as much tooth structure as possible. Veneers are applied to the front surface of the tooth being restored and with proper care and maintenance, can last up to 20 years.
After veneers are placed, your dentist may advise you to wear a night guard at night to prevent any damage from bruxism while you sleep. A night guard will not only protect your natural teeth, but will keep your investment from damage. If you have excessive tooth wear and would like to have them restored, speak with your dentist to see if porcelain veneers are a good choice for you.