Have you looked in the mirror and not liked the shape of your teeth? Are your teeth worn down or misshapen? You should talk to your dentist about fixing them with restorative solutions. Restorative dentistry can repair worn teeth in many ways.
What Causes Worn-Down Teeth?
Worn-down teeth are a common problem, and they’re caused by more than just getting older. While age can play a role, many other factors can wear your teeth down faster. Here are the main things that can cause worn teeth.
1. Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
Many people grind their teeth or clench their jaw while sleeping. This habit is called bruxism. Over time, the constant pressure and friction can sand down your teeth, wear away the hard enamel surface, and even cause chips or cracks. Bruxism can also cause other issues like headaches or jaw pain.
2. The Foods and Drinks You Enjoy
What you eat and drink has an effect on your teeth too. Sugary foods and acidic drinks like soda, sports drinks, and citrus juices can slowly dissolve your enamel. This process is called acid erosion. Once the protective enamel is gone, the softer inner part of the tooth wears away much more easily.
3. How You Brush Your Teeth
It might sound strange, but you can actually brush your teeth too hard. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or scrubbing aggressively can scrape away enamel at the gum line over time. It’s like scrubbing a countertop too hard. You can wear down the surface.
4. Everyday Wear and Tear
Simply using your teeth every day to chew food causes a tiny amount of wear. After many years, this natural wear can add up, making teeth look shorter. This is a very slow process that happens to everyone as they age.
5. Other Habits
Habits like chewing on ice, pens, or your fingernails put unusual stress on your teeth. This can create small fractures and wear down the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
No matter what the cause is, you should always take worn teeth seriously. Restoring them protects you from sensitivity, pain, and more serious dental issues. If you’re concerned about worn teeth, talking to Dr. Trinkner is the best first step.
What Are My Options to Repair Worn Teeth?
Dr. Trinkner can offer you several options to restore the look and function of your teeth.
Dental Bonding
To repair a chipped, cracked, or worn tooth, Dr. Trinkner may use dental bonding. Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses tooth-colored composite resin to improve your teeth. Composite resin is a plastic material that attaches to the tooth. To apply the bonding to your teeth, Dr. Trinkner has to use a special light to harden the material in place.
Unlike other cosmetic options, dental bonding is best for minor issues. You wouldn’t be able to use dental bonding on all surfaces of your teeth.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are another cosmetic option to give you the smile you desire. Veneers are thin shells that attach to the front surface of a tooth. Typically made of resin or porcelain, veneers look just like your natural teeth. Best of all, you can get more than one veneer in a single procedure.
To get veneers, Dr. Trinkner must remove a thin layer of your enamel to make room for them. Veneers are a permanent procedure, meaning you will have to have them for life. Veneers only last about 10-15 years with proper care. So, you’ll need to have them replaced periodically.
Crowns
For significantly worn teeth, consider dental crowns. A dental crown mimics the look and shape of your natural teeth. Once Dr. Trinkner places them, you’ll barely be able to tell which is a crown and which is your natural tooth.
To place the crown, Dr. Trinkner must reshape your remaining tooth. This will involve drilling and filing down parts of your tooth so that the crown can fit. Crowns are also permanent fixtures, but they only last about 5-15 years. You will need new crowns if you grind your teeth often.
Talk to Dr. Trinkner today to learn more about your restorative options for worn teeth. Call our Columbia dental office at 803-400-8729 or request an appointment online.