Do you have teeth that are worn, flat, or dull? Do you have a tooth or dental crown that keeps breaking over and over?
In many cases, a patient who has worn or broken teeth has an underlying occlusal problem. Malocclusion is instability in the oral system caused by misalignment of the teeth, the TMJ, or a combination of the two.
Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer are one of the few dentists in Columbia, SC who is qualified and experienced to treat problems evolving from teeth grinding, chronic tooth wear, and occlusal instability. If you have a tooth or multiple teeth that break continuously, despite repeated treatment, Dr. Trinkner or Dr. Keefer will complete an examination to look for the underlying source of the problem.
Bite problems or TMJ disorders are often treated with a combination of procedures to reshape the teeth and bring them into proper contact with one another.
Teeth Grinding Signs & Treatment
Millions of people clench their jaws or grind their teeth during sleep without even being aware of it. It is also common for athletes when they are engaged in intense play. For many, it’s a natural reaction to the onset of stress, but it can be the result of a bite imbalance.
Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Addressing bruxism is important to avoid eventual damage to the teeth and gums- even tooth loss.
With a thorough examination and health history evaluation, we can identify the root cause of bruxism. This enables us to recommend a plan of treatment that can provide comfortable, lasting results and restore oral health.
The Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches and neck pain
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Worn chipped, or flat looking teeth
- Locked jaw
There are a variety of ways to treat teeth grinding, depending on the status of dental health and the cause. The most common is a custom mouthguard to be worn at night or during stressful situations which will prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching and reduce or eliminate the associated symptoms.
Dr. Trinkner may recommend restorative procedures such as dental crowns, tooth bonding, or orthodontics to realign the bite if necessary. This also repairs damage from bruxism that can compromise the integrity of all your teeth.
Options for Worn or Broken Teeth
If you have a single chipped tooth or broken tooth caused by an injury or accident, Dr. Trinkner or Dr. Keefer can often repair the tooth quickly in our Columbia, SC dental office. In many cases, we will repair chipped or worn teeth with a tooth bonding technique. Bonding involves placing a special dental resin on the tooth, then sculpting it into place for an invisible restoration.
If the teeth have significant damage, our dental care team may use porcelain veneers or dental crowns to repair the tooth, restoring normal function and esthetics. Restoring function and aesthetics to your smile will improve both your long-term dental health and your overall quality of life- a healthy smile supports your overall physical well-being in many ways.
Request a Dental Exam Today
Give our Columbia dental office a call at 803-400-8729 to schedule a dental care exam and consultation to find the most suitable worn teeth solutions for your smile.