Treating Worn Down Teeth
Tooth wear is a normal part of the aging process due to everyday wear and tear which is indicated by the teeth becoming smaller and darker and often flattened where there should be grooves. Three types of wear that affect teeth the most are attrition, abrasion, and erosion. Excessive tooth wear can negatively impact not only your bite, but also your self esteem.
Types and Treatment of Tooth Wear
Each type of tooth wear is caused by different factors, some of which can be internal as with erosion. Depending on the severity of tooth wear, your dentist may use one of a few different treatments which include dental bonding, crowns, and veneers. Let’s take a closer look at each type and the symptoms you may experience.
Attrition
Attrition is caused by tooth-to-tooth contact, the effects of which are 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 biggest factors that can lead to worn teeth. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and grinding which many of us do in our sleep and is often caused by stress. A night guard can help lessen the effects of attrition.
A custom night guard can be fabricated by a dental lab through your dentist for you to sleep in which can greatly prevent further wear on your teeth. Bruxism is very hard on our teeth but if you notice tooth wear early, a night guard can help prevent it from getting worse and help you sleep better.
Abrasion
Abrasion is the wearing of the teeth by an external force, most often overly aggressive brushing, nail biting, and using a hard-bristle toothbrush. Abrasion is often indicated by wear at the gumline and can be restored using composite bonding or porcelain restorations such as crowns or veneers.
Composite bonding is a tooth colored restoration that can be molded to fill any space. Bonding uses the same material that is used to treat small cavities and fractures or spaces in the teeth.
Porcelain crowns can also be used to treat worn teeth. A crown fits over the entire structure of the tooth above the gum line, covering all surfaces and can be placed on any of the teeth. Veneers are reserved for front teeth because they are very thin and only fit over the front surface that shows when you smile as opposed to the entire tooth. Crowns and veneers can restore form and function to even the most extreme case.
Erosion
Erosion is a type of tooth wear that is most often caused by acidic foods and drinks but patients that suffer from bulimia or gastric reflux often have a lot of trouble with tooth erosion as well. Repeated exposure to stomach acids eats away at tooth enamel and can eventually cause a lot of sensitivity and decay. As with abrasion, teeth that have suffered erosion can be restored using dental bonding or porcelain restorations.
Worn down teeth can quickly lead to further deterioration as well as other long-term issues including sensitivity, deterioration of existing tooth restorations, and even infection. If you notice flat areas on the occlusal surfaces of your teeth, let your dentist know as soon as possible so they can determine what treatment option will be best for you and your lifestyle.