Veneers and Worn Down Teeth
Our teeth wear down over time due to normal wear and tear as we age but different types of wear can contribute to accelerated rate of tooth deterioration that should be addressed before more severe damage is done. Worn teeth often appear shorter and can 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.
Types of Tooth Wear
There are three types of tooth wear that can affect patients in different ways.
Attrition is a result of tooth-to-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 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 back and forth along the gum line.
Erosion results from acid being constantly washed over the tooth surfaces which eat away at tooth enamel. Acidic foods and beverages can lead to erosion but internal erosion can be caused by 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.
Veneers to Treat Worn Teeth
Patients looking to restore worn down teeth have a few treatment options such as dental bonding, porcelain crowns, and porcelain veneers. Patients suffering from bulimia or GERD need to address the cause of tooth erosion before teeth are restored in order for the restorations to be successful.
Porcelain veneers are a natural-looking restoration using a thin porcelain which is adhered to the front of the teeth. Veneers are only appropriate for the front teeth because of how thin they are, they cannot withstand the bite force of chewing. Back teeth that need to be restored usually get dental crowns, which are much thicker and cover the entire tooth to the gum line.
Before any restorative treatment, your dentist will assess the damage with a full examination and dental x-rays to make sure there are no other underlying issues. Veneers are a relatively simple procedure and have the added benefit of retaining as much tooth structure as possible since only the front of the tooth is affected. Veneers can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Once your veneers are placed, your dentist may advise you to have a custom night guard fabricated to wear while you sleep to prevent any damage from bruxism. A night guard will not only protect your natural teeth, but will also prevent damage to your veneers. If you have excessive tooth wear and would like to have them restored, speak with your dentist to see if porcelain veneers are the best treatment option for you.