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Don’t Let Worn Teeth Wear You Down: Get Your Smile Back on Track!
Worn teeth, also known as teeth wear, refers to the loss of tooth structure over time due to various factors. Tooth wear can occur on the enamel (outer layer) and dentin( inner layer) of the teeth and lead to changes in tooth appearance, more susceptible to tooth fractures, sensitivity, and functional problems. When your teeth appear flat, worn, or damaged, it could be an indication of an underlying bite problem. To address such complex bite problems, Dr. Makani provides advanced diagnosis and restorative dental treatments, including TMJ treatment, in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. He looks at all aspects of your dental problems and uses modern tools to understand how your bite works. He takes the time to discuss your medical history and lifestyle habits, offering personalized treatment and advice for maintaining a healthy smile and managing risk factors.
One of the signs of an underlying bite problem is worn, flat, or damaged teeth.
Dr. Makani is skilled in diagnosing and treating complex bite problems, such as TMJ, which may be causing your worn teeth. He is committed to restoring your dental health and ensuring that your treatment results are long-lasting and comfortable.
Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, is a condition in which people grind their tooth together, often unconsciously. This can cause the teeth to wear down over time. Clenching is similar to bruxism, but it involves pressing the teeth together without actually grinding them. Teeth grinding may be caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), Parkinson’s or Huntington’s Disease, stress or anxiety, or malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth).
Enamel erosion is another cause of tooth wear, caused by certain foods, medications, or stomach acid from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Once the enamel is lost, it cannot grow back, making the teeth more susceptible to damage, discoloration, teeth sensitivity, and decay. Frequent vomiting or regurgitation associated with conditions like bulimia or eating disorders can expose the teeth to stomach acid, leading to accelerated tooth wear. Some medications, particularly those that cause dry mouth (xerostomia), can contribute to tooth wear. Saliva plays a protective role in maintaining tooth integrity, and reduced salivary flow can increase the risk of enamel erosion.
Abrasion is different from erosion, in which the tooth enamel is worn away by friction. This can be caused by overbrushing with a lot of pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Chewing on hard objects, such as pens, pencils, ice, or using the teeth as tools, can lead to localized tooth wear.
Natural aging can contribute to tooth wear over time as the enamel gradually becomes thinner and more susceptible to wear and tear.
Chronic breaking of teeth can also indicate an underlying functional problem, often resulting from occlusal (bite) imbalance or TMJ disorder. In such patients, Dr. Makani diagnoses and treats TMJ dysfunction and occlusal disease, which may involve bite equilibration, orthodontics, or other restorative treatments to rebalance the bite. Dr. Makani emphasizes the importance of maintaining oral health and keeping natural teeth as long as possible.
The treatment of worn teeth depends on the extent and underlying cause of the tooth wear. The first step is to have a thorough evaluation of your teeth and oral health with our dentists in Chester Springs. Our dentists will examine the extent and the pattern of tooth wear, identify the underlying causes, and assess any associated dental problems or complications. If tooth wear is caused by habits such as tooth grinding or clenching, the dentist may recommend behavior modification techniques. A custom-made mouthguard is also recommended to protect the teeth from grinding during sleep.
In cases where tooth wear is associated with misaligned teeth or an improper bite, orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign® or braces is recommended to help reposition the teeth and align the bite, reducing excessive forces on the teeth and preventing further wear. For tooth wear caused by acid reflux or gastric reflux, treatment of the underlying condition by a medical professional is necessary to address the acid erosion. Then the teeth are restored with different dental restorations depending on the severity of the wear.
Don’t let tooth grinding or worn teeth compromise your dental health. We can help alleviate the symptoms and restore your oral health through restorative procedures such as dental crowns, tooth bonding, Veneers, dental implants, or orthodontics to realign the bite, depending on your dental health status and the cause.
In addition to restoring dental health, Dr. Makani emphasizes the importance of maintaining oral health, including keeping natural teeth for as long as possible. Our team may provide guidance on proper brushing techniques, recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush, dietary modifications, and advise on the use of fluoride toothpaste.
So if you’re in need of an emergency dentist in Chester Springs due to worn down or fractured teeth, or seeking implant dentures in Exton, complete dentures in Glenmoore, or a family dentist in Chester Springs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Makani at Eagle Family Smiles today!
No, once tooth enamel is worn down or chipped away, it cannot regenerate because it is not a living tissue. However, Dr. Makani offers various treatments to restore tooth health and prevent further damage from occurring. For instance, dental bonding is an affordable option, while porcelain veneers offer a more polished and durable look.
The cost of repairing worn down teeth will depend on the chosen treatment. While dental bonding is more affordable, porcelain veneers are more expensive. The latter treatment is a more durable option and provides longer-lasting results.
It is essential to repair damaged and worn down teeth to prevent further damage from occurring and to protect the remaining tooth structure. Worn down teeth can cause tooth sensitivity, difficulty chewing, bite problems, and exposed nerves, which may result in toothaches. Stress management and correcting bite abnormalities can also help to reduce teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition, and most people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. A custom-made night guard is an effective way to protect your teeth from severe grinding. Dr. Makani can take impressions of your teeth and use them to fabricate a personalized night guard to offer the best protection for your teeth.