When you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux disease, your smile is hugely impacted. This is because strong, corrosive acids that normally reside in your stomach can make their way up to your mouth. When this happens, these acids can quickly work to damage tooth enamel. Enamel is essential for protecting your teeth. Managing your acid reflux is imperative to preventing damage—but what can you do if enamel loss has already occurred? Here’s how cosmetic dentistry can help your smile when it’s been affected by acid reflux.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding, or tooth bonding, is when your dentist uses a resin that matches your tooth color to repair your teeth. This material is cured using a special light and can help protect teeth from future damage. If your enamel is weakened or missing due to acid reflux, dental bonding can help fill in the gaps and restore your smile. Tooth bonding can also repair any chips or cracks that have happened as the result of missing enamel and damaged teeth. An effect called cupping, which happens when the surfaces of your teeth are worn down from erosion, can also be repaired through bonding. Talk to your dentist about whether or not dental bonding could help repair your smile.
Dental Crowns
If you have significant enamel damage from years of untreated acid reflux, your dentist may suggest ceramic or porcelain crowns to restore your smile. Dental crowns effectively restore the shape, appearance, and function of your teeth. This procedure is ideal for people who have significant enamel wear on a few teeth. A dental crown will also protect your teeth from any future damage. However, it’s important that you have your acid reflux under control before seeking a solution for your enamel erosion. If the problem is still left untreated, it can return and affect the rest of your smile even after the crowns are in!
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are layers of thin ceramic that can actually mimic your tooth enamel and help you get your beautiful smile back. If you’re missing enamel and your teeth are now sensitive, discolored, or prone to cavities, porcelain veneers could be the solution. The veneer is placed over your teeth to protect them and help restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Since veneers are sturdy and can resolve multiple problems that come with enamel erosion such as cupping, chips, cracks, discoloration, and appearance, they’re a popular choice for people who need a little help fixing their smile after their acid reflux is under control. Talk to your dentist to see if veneers are an option for you!
How to Prevent Damage from GERD
The most important thing when treating your smile is getting your acid reflux under control. Talk to your doctor about what you can do, whether it’s adjusting your medication, changing your diet, or altering your lifestyle. Without your acid reflux under control, tooth damage can continue to occur. Your dentist can help you best decide what type of cosmetic dentistry can effectively restore your smile after damage from acid reflux. Schedule an appointment with your local dentist today to get your gorgeous smile back after enamel erosion!
