How Do Dentists Correct Worn Down Teeth?

March 29, 2020

It’s natural for teeth to experience some wear and tear throughout your lifetime. But teeth
shouldn’t show any significant wear. People who clench or grind their teeth, as well as people who have a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, may see uneven wear on the surfaces of their teeth [1].

Worn down teeth may be shorter in appearance, or they may have an unnaturally even look to them compared to your other teeth. Some people with worn down teeth also experience painful tooth sensitivity or toothaches.

How do dentists correct worn down teeth? You may have numerous treatment options depending on your unique case!

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are typically made of porcelain ceramic and are durable caps used to cover and protect teeth that have sustained damage. If you have one or a few teeth affected by injury or bruxism, you may have the option of getting dental crowns to restore your worn down teeth [2].

During a dental crown procedure, your dentist will take measurements of the tooth and send them to a lab to create a custom crown. Some dental practices can make the crown in-house with a special machine so that you can leave that same day with your new restoration. The crown will cover and protect your natural tooth from further damage, as well as restore its appearance and function.

Porcelain Veneers

If you have numerous teeth that are worn down, getting a dental crown for each and every one of those teeth may not be practical. Instead, you may have the option of getting porcelain ceramic dental veneers to restore your teeth.

Veneers consist of a light yet durable shell that’s permanently bonded to your natural teeth. While veneers can restore worn down teeth, they may not be an appropriate choice for patients with untreated bruxism (teeth grinding) [3].

Dental veneers are resistant to damage but can still crack and chip under immense pressure such as that seen in bruxism. If you’d like to invest in veneers for your smile, it’s best to get your teeth grinding habit under control first.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a process in which a composite resin material—just like the one used to fill cavities—is used to “build up” your natural tooth structure. Dental bonding helps restore the appearance of your teeth and protects the tooth from further damage.

Again, while dental bonding may be the appropriate choice for one or two worn down teeth, it may not be the most practical option for a mouth full of teeth that are worn down. Dental bonding can last years with the right care, although like most dental restorations, it will need to be repaired or replaced eventually.

There Is Treatment for Worn Down Teeth!

If you have worn down teeth and are living with teeth that look short or flat, or have uncomfortable tooth sensitivity, it’s time to visit your dentist to talk about treatment options. There is treatment for worn down teeth, and you can restore both the look and performance of your smile with these treatment options!