Why is Building Up Worn Teeth Necessary?
There are many factors that cause teeth to wear down over time and therefore require building up worn teeth. Age and tooth clenching or grinding can be factors. More specifically, the three main causes of tooth wear are:
- abrasion (outside forces on teeth)
- erosion (chemical or acid destruction)
- attrition (tooth grinding)
When teeth wear down, they become shortened and spaced out. The wearing down of teeth also means that there is less enamel and less protection for tenth overall. Some common dental issues with worn down teeth are:
- temperature sensitivity
- cracking or chipping of teeth
- nerve pain
- jaw pain
- headaches
In order for dentists to cosmetically build up worn teeth, they must first identify the cause and focus on treating that issue. For example if teeth grinding has caused your teeth to be worn down, then the dentist will most likely prescribe a mouthguard or nightguard for you to wear during the day or night to serve as a protective barrier for your teeth. After the root cause of the issue is identified and treated, then the rebuilding process will begin.
What Treatments Are Available?
The two most common treatments for worn down teeth include dental bonding and crowns.
In dental bonding, a tooth-coloured composite material or resin is applied to the edge of the tooth. The dentist will then shape the composite to make it look more anatomically correct. Since the composite covers the worn surfaces, it will act as a protective barrier to ward against sensitivity. The composite also improves the tooth’s overall appearance and corrects any bite misalignment caused by the worn-down tooth or teeth.
Crowns, on the other hand, are generally applied in cases of severe wear and breakdown of the tooth surface. A crown covers the entire tooth, is made up of porcelain or composite, and protects against further damage to the enamel. Since the crown covers the entire tooth, it protects against further chips, cracks, and enamel damage.
If you have been experiencing headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, chipping or cracking of your teeth, or trouble chewing, then it is important to call the dentist today to correct the issue in order to prevent further damage. The knowledgeable and skilled dentists at Divine Dental Care will be more than happy to help you in anyway they can.