Causes Of Tooth Enamel Wear And Restoration Treatments
Tooth wear occurs naturally as we age, leading to an uneven smile, reduced chewing and biting ability or exposure of tooth nerve endings which can cause pain and sensitivity.
Worn out teeth lose their natural enamel structure, leading to reduced length as well as chipping from the sides. Luckily, cosmetic treatment can restore the shape and structure of worn out teeth.
Causes of tooth wear
The most common cause of natural tooth wear is the attrition caused by constant clenching of teeth as you bite or swallow. Individuals who grind their teeth while sleeping are also likely to experience accelerated tooth wear. Aggressive brushing can also cause severe enamel abrasion, typically wearing down the necks and sides of your teeth.
Erosion by acidic foods and drinks is another leading cause of tooth wear. Excessively fizzy drinks are the main culprit of tooth erosion, as they contain high levels of corrosive phosphoric and citric acids. Other causes of tooth erosion may include conditions such as low saliva or acid reflux disease, as well as a diet of high sugar and starches. Long-term use of medicines such as antihistamines or aspirins can also erode teeth.
Cosmetic solutions for worn out teeth
There are 3 main cosmetic dental treatments that can restore worn out teeth and restore your tooth structure and smile.
Dental bonding is the most common procedure used to restore teeth that have cavities caused by acidic erosion. Composite resins are especially used to hide worn areas on front teeth, because the resins aren't usually strong enough to withstand heavy pressure, and are therefore not used to fill back teeth which experience greater biting force. Dental bonding is therefore a great option for restoring mildly worn front teeth which have suffered abrasion from aggressive brushing or grinding.
For teeth that have been extensively worn by erosion, dental crowns are the perfect cosmetic solution. Porcelain crowns are able to withstand more loads than bonding material, and can therefore successfully cap the entire surface of a worn down back tooth, protecting the enamel and inner pulp from further wear..
Dental veneers, which are thin layers of tooth-colored porcelain, are also an option for teeth worn on the sides and necks. The porcelain layers are cemented to the tooth surface, restoring the shape and thickness of the tooth, while protecting the tooth from further damage by acidic foods or abrasive action. Veneers can also be placed in front of worn down teeth so as to restore their size and give you a straight smile.
For more information, contact Edgewood Dental or a similar location.