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Treating
Worn Teeth
Worn teeth are a common dental issue that can affect the function and appearance of your smile. Over time, certain habits and conditions, such as grinding your teeth while you sleep (bruxism), acid reflux, a misaligned bite or receding gums, can contribute to significant tooth wear.
As the enamel wears down, you may begin to notice symptoms like increased sensitivity, uneven edges, or even teeth that appear smaller than before.
Understanding the causes of worn teeth is crucial. By identifying and addressing the root cause, whether it's grinding your teeth at night, misalignment or acid erosion, we can help restore the health, function and aesthetics of your smile.
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What causes teeth to wear down?
Tooth wear can occur for several reasons:
Bruxism (Tooth Grinding):
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep. Over time, this constant pressure wears down the enamel and can cause teeth to appear smaller or flatter. Many people are unaware they grind their teeth at night until symptoms like jaw pain, headaches or tooth sensitivity emerge.
Acid Erosion:
Acid reflux and dietary habits can lead to acid erosion, where acids gradually weaken and wear away the enamel on your teeth. This often results from frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages or from medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid erosion typically affects the back teeth first, but if left unchecked it can compromise the integrity of the entire smile.
Misaligned Bite:
A misaligned bite, also known as malocclusion, can put uneven pressure on certain teeth, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can result in chipped or flattened teeth and may contribute to issues such as jaw pain and difficulty chewing. Correcting misalignment can help distribute bite force more evenly and prevent long-term damage.
Attrition:
Attrition is the natural wear of teeth that occurs with age due to regular chewing and biting. While some degree of attrition is normal as we age, excessive wear can occur if biting patterns are uneven or if there’s an existing habit of clenching.
Gummy Smile & Small Teeth:
Sometimes, genetics play a role and individuals have naturally smaller teeth or a gummy smile, which can expose more of the gum line and make teeth appear shorter over time.
Dietary Habits:
Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, soft drinks and certain alcohols can accelerate the wearing down of tooth enamel. Over time, these dietary choices create an environment where the enamel becomes more prone to erosion.
Signs of Worn Teeth
Recognising the signs of tooth wear early is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain oral health. Here are key indicators that you may have worn teeth:
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Treatment Options for
Worn and Small Teeth
Addressing worn teeth, including issues related to bruxism, tooth grinding, and gummy smiles, involves personalised solutions. We aim to restore the aesthetics of your smile but also support long-term oral health, ensuring that your teeth function properly and maintain their structure over time.
Dental Bonding:
A cost-effective solution where composite resin is applied to rebuild small teeth, repairing damage and improving appearance.
Orthodontic Treatment:
To address misalignment, orthodontic options such as braces or clear aligners can gradually shift teeth into their proper positions. This not only improves the appearance of your smile but also helps distribute bite force evenly, preventing excessive wear and potential dental complications.
Veneers:
Custom-made porcelain or composite shells that cover the front surface of teeth, ideal for treating worn or small teeth and correcting a gummy smile.
Crowns:
When teeth are severely worn, crowns are placed over the entire tooth to protect it from further damage and grinding. These are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Night Guards:
For those who grind their teeth during sleep, custom-fitted night guards protect against further damage by creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
Botox:
Botox can be used as a treatment for teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism). By relaxing the jaw muscles, Botox helps reduce the force of clenching, minimising wear on the teeth and alleviating associated jaw pain and tension.
Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments:
Addressing underlying issues such as acid reflux through medical guidance and lifestyle changes can prevent further enamel erosion.
Treatment Options for
Worn and Small Teeth
Prevention is crucial in managing and minimising damage caused by bruxism, tooth grinding and other conditions that can lead to worn teeth. Here are key preventative measures:
Use a Night Guard: Wearing a custom night guard can help prevent further damage by creating a barrier between the teeth during sleep, particularly for those who grind their teeth at night.
Manage Stress and Anxiety: Bruxism often links to stress, so incorporating stress-reducing activities like meditation or exercise can help reduce tooth grinding.
Address Acid Reflux: If acid reflux contributes to tooth wear, seek medical advice about proper treatment and dietary changes to manage this condition effectively.
Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine dental visits help identify signs of wear early and allow your dentist to implement preventative solutions to protect your teeth.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Proper brushing and flossing techniques are essential for maintaining strong enamel and reducing the risk of wear and tear.
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