Improve Your Smile with Treatment Options for Worn Teeth
Although tooth enamel is one of the hardest tissues in the body, it can become worn over time. The wear is faster with chronic teeth grinding. If left untreated, worn teeth lead to increased tooth sensitivity, fractures, higher risk of decay, and other serious problems. Seeking treatment for worn teeth is essential for good oral health.
Dentist Jean E. Barthman provides a wide range of treatments to restore worn teeth and protect your smile. To learn about your treatment options for worn teeth in Redwood City, CA, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barthman.
The Signs of Dental Wear
The teeth age just like the rest of the body. With years of use, the teeth may become smaller along the biting surfaces. The outer protective enamel layer can also wear away, causing the teeth to discolor and stain more easily.
Age is not the only reason the teeth begin to show signs of wear. People of any age can experience dental wear if they suffer from untreated bruxism or teeth grinding. The friction from chronic teeth grinding can quickly wear the teeth down, increasing the risk of decay and dental fractures.
Whether the teeth are worn from age or bruxism, worn teeth are at great risk of damage including tooth decay, increased sensitivity, and fractures. Treating worn teeth is important for oral health as well as keeping the teeth looking their best. These treatments can help.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth and help to hide dental imperfections, discoloration, and repair minor damage. The size, shape, and color of veneers are customized to the needs of each patient at our Redwood City practice. This allows people with worn down teeth to enjoy a more beautiful, vibrant smile.
Porcelain veneers provide long-term results and are as easy to care for as your natural teeth.
Dental Bonding
Like porcelain veneers, dental bonding is used to improve the shape, size, color, and overall appearance of the teeth. It can be used to restore the size of teeth that are beginning to show the signs of wear. Dental bonding may also be used to treat dental discoloration common with age, creating a brighter, whiter smile.
Dental bonding treatment is performed by applying and shaping a soft, pliable resin directly on the teeth. Once the desired shape and size is achieved, the resin is hardened and finished with a polish. Like veneers, dental bonding provides long-lasting results.
Tooth-colored Dental Crowns
For teeth that are severely worn, tooth-colored dental crowns may be the best option. Dental crowns restore the appearance and function of damaged teeth by completely encasing individual teeth. This helps preserve the natural teeth and prevent further damage.
Porcelain is a great choice for crowns as it matches the natural luster of the teeth. The material can be made to match the surrounding teeth, or fabricated in a brighter shade of white to enhance the appearance of the smile.
Discover Your Treatment Options
If you live in or around Redwood City and would like to find out which treatment options for worn teeth are right for you, please call our team at (650) 367-4967 or schedule a consultation online.