Tooth wear happens naturally with age, but teeth grinding and exposure to acids in food and drink can cause teeth to wear down at a faster rate. If you’re concerned about the appearance or sensitivity of worn teeth, your dentist can discuss treatments for replacing the lost enamel and restoring your teeth to their former glory.
Read this guide to learn about rebuilding worn teeth and book a consultation with our dentists in Brisbane to find out how we can help you restore your smile.
Do worn teeth need to be fixed?
Worn-down teeth might not need to be repaired if they’re not causing you discomfort, but worn teeth can be more vulnerable to damage from impacts or pressure, such as from biting down too hard. Some reasons to consider repairing worn teeth include:
- Your teeth feel sensitive when you eat or drink something hot, cold or sweet
- Your teeth don’t touch together when you bite
- You have difficulty chewing some foods
- An uneven bite is causing teeth grinding or jaw pain
- Your teeth have chips or cracks
- You’re not happy with the short or uneven appearance of your teeth
Over time, tooth wear can lead to teeth becoming crooked without support. The jaws may also move closer together, which can lead to a prematurely aged appearance.
What are my treatment options for worn down teeth?
Dentists offer several treatments to restore the strength and appearance of worn teeth. Your dentist will discuss the most suitable options for your case, which may involve applying composite resin or porcelain restorations. A tooth that’s too badly damaged may need to be replaced.
Repairing enamel
The most common treatment for restoring worn teeth is applying composite resin to rebuild the tooth. This resin can be matched to your natural tooth shade and is hardened and polished to resemble natural tooth enamel, though it can be damaged and stained more easily.
Your dentist will check your composite restorations during your routine dental visits and may recommend having them replaced every few years.
Porcelain or composite veneers
Another option for teeth that have worn down but are still strong is to place dental veneers. These can be made from composite resin or stronger porcelain to restore the shape and appearance of teeth and present the smile you want.
Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers, but they can also last for twice as long with good care before they need to be replaced.
Dental implants
If a tooth is too badly worn to repair, your dentist might suggest having it extracted and replaced with an artificial tooth such as a dental implant or bridge. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth and are supported by the jawbone, making them a long-lasting option for tooth replacement.
Tooth wear treatments in Brisbane
Do you have worn teeth and need to talk to a dentist? Swish Dental has local clinics in Everton Park and Mitchelton where our experienced dentists are happy to help. Call our Everton Park team on (07) 3355 1422 or our Mitchelton clinic on (07) 3354 3341. You can also book online.