It is quite common not to notice dental wear until it is already visible. It starts with small changes: a bit more sensitivity, less defined edges or teeth that seem shorter. Since it usually does not hurt at first, it is often ignored… until the problem gets worse.
Discover in this article which are the best treatments for worn teeth.
Worn teeth
Worn teeth are those that have lost part of their enamel, which is the layer that protects them. This wear can cause teeth to change shape, appear flatter or even show small fractures on the edges. It is also common to notice sensitivity to cold, heat or certain foods, often being one of the first signs.
Over time, this wear can also affect the color, making the teeth look more yellow due to the exposure of the dentin. Although at first glance it may seem minor, it actually indicates that the tooth is more vulnerable and less protected against external stimuli.
Beyond aesthetics, wear also affects function. When teeth lose height, the bite changes and some teeth bear more load than they should. This can cause discomfort when chewing, overload and even joint problems if not treated in time, as well as increasing the risk of the problem continuing to progress.
Causes
Dental wear usually has several causes behind it. These are the most common:
- Bruxism: clenching or grinding teeth involuntarily, especially at night.
- Acid consumption: drinks such as soft drinks, juices or energy drinks that weaken the enamel.
- Gastric reflux: stomach acids can also affect the teeth.
- Aggressive brushing: too much pressure or an unsuitable toothbrush can wear down the enamel.
- Misalignment: when teeth do not fit together properly, some areas wear down more.
Treatments for worn teeth
Treatment will depend on the level of wear and the cause. A mild case is not the same as a more advanced one, which is why it is important to assess each situation individually before deciding.
Composite restorations
This is a widely used option when the wear is not very severe. It consists of rebuilding the tooth with a material that mimics the natural appearance, the composite. It allows the original shape to be restored quickly and without the need for more complex treatments.
Dental veneers
Veneers are used when, in addition to wear, there is an important aesthetic component. They are thin layers placed over the tooth to improve its appearance and protect it. They help restore a more uniform smile.
Dental crowns
In cases where the wear is greater and the tooth has lost a lot of structure, crowns allow it to be fully covered. In this way, the tooth is protected and both function and strength are restored.
Night guard
If the wear is related to bruxism, it is essential to treat the cause. The night guard is usually worn at night and helps prevent the teeth from continuing to wear down.
Full mouth rehabilitation
When the wear affects several teeth or the entire mouth, a more comprehensive treatment may be necessary. Full mouth rehabilitation combines different techniques to restore the bite, function and aesthetics as a whole.
We take care of your smile’s health
At Gross Dentistas we treat each case in a personalized way, analyzing what is causing the wear and which solution is the most appropriate. Not all patients need the same, which is why we adapt each treatment to the real situation, always seeking natural and long-lasting results.
Before starting any treatment, we carry out a complete study to understand the origin of the problem. It is not just about repairing the tooth, but about preventing the wear from continuing, combining in many cases different treatments and carrying out prevention to maintain the results over time.
We are dentists in Málaga and Torremolinos who work on both the functional and aesthetic aspects. Our goal is for you to recover your smile and be able to maintain it in the long term, with realistic solutions adapted to your daily life. Contact us and book an appointment to take care of your smile.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
