Can Worn Down Teeth Be Fixed?
Unfortunately, human teeth do not constantly grow back like they do in sharks or some rodents. Your adult teeth must last a lifetime and fulfill their function. The fact that only very few of us grow old with a complete, naturally healthy set of teeth is partly due to the ever-increasing life expectancy. However, the main causes of tooth damage and tooth loss still include tooth decay and periodontitis - both dental diseases that can occur regardless of age.
Tooth enamel is the hard white substance that covers your teeth and is the hardest substance in the human body. With good care, a healthy diet, and normal stress, it can last a hundred years or more. Natural wear only causes the enamel layer to become thinner very slowly. Then the yellowish dentin shines through more – one reason why teeth no longer look as white as they used to when we age. As we get older, very fine cracks in the enamel can also appear, but these generally do not need to be treated as long as the surface itself is still stable. The edges of our teeth rub off a little over the years naturally. However, it is possible that your tooth enamel will wear down due to excessive hard use or other issues. In general, it is possible to fix worn down teeth, but natural enamel is best. Therefore, we recommend trying to prevent tooth wear in the first place.
How does an tooth wear occur?
The causes of excessive wear of the teeth are different. One possible reason is a hereditary tooth misalignment. Much more frequently, however, the abrasion teeth are caused by bruxism (night-time teeth grinding), clenching or excessive "grinding" - mostly caused by too much stress or unresolved conflicts. Poorly fitting or damaged dentures can also lead to an incorrect bite and, as a result, to increased tooth wear.
What happens if there is excessive tooth wear?
Due to excessive tooth wear, more and more of the tooth structure is lost, which is particularly evident in the front teeth in many of those affected. The front incisors become shorter and shorter over time until the original size differences can hardly be seen. However, in most patients with enamel erosion, the posterior and molar teeth are also affected.
The loss of substance due to wear and tear and enamel flaking can amount to several millimeters and lead to an open bite. With this misalignment, the shortened teeth no longer meet, so that there are always gaps between the rows of teeth in the lower and upper jaw when biting and speaking.
Due to the advanced wear and tear, the sensitive dentin is usually exposed in several places in abrasion teeth, for example on the incisal edges of the front teeth, on the sides of the teeth or in the area of the tooth necks. With the hard enamel, the teeth and the entire periodontium lose the important outer protective layer. As a result, this not only means increased sensitivity to irritation and pain, but also promotes further damage from tooth decay, inflammation, receding gums and bone loss.
Exactly what is recommended for the restoration and rehabilitation of natural and non-natural tooth wear depends on the results of your dental exam, but also on the wishes and financial possibilities of the patient.