Cosmetic Dental Services for Worn Teeth

Cosmetic dental services can be used to repair worn-down teeth. Teeth can be eroded by acids in the mouth and the bite forces generated when chewing. They can also become damaged due to habits like chewing on ice or biting on fingernails.

Worn-down teeth often lead to issues like toothaches because the more sensitive inner layer of the teeth, called the dentin, is exposed to acids and bacteria in the mouth. These teeth are also more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Restoring worn-down teeth with cosmetic dental services

For patients who are ready to restore their smile, there are various cosmetic dental services that a dentist can use to fix worn-down teeth.

1. Composite bonding

This is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that can be completed in as little as 45 minutes. It can be used to treat issues like mild to moderate chips, decay, and breaks. The composites used for this treatment are made from plastic and glass mixtures. These composites are matched with the color of the patient’s natural teeth, so repairs made are not noticeable.

Composite bonding involves applying the putty-like composite directly to a tooth and molding it as desired. The composite is then hardened with ultraviolet light and polished to complete the treatment.

2. Crowns

Dental crowns can also restore the appearance of worn-down teeth. Also called caps, these restorations are typically recommended for severely worn-down teeth. A crown is a durable restoration that covers up the visible part of a tooth. Crowns are designed to withstand the bite forces generated when chewing and keep whatever is left of the tooth from breaking apart further.

A crown also restores the treated tooth's appearance, making it look like a normal, healthy tooth. Teeth to be covered with crowns are prepared by the dentist removing enamel from their sides. This creates a better fit for the crown. However, there is no way to restore the patient’s enamel once a dentist has removed it. The tooth will always need a restoration to serve as its enamel moving forward.

Getting a crown often requires two trips to the clinic. The dentist shaves enamel off the patient’s tooth during the first visit and takes an impression of the tooth. A temporary crown is placed on the tooth, and the patient is sent on their way.

The impression taken is sent to a dental lab where technicians make crowns. It takes a couple of weeks for the patient’s custom restoration to get back to the dentist. Once it is ready, the patient comes in for a second appointment, and their temporary crown is swapped with the customized crown.

3. Veneers

These tooth-shaped restorations are used to cover up aesthetic issues that affect the front parts of teeth. Issues that veneers can be used to fix include minor chips and breaks. Placing a veneer is quite similar to placing a crown, but enamel is only removed from the front portion of the tooth.