Veneers and Worn Down Teeth
One of the most well-known, popular cosmetic dentistry treatments is dental veneers. For years, dental veneers have been helping people have sparkling, symmetrical smiles while conferring the additional benefit of structurally restoring teeth that are somewhat worn down or damaged. Dental veneers are very thin layers of a material that is similar to the thin, calcified layers of material that make up a seashell, and they are custom made for each patient. These veneers are bonded onto the outer surfaces of the front teeth, a treatment that requires minimal preparation and maintains the structure of the natural teeth while improving their appearance and function; some other treatments that restore the appearance of the smile, like dental crowns, require that the tooth structure be altered before the restoration can occur. What this means in the big picture is that dental veneers require existing tooth structure for their support, and if the teeth are severely worn down, dental veneers aren’t a great option, as they can’t compensate for a significant amount of natural dental structure. In less severe cases, though, and with the proper care, porcelain veneers could be a highly effective and attractive restoration option for mildly or moderately worn down teeth.
Dental veneers are made of either composite material or porcelain. Porcelain dental veneers are considered the best possible material option, consistently providing excellent aesthetic results and solid durability. Of course, the habits that caused the patient’s teeth to wear down must be curtailed, or else the veneers will sustain similar damage. Before treatment with dental veneers can commence, your dentist will need to review a panoramic x-ray that shows the full breadth of the dentition and the jaw. This x-ray will allow the dentist to determine whether infections or periodontal disease are present and is taken as part of a comprehensive clinical examination of the oral cavity. If the patient is found to have active gum disease or periodontal disease, this will require treatment, and if any infection is present, a root canal may be necessary before veneers can be placed. In some cases, dentist recommend orthodontic treatment before placing dental veneers.
A lot of the time, people with severely worn down teeth have a condition called bruxism, which is characterized by chronic, habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth. When the teeth have been worn down significantly, dental veneers cannot be used; the thin material used for dental veneers can’t support the forces of biting and chewing required of the teeth without some viable tooth structure supporting them and will break. For these patients, dental crowns are often the recommended treatment, as they restore the structure of the teeth and are intended to function more like natural teeth. While the functional restorative benefits of dental veneers can mask areas of damage, they require a substantial amount of natural tooth surface to support them. When patients have worn down teeth because of abrasion, which can happen with aggressive, improper brushing, dental veneers could be a good option, and worn down teeth that result from other causes can often be treated with dental veneers. The bottom line is that only a dentist can tell you if you’re a good candidate for dental veneers, and a dentist can also help you address the root cause of your worn down teeth, so ask your dentist for a consultation and learn what your options are.