Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, can do a number on the surface of your teeth. Not only is teeth grinding hard on your jaw and can lead to muscle tension issues, but it also wears down your teeth, leaving you prone to cavities. Some people may even experience minor enamel chipping due to grinding their teeth. Although plenty of treatment options are available for bruxism, fixing ground teeth can be somewhat complicated. While it is possible to fix ground teeth, there is a wide range of treatment options available. Let’s look into the various ways to improve ground teeth and prevent damage from bruxism in the first place.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the first repair options for ground teeth. Teeth grinding can damage your grinding molars by wearing away at the surface and causing pitting. These pits are then susceptible to cavities and other forms of dental decay and damage. Wearing down the enamel can also make your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes and tough or chewy foods. Dental crowns can protect your teeth’s surface while providing a new, solid chewing surface.
Dental crowns are made from a wide range of materials, including metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics, and they act almost exactly like your natural teeth. A dental crown is usually a cap-like shape (hence the name “crown”) that is placed over your existing tooth. Depending on the damage to your original tooth, your dentist may need to shape the underlying tooth before applying a dental crown. Thankfully, dental crowns can be replaced and are a simple treatment option that can repair ground-down teeth.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is the process by which composite resin is used to smooth and reshape your existing teeth. This is a good option for teeth pitted or ground down by bruxism but doesn’t need total repair. Dental bonding is a reversible process and is very similar to getting a cavity filled. First, your dentist will prepare the existing tooth surface to bond better with the resin. Then, they will apply a tooth-colored resin to the surface and shape it appropriately. Dental bonding can also change the color of your teeth and fix minor cracks or chips.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are like crowns; however, they are directly adhered to your teeth and require extensive shaping of the underlying tooth in most cases. Dental veneers are a good option for teeth with enamel damage, as they are lightweight and can be applied to the tooth’s surface. It is essential to remember that some dentists will recommend dental crowns over veneers depending on the extent of teeth grinding damage that needs to be repaired. It’s always best to discuss your treatment options with your dental team to ensure they match your price range and unique dental needs.
Preventing Dental Damage from Teeth Grinding
Getting a custom-fitted mouthguard can help prevent damage from bruxism. Your dental team may also recommend dental splints or alignment changes to help alleviate the root of your teeth grinding. Remember that teeth grinding can be caused by many factors, including stress. Reducing your overall stress levels in tandem with protecting your teeth using a mouth guard or splint can reduce the amount of dental damage incurred while reducing strain on your jaw.
If you want to learn more about teeth grinding or schedule an appointment with our dental office, call Bright Value Dental at (713) 668-1600. We proudly serve the Houston, TX, area and work hard to help our clients build stronger smiles. Our team of trained dental professionals would be happy to answer any questions you may have.