Veneers and Worn-Down Teeth
Worn down teeth are a common occurrence with older people. Some of the wear to your teeth is a natural side effect of ageing, but other contributors can be over brushing, and the consumption of acidic food and drinks.
The application of veneers is a mainstay of cosmetic dentistry. They also play a huge role in general restorative dentistry. They can restore your beautiful smile and at the same time replace the structure and function of moderately worn-down teeth.
Dental veneers are custom designed, wafer-thin material bonded to the front surface of your front teeth. The primary advantage over crowns is the minimal preparation, providing a more conservative treatment. There are two favorite types of materials used, porcelain and composite. Porcelain is the preferred choice; it gives the best quality of finish in terms of both aesthetics and durability.
Before your treatment, you noticed that your teeth look tired, and an examination shows your teeth might be stained from years of drinking coffee, tea, wine, or colas. The old dental fillings are also discolored and are wearing down with multiple chips. After the porcelain veneers are placed, the transformation can be quite remarkable. You might have been embarrassed to talk in public by covering your mouth with your hand, and now you cannot help but smile the entire day with your new veneers.
A standard restoration case means your original teeth are straight, no crowding is present, there is mild to moderate wear of your teeth, there are well-positioned gum margins, the absence of gum disease and finally, a wide upper arch form.
The Dental Veneer Process for Worn Down Teeth
Dental veneers help to restore the aesthetic look, function, and feel of your teeth. The procedure involves placing a wafer-thin piece of porcelain or composite material on the front surface of your front teeth, primarily treating the front to improve their appearance.
An x-ray is essential before your treatment begins. The x-ray will detect if there are any defects with the teeth to be treated, such as infections and periodontal disease. This will be followed by a clinical examination of the gums and teeth. If your gums show any signs of gum disease this must be treated first. An infected tooth will require root canal therapy before a veneer can be placed.
Severely worn-down teeth cannot be treated successfully with veneers. The first example is if you have been grinding your teeth, resulting in much shorter worn-down teeth. Your bite is grossly over-closed from the wear. Veneers placed on these teeth will not last, they will break as the thin material cannot withstand the strong biting forces of the chewing muscles.
The bite needs to be opened by building up the back teeth, which will create more space to lengthen the teeth at the front. In this situation crowns are more suitable since they are stronger structurally.
Veneers have been used successfully for decades and have given millions of people plenty to smile about. An evaluation and assessment by your dentist are essential to determine if veneers are the best restoration treatment for your worn-down teeth.