Veneers and Worn-Down Teeth
Worn down teeth are a common issue with older people. Wearing down your teeth is a side effect of your ageing, but other causes can be aggressive brushing, and the consumption of acidic food and drinks.
The restoration solution of veneers is common with cosmetic dentistry. They also play a significant role in general restorative dentistry. They will restore your natural smile and at the same time can replace the structure and some function of moderately worn-down teeth.
Veneers are custom designed, wafer-thin shells bonded to the front surface of the front teeth. The main advantage over dental crowns is the minimal preparation, therefore providing a more conservative treatment. There are two primary types of materials used, porcelain and composite. Porcelain is preferred, it gives the best quality of finish in both aesthetics and durability.
Prior to your treatment, you may have noticed that your teeth are looking tired, and a brief dental exam shows your teeth are stained from years of enjoying coffee, tea, wine, or colas. The older dental fillings are discolored and are wearing down with chips. After your porcelain veneers are placed, the transformation can be quite exciting. You may have been embarrassed to speak by covering your mouth with your hand, and now with veneers you cannot help but to smile the entire day.
An ordinary restoration case implies that your teeth are straight, there is no crowding, the wear to your teeth is mild to moderate, there are decent gum margins, there is no gum disease and a wide upper arch form.
The Dental Veneer Process for Worn Down Teeth
Veneers restore the aesthetic look, function, and feel of your front teeth. The process involves placing a custom made, wafer-thin piece of porcelain or composite material, on the front surface of your front teeth, to improve their appearance.
An x-ray is important before your procedure begins. The x-ray will identify if there are any issues with the teeth to be treated, such as infections or periodontal disease. Then comes a clinical examination of your gums and teeth. If your gums show any signs of gum disease it must be treated first. An infected tooth will need a root canal before a veneer can be properly placed.
Veneers cannot successfully treat severely worn-down teeth. The first case is if you have been grinding or clenching your teeth, resulting in shorter worn-down teeth. Your bite alignment is incorrect from the wear. Veneers will not last on these teeth, they will break off as the thin material cannot withstand the strong biting and chewing forces.
The bite alignment needs to be opened by building up your back teeth, which then creates more space to lengthen the front teeth. In this situation dental crowns are more appropriate since they are structurally stronger.
Veneers have been placed successfully for decades and have given millions of people good reasons to smile again. An evaluation, examination, and assessment by your dentist are important to determine if veneers are the best restoration for your worn-down teeth.