Tooth Wear
Teeth are strong, but some teeth take a lot of punishment. For example, tooth wear can occur if someone bites their nails, grinds their teeth, or drinks a lot of sweet drinks such as soda.
Dentista has the experts you need to repair the damage caused by tooth wear. We repair short, worn teeth and give damaged enamel extra protection, which will also make your teeth look much nicer.
Tooth wear is not caused by caries (cavities) but by other causes: friction, such as when grinding your teeth or chewing on objects (attrition or abrasion) or by acid – for example from soft drinks, fruit juice or yoghurt – that attacks dental tissue (erosion).
Wear and tear of the teeth happens to everyone. It’s just that we spend quite a long time with our teeth, so in later life everyone will show some wear and tear. We call this normal, physiological wear.
Sometimes, however, teeth wear down faster than normal. We call this pathological wear. Teeth and molars then become shorter and/or flatter. As a result, they lose part of their function: biting and chewing become more difficult.
When the protective enamel layer of your teeth wears down, your teeth can become extra sensitive. You may even get a toothache due to inflammation of the nerve in the cavity of the molar.
Wear can also have aesthetic consequences: short, worn down teeth often look a little less attractive and thus can affect your appearance.
Diagnostics of tooth wear
So, how do you know if there is dental wear? Your dentist first investigates by asking questions: Do you have any symptoms? How does chewing and biting go? Do you have any pain? How are your eating habits? And do you think your teeth look less attractive? Your dentist then looks at your face, mouth, and teeth, takes dental models, performs a dental analysis, takes colour photographs, and sometimes takes X-rays to correctly document the state and function of your teeth. Sometimes, a saliva test is also involved. This will determine how much wear and tear there is and the risk. And also what the probable cause is and the best treatment.
Treatment of dental wear
With minor tooth wear, your dentist helps prevent further wear. You’ll get information about the causes and risks and advice on how to prevent additional wear.
And a protective plate (splint) can prevent further damage by helping prevent teeth grinding.
Tooth tissue that has worn away is restored with tooth-coloured restorative material—often composite—applied directly in the mouth. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace some teeth and/or molars. Our dental technicians then make beautiful new ones for you.
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