Our case of the month for February 2018 involves the treatment of tooth wear. Tooth wear is an increasing problem with modern day life. Stress, night time grinding and acidic diets all lead to loss of tooth enamel which is the hardest tissue in the body!
The loss of tooth enamel leads to a weakening of the overall tooth structure exposing the underlying dentine which is much weaker and more susceptible to tooth decay and sensitivity. In the first instance, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, if you love acidic drinks and food, sorry, but you will have to change your diet. If you grind at night, a simple night guard will protect your teeth.
How is tooth wear treated?
In most cases, we can treat tooth wear using a fantastic technique called the Dahl technique. This is where the affected teeth are re built using skilled placement of bonding composite resin restoring teeth back to the original size and shape. Often this means that you will bite on the newly restored teeth first which you would think will damage the new teeth. However, if the bonding is done correctly and in a certain manner, the mouth adapts and adjusts to the new bite.
The great advantage of this treatment is that we do not need to cut down the teeth at all. Hence, it is a minimally invasive approach, reversible, pain free and affordable. After all, why remove the hardest tissue in the body when the aim is to preserve it!
Our case
Our presented case involves the treatment of tooth wear for the lower front teeth; a common site for edge fracturing in night time grinding. Please take a look at the before and after photos:
This technique can be applied to upper, lower and back teeth. It is a great treatment. If you have tooth wear and would like to know the options for you, please contact. It could be the best decision you make this year!
