Restoration of Worn Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Hello friends, this is Dr. Stela Heisler. As a dentist in Jerusalem with extensive experience in full mouth restoration, dental veneers, and dental implants, I often encounter patients suffering from tooth wear – a condition that can affect your smile, function, and overall health. Tooth wear is not just an aesthetic issue; it can lead to pain, sensitivity, and additional problems if not treated. In this article, I’ll explain what tooth wear is, its causes, symptoms, and the restoration options available at my dental clinic in Jerusalem. Let’s get started!

What is Tooth Wear?

Tooth wear is the gradual loss of the enamel layer – the hard outer layer of the tooth. It can occur in front or back teeth, leading to shorter, flatter, or cracked teeth. If not treated promptly and correctly, the wear exposes the inner dentin, causing increased sensitivity and a higher risk of decay. At my clinic, I see many cases of wear stemming from daily habits, and I tailor treatments to restore your smile and function.

Causes of Tooth Wear

Tooth wear is caused by several factors, often a combination of them:

1. Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding (bruxism) at night or due to daily stress causes rapid enamel wear. It’s common in adults due to tension. Tooth wear can worsen over time if a suitable night guard (splint) isn’t used.
2. Acidic Diet: Carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, wine, or acidic foods-all erode the enamel over time. The acid damages the outer layer, making teeth more vulnerable to mechanical wear.
3. Harmful Habits: Nail biting, pen chewing, or ice chewing – all cause mechanical wear. These habits create repeated pressure on the teeth, leading to enamel loss and small fractures.
4. Age and Genetics: With age, teeth wear naturally, but genetics can exacerbate it. For example, thin enamel from birth makes teeth more sensitive to wear.
5. Acid Reflux or Vomiting: Stomach acids returning to the mouth erode the teeth. This is common in those with digestive issues or eating disorders, causing uniform wear across all teeth.

Symptoms of Tooth Wear

Don’t ignore the signs-the earlier you treat, the simpler and cheaper the restoration will be:

1. Shorter or Flatter Teeth: Teeth appear shorter or with flat edges, altering the smile’s appearance and making proper biting difficult.
2. Sensitivity to Cold, Heat, or Sweet: Exposure of the inner dentin causes increased sensitivity, especially when eating cold or sweet food, which can be painful and bothersome.
3. Jaw Pain or Headaches: Tooth wear changes the bite, putting strain on jaw muscles and potentially leading to chronic headaches or ear pain.
4. Cracks or Chips in Teeth: Wear weakens the teeth, causing small cracks or chips, especially in back teeth.
5. Changes in Bite or Difficulty Eating: The bite becomes uneven, making chewing harder and increasing the risk of additional issues like jaw joint pain.

Options for Restoring Worn Teeth

So how do we treat worn teeth? At my clinic, I offer personalized solutions for restoring worn teeth in ways that preserve natural teeth as much as possible:

1. Porcelain or Laminate Veneers: Ideal for mild wear in front teeth. The veneers rebuild the tooth, improve appearance, and protect it from further wear, with a natural aesthetic result.
2. Zirconia or Porcelain Crowns: For severe wear, a crown covers the entire tooth, strengthens it, and restores its natural shape, especially in back teeth that endure heavy pressure.
3. Composite Fillings: A cheap and quick solution for mild wear, where I fill the worn areas with tooth-like material, but it’s less durable long-term.
4. Custom Night Guard (Splint): To prevent further wear from teeth grinding-essential for any restoration, as it avoids pressure on teeth at night and protects new treatments.
5. Full Mouth Restoration: If the wear is extensive, we apply a combination of implants, bridges, and crowns to restore function, including bite correction to prevent future issues.

How Is the Process Done?

The process for treating worn teeth starts with a comprehensive examination:

1. Diagnosis: X-rays and examination to identify causes and extent of wear.
2. Treatment Plan: Recommendation for the appropriate solution (veneers, crowns, etc.).
3. Execution: Minimal preparation (if needed), lab fabrication, and bonding/placement.
4. Follow-Up: Check-ups to ensure the restoration lasts.

The process takes 2-4 visits, depending on complexity.

Why Choose Me for Restoring Worn Teeth?

At my clinic in Jerusalem, I combine experience, advanced technology, and a personal approach. I understand the pain and discomfort from tooth wear, so I ensure comfortable, calm, and effective treatments. I guarantee durable results that restore a confident, beautiful smile you can be proud of. If you’re suffering from tooth wear, schedule a consultation at my clinic – I’m here to help. Let’s restore your smile together!