Looking into your restorative dentistry options? Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is common, affecting many people worldwide. This condition can lead to issues such as chipped teeth, cracked teeth, chronic headaches, TMJ disorder, and trouble sleeping. When tooth damage occurs as a result of teeth grinding, restorative dentistry is necessary to repair the areas of concern.
The type of restorative dentistry your dentist recommends depends on the severity of the damage and the location of the damaged teeth. Three main types of restorative dentistry for bruxism include dental crowns, composite bonding, and porcelain veneers. A dental night guard can help prevent future instances of tooth damage caused by grinding.
Dental crowns, also called dental caps, cover damaged teeth entirely. They are customized to fit the exact tooth they are placed over, and they offer cosmetic, functional, and oral health benefits. The main types of dental crown materials are ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, metal alloy, gold alloy, and ceramic. Each offers unique benefits. In general, porcelain fused to metal, metal alloy and gold are ideal for teeth further back in the mouth (premolars and molars), whereas more visible teeth are often better treated through a ceramic dental crown.
Composite bonding is a restorative dentistry procedure that involves the use of composite resin. The resin material is applied and bonded to the tooth to fix imperfections. When used to treat teeth that are damaged by grinding, composite bonding can lengthen the tooth and protect the deeper layers of the tooth structure. However, composite bonding is most appropriate for repairing minor damage. The resin material is also not as durable as a dental crown, particularly when used for premolars and molars. However, composite bonding is a good option (and a more affordable one) for more visible front teeth.
Porcelain veneers are layers of porcelain that are custom-crafted in a laboratory. They are placed over existing damaged teeth to restore the appearance and health of the tooth. When used for restorative dentistry after teeth grinding, porcelain veneers can fix shortened teeth, chips, and cracks. They are most appropriate for front teeth and those who choose them typically do so because of the cosmetic benefits they offer. Veneers attach to the visible surface of teeth, so they may not work as well for repairing molars and premolars that have worn-down enamel.
Of course, an ideal situation would be to never allow teeth grinding to affect teeth. One way to prevent further damage to teeth from bruxism after restorative dentistry is to wear a custom night guard from your dentist. This ensures teeth do not touch while the person is asleep, and they may also reduce the risk of jaw clenching as well.
You can learn more about teeth grinding prevention and restorative dentistry by calling our friendly team today. We can answer your questions and help you decide on the best course of treatment during a consultation visit.
Request an appointment here: http://www.riversdentistry.com or call Rivers Family Dentistry at (979) 710-2216 for an appointment in our Bryan office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentistry in Bryan, TX.
If you are wondering about restorative dentistry, you are not alone. Lots of people have similar questions about the subject of restorative dental procedures. When people ask a question several times, it becomes a frequently asked question or FAQ. Dental professionals answer patients’ questions on a public forum (like a website). That makes it easier…
Along with preventive treatments, restorative dentistry is an important facet of dental care. Hopefully, you follow your dentist’s recommendation of visiting the office at least every six months for teeth cleaning and an examination. In between these regular visits, if you have troublesome issues, including pain and discomfort in your teeth, mouth, or gums, your…
If you have dental issues that have made you less confident in your smile, you should consider consulting with a restorative dentist. The dentist will evaluate your smile and let you know how to restore the look of your teeth and, ultimately, your confidence in your smile. Continue reading to find out what restorative dental…
There are many restorative solutions that you should consider if you are having a damaged tooth repaired in our dentist office. Very often, people call our office concerned that they will need to have a tooth extracted because they have found it to be cracked or chipped. In fact, it is even common for portions of the…
People who are uncomfortable about small gaps between their teeth can use veneers to erase the extra spaces and bring uniformity back to their mouth. Cosmetic dentistry can restore both function and appearance to teeth when trauma, loss, or discoloring has occurred. Rather than avoiding social interaction, family pictures, or the occasional selfie, look into…
Regular dental checkups are vital to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. You should visit your family dentist at least once every six months. This includes both adults and children alike. Routine dental appointments are essential for good oral health and they offer many important benefits.Tartar removal is an important step in dental appointments that…