4 Restorative Dentistry Procedures After Teeth Grinding

4 Restorative Dentistry Procedures After Teeth Grinding from Elm Street Family Dental in Albany, ORUnlike general dentistry, which focuses on routine examinations and treatment, restorative dentistry is a specialization focusing on the repair or replacement of damaged or missing teeth. Bruxism is a fairly common condition that causes the clenching and grinding of teeth. While no single cause exists for bruxism, the results of teeth grinding are well documented. Teeth are worn down and damaged from continuous wear, and many patients require restorative treatments to correct bite deficiencies.

4 procedures to treat bruxism effects

While restorative dentistry can remedy many effects of bruxism, rushing into treatment may be a mistake. Without understanding the condition or curbing the habitual behavior, a patient may damage any corrective work. If restorations are undertaken but the patient continues to grind excessively, it may require further remedial dental treatments, causing further stress. However, that does not mean patients must simply endure their smile being worn down. There are four procedures to deal with bruxism damage, including handling the behavior itself.

1. Mouthguards

Before seeking any surgical treatment, a patient should mitigate further tooth loss and prevent damage to any repairs made. Mouthguards or mouth splints are the two methods most often used to curb the grinding of teeth. Primarily used for patients with sleep bruxism, the device is a plastic sheath that creates a protective barrier over the teeth, eliminating direct tooth-on-tooth grinding. Mouth splints are smaller than mouthguards and thicker, increasing the longevity of the product and its usefulness.

2. Crowns

Dental crowns are caps that cover a damaged tooth to protect it against further wear. Bruxism patients often wear down the enamel (the hard outer layer of a tooth) causing cracks or breaks in the surface. A crown keeps the remaining enamel from wearing away, reducing the risk of further tooth decay or the potential loss or removal of the damaged tooth or teeth.

3. Veneers

Unlike crowns, which fit over the teeth, veneers only attach to the front of the teeth. However, these thin porcelain sheets still restore and protect the integrity of a damaged smile. Veneers can be a less invasive procedure than crowns, but patients should consider the durability of the application. Veneers chip and wear out more quickly than a crown, and for bruxism patients, that is a significant concern.

4. Bonding

Many patients who suffer from teeth grinding may prefer dental bonding because it is a cost-effective and straightforward procedure. Dentists use an inexpensive composite resin adhered to the damaged teeth. The resin is then shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth, allowing patients to have the appearance of a natural smile.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Restorative Dentistry in Albany, OR.

Conclusion

For bruxism patients, restorative dentistry can restore sheen and brilliance to a damaged smile. However, it is crucial to curb the habitual behavior of teeth grinding before investing in dental restoration. Failure to first control the behavior can lead to repetitive and costly repairs. A dentist can help create a treatment plan to remedy teeth grinding and the resulting damage.

Request an appointment or call Elm Street Family Dental at 541-393-9196 for an appointment in our Albany office.

Recent Posts

How Long Will A Dental Crown Last?

A dental crown is used to restore teeth that are in bad shape. Oftentimes, they are needed for teeth that have become cracked, chipped or broken. Additionally, general dentists recommend them for teeth that have severely decayed due to an infection. While they are one of the most common dental restorations, many wonder how long…

How Dental Bonding Can Strengthen Your Teeth

Many patients have dental bonding procedures for cosmetic reasons. However, the treatment is also sometimes used to strengthen teeth that are chipped, cracked, decayed, or have exposed roots.Dental bonding is done with a composite resin that a dentist has color-matched to the natural teeth. The dentist roughens the tooth surface and then applies a conditioning…

Is Teeth Straightening With Clear Aligners Effective?

Clear aligners have become a popular choice for addressing dental alignment issues. Because there are different types of teeth straightening treatments, it is important to consider each of them to achieve the best and most effective results.If you are considering clear aligners for teeth straightening, it may be best to review the following information first.…

Recent Posts

How Long Will A Dental Crown Last?

How Long Will A Dental Crown Last?

A dental crown is used to restore teeth that are in bad shape. Oftentimes, they are needed for teeth that have become cracked, chipped or broken. Additionally, general dentists recommend them for teeth that have severely decayed due to an infection. While they are one of the most common dental restorations, many wonder how long…

How Dental Bonding Can Strengthen Your Teeth

How Dental Bonding Can Strengthen Your Teeth

Many patients have dental bonding procedures for cosmetic reasons. However, the treatment is also sometimes used to strengthen teeth that are chipped, cracked, decayed, or have exposed roots.Dental bonding is done with a composite resin that a dentist has color-matched to the natural teeth. The dentist roughens the tooth surface and then applies a conditioning…