As you age, your dental enamel will naturally start wearing thin. This happens faster in people who do not stick to regular dental appointments and those with undesirable dental habits such as grinding of their teeth. Moreover, a few types of medications and gastrointestinal conditions that cause acid reflux will erode your dental enamel. These conditions contribute to worn down or chipped teeth. The teeth might also become temperature-sensitive and seem shorter and more translucent than usual.
An experienced dentist in Longmont and other locations might be the last person you assume will have the solutions for your worn down teeth. Moreover, other people believe worn down teeth are just a cosmetic inconvenience they can live with to save a few bucks. Well, unmanaged worn down teeth will expose the inner layers of your teeth to harsh exterior elements and will leave you dealing with costly dental treatments to maintain your oral functionality.
The treatment of worn down teeth is not only cosmetic; it also retains your teeth’s functionality. The following are the management options available for your worn down teeth.
Dental Bonding
This involves the application of a material known as a composite resin to your worn out teeth. The material will cover the surfaces of the teeth and build up the damaged sections and blend them with your other teeth. Dental bonding is often completed in a single dental appointment and makes your teeth look longer while reducing the risk of further dental damage. Though you will take the necessary steps to care for the bonding material, its reapplication is needed every so often to maintain its look and protection for your teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
These are at times known as laminates. They are lightweight shells permanently bonded over your damaged teeth. Veneers will alleviate tooth sensitivity and restore tooth functioning while boosting your smile. You can customize the color of your dental veneers to match the rest of your teeth and get an inexpensive smile makeover. Porcelain veneers are, however, brittle and expensive.
Dental Crowns
These are used for cases of severe wear of your teeth where the upper and lower dental arches require building up to restore your oral functionality. With dental crowns, an impression of your teeth will be sent to a lab where porcelain is used to fabricate the crowns for your teeth. These are permanently bonded to your teeth and come in customized colors for a natural smile.
Bridges
These are artificial teeth used in cases where your teeth are too eroded and virtually useless. In these times, the dentist will extract the damaged tooth and replace it with a bridge, provided the teeth adjacent the damaged ones can support the bridges. In some cases, the dentist can opt for implants instead of bridges to replace the extracted teeth.
In the past, the above treatment alternatives were expensive and beyond the reach of many people. Thankfully, they are among your cheapest dental treatments today. Before dismissing them, get a dentist to review your oral health and recommend the one that will work best for you. This way, your oral functionality and smile will remain unaffected by worn down teeth.
