Worn Anterior Teeth
Often, grinding and irregular bite patterns can chip and wear away anterior (front) teeth, creating an irregular or unsightly smile line. Once chipping begins, the remaining fragile edges are at increased risk of chipping and continue to break down over time.
Multiple treatment options exist for this condition, ranging from simple anterior coronoplasty to complex subtractive/additive coronoplasty, to full mouth rehabilitation and splint therapy. See Anterior Coronoplasty under Treatments.
Small Biting Surface Cavities
Once a small cavity forms on the biting surface of the tooth, it will continue to get larger and larger with time. Initially, the small cavity might look slightly darker than the surrounding tooth structure, or it can look white and splotchy. It is important to treat small cavities conservatively. See Air Abrasion Fillings under Treatments.
Severely Worn Teeth
Once most or all teeth in the mouth become severely worn, or when There is a discrepancy between how the teeth come together and how the jaw bones relate, it can be necessary to replace all the teeth with restorations, such as crowns, fillings, or a combination. This is called a “complex, full-mouth rehabilitation.” The result is a harmonious relationship amongst all of the teeth and between the upper and lower jaw bones. This relaxed, comfortable bite relationship can also relax the muscles in the face around the mouth, the eyes, and the neck, resulting in a more youthful, relaxed look. See Complex, Full-mouth Rehabilitation under Treatments.