Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help With Bruxism?

Also called teeth grinding, bruxism is an involuntary habit that causes people to hit their teeth against each other. The dentist can limit the effect of this movement by providing a mouthguard, but even if the grinding is stopped, the teeth's structure is often compromised. Cosmetic dentistry can restore the shape and appearance of a damaged or misshapen tooth caused by bruxism.

Cosmetic dental procedures for teeth grinding

Bruxism can cause issues like flat teeth, jaw pain, earaches, chipped teeth, tight jaw muscles, headaches, facial pain, and worn tooth enamel. Once these issues start, it is hard to correct or stop them without help from the dentist. Some of these are mere discomforts, while others make the smile less aesthetically appealing. Cosmetic dentistry treatments may be required to restore the smile and correct the damages caused by the grinding habit.

After undergoing treatment for the cause of teeth grinding, the general dentist will address the damages. Cosmetic dentistry treatments available to patients dealing with teeth grinding include the following.

Dental crowns

The forces induced on the teeth when grinding or clenching can cause the teeth to break, crack, or chip. A dental crown is a tooth cap usually made from porcelain. It covers the affected tooth to restore its shape and appearance. Dental crowns are highly durable and customizable to match the color of the remaining teeth.

Porcelain veneers

This is an effective solution for fixing teeth that have deteriorated due to grinding. The veneers are made from porcelain shells and bonded over the front surfaces of the teeth enamel. If the teeth are worn down and chipped, applying veneers over them can restore their proper size, length, and color to recreate the natural appearance of the smile.

Cosmetic bonding

Tooth bonding involves the use of composite resin to repair a damaged tooth. If a tooth is chipped, it could be at risk of further damage or affect the structure of nearby teeth. The procedure is minimally invasive and ideal for restoring the shape and look of the teeth.

The need for treatment

It is important to address the cause of teeth grinding before undergoing any cosmetic dentistry treatment. Porcelain and composite resin are strong and reliable materials, but the force of grinding will eventually cause damage to the dental restorations.

The grinding habit will only cause further teeth deterioration. Once the tooth enamel is compromised, it is only a matter of time before the tooth's inner layer gets exposed. This can cause severe pain and infection that can result in tooth loss.

Final note

Everyone desires an aesthetically pleasing smile, but it is also important to keep the teeth and gums healthy. A visit to the general dentist every six months is recommended to ensure that any issues are prevented or detected on time. Teeth grinding is detrimental to the teeth, but with treatment and cosmetic dentistry, you can have a healthy smile. To learn more, contact the dentist's office to schedule a consultation appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://gallodental.com or call GDC Smiles at (770) 504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

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