Restoring Teeth Damaged By Bruxism In Tunbridge Wells

Teeth grinding can be very destructive habit!

A lot of people will probably claim that they do not grind their teeth. However, an inspection by our Tunbridge Wells dentist may well reveal that they do!

The fact is that only at times of extreme stress are we likely to grind our teeth whilst we are awake and mostly it is our subconscious which causes us to do this whilst we sleep.

Because most teeth grinding happens when we sleep, this can be a very difficult habit to break. Mouth-guards may provide a degree of protection for our teeth, but, as stress is well known to be harmful to our general health too, it is best to address the root cause wherever possible.

Although it may take time to achieve, many people find relief from stress through activities such as yoga, relaxation exercises and even meditation. There may be an element of trial and error before you find the approach most suitable for you and you may also wish to consult your GP for guidance.

Dental restoration

Whilst we will, of course, treat any damage that causes immediate problems, such as a broken tooth, it is generally best to have your teeth restored once you have managed to stop grinding your teeth. Restorations prior to this; for example dental implants or veneers, may not withstand the grinding which may cause them to fail.

Before we carry out any treatment, we will examine your mouth to assess the level of damage done and the best way to restore your damaged teeth. There are a number of options available at The Calverley Dental Practice, and this will depend on the type of damage that has been caused.

Worn enamel, chips and cracks

Grinding teeth together will inevitably wear away the surface enamel and chips and cracking can also occur. Where this has affected the front teeth, dental veneers may be one option to restore the protective part of the tooth. Veneers are made from porcelain or composite and are used to replace damaged or stained enamel. Where rear teeth have been affected, crowns, inlays and onlays are all possible options.

Broken teeth

Some bruxism sufferers grind their teeth so aggressively as to break the teeth beyond restoration. When this happens, dental implants are an excellent method for replacing the teeth that need to be extracted. It is important that the bruxism is well under control before implants are used, as continued grinding will only compromise the treatment, potentially causing the implant to fail.

Whether you have managed to conquer your teeth grinding habit yet or not, it pays to seek professional help from your local Tunbridge Wells dentist to help you to protect your teeth from damage as much as possible. If you would like to see a dentist at The Calverley Dental Practice, please call us on 01892 543898.