Teeth that are worn, appear flat, or often sustain minor damage are often signs of an underlying bite problem. Dr. Petkevis offers advanced diagnosis and restorative dental treatments for complex bite problems, such as TMJ, that may be the cause of worn teeth.

He takes a comprehensive approach to your dental concerns and symptoms, using the Dawson Diagnostic Wizard and advanced technology to evaluate the function of your bite. Rest assured that he will take the time to discuss lifestyle habits and medical history, offering individualized treatment and advice for maintaining a healthy smile and managing risk factors.

Common Causes of Worn Teeth

Although our teeth naturally wear over time, certain lifestyle habits or dental problems can lead to premature wear and damage that can threaten long-term oral health. Teeth grinding is a common cause of worn or broken teeth and can be treated with a mouthguard or other oral appliance.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
• Parkinson’s or Huntington’s Disease
• Stress or anxiety
• Malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth)

Another cause of tooth wear is enamel erosion. Over time, certain foods, medications, and/or stomach acid from a condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause tooth enamel to dissolve and erode. Tooth enamel is like a protective coating for teeth. It won’t grow back once you lose it. As tooth enamel erodes, the teeth become more susceptible to damage, discoloration, and decay.

Chronically Broken Teeth

If you have teeth that break repeatedly – even after treatment, you may have an underlying functional problem. This is often the result of an occlusal (bite) imbalance or TMJ disorder. This could be a surprise since you may not have any signs or symptoms other than worn or broken teeth.

Dr. Petkevis has completed postgraduate dental training to diagnose and treat TMJ dysfunction and occlusal disease. In these patients, the jaw joints and/or teeth are improperly aligned. When teeth make contact out of alignment with others, it can cause them to wear, chip, or break.

Treating TMJ Dysfunction & Occlusal Disease

Dr. Petkevis will create a personalized treatment plan to address your concerns and symptoms. This may involve bite equilibration (reshaping the teeth), orthodontics, or other restorative treatments to rebalance the bite. Fixing the underlying cause of the problem will ensure that treatment results will be long-lasting and comfortable.

Depending on dental health status and cause, there are various ways to treat teeth grinding. The most common treatment is a custom mouthguard you wear at night or during stressful situations. This can prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching and reduce or eliminate the associated symptoms. For athletes, wearing a custom sports mouthguard alleviates the stress put on the teeth during play and has also been shown to improve performance.

Dr. Petkevis may recommend restorative procedures such as dental crowns, tooth bonding, or orthodontics to realign the bite if necessary. He will also repair damage from bruxism that can compromise the integrity of the teeth.

Dr. Petkevis emphasizes the importance of maintaining oral health, including keeping the natural teeth for as long as possible. Treating bruxism will relieve symptoms affecting daily life and restore your dental health! If you think you may grind your teeth or have noticed some of the signs and symptoms mentioned, schedule an appointment with Dr. Petkevis in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.

Worn Down Teeth FAQs

What do worn-down teeth look like?

Without pain, it can be hard to notice you have a problem with worn teeth. When you examine your teeth, look at their edges. You’ll notice they seem uneven or jagged at the edges. Small chips are missing from your teeth, too. In other situations, your teeth are rounded, as they’ve slowly been wearing over time.

Are worn teeth normal?

Some degree of wear occurs due to the natural aging process. We use our teeth daily; naturally, they wear down over time. But it’s important to realize when it’s abnormal. Examine the teeth and look at their edges. If you have any sensitivity, that’s another indication that they’re wearing in a more advanced pattern. If unsure, talk to your dentist at your next checkup for a professional review.

Can tooth enamel grow back?

No. The human body cannot grow back tooth enamel once you chip it or wear it away because it is not living tissue. If you suffer from worn-down teeth, Dr. Petkevis offers several treatments to restore your tooth’s health. If you suffer from worn-down teeth due to teeth grinding, we also offer night guards to protect your teeth while you sleep.

How much does it cost to fix worn-down teeth?

This will depend on which treatment you choose. Dental bonding is the most affordable option to restore tooth health; however, the results will not last as long. Porcelain veneers will cost the most, but this treatment offers the most polished look. They are more durable, and the results will last longer.

Is it necessary to fix worn-down teeth?

It is important to fix damaged and worn-down teeth to protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent further damage from occurring. Worn-down teeth often result in tooth sensitivity, difficulty chewing, bite problems, and exposed nerves, resulting in toothaches.

How can I prevent damaging my teeth from grinding?

Most people who grind their teeth do so at night while sleeping and are often unaware they are doing it. The best way to prevent damaging your teeth is to sleep with a custom-made night guard. This is similar to a mouthguard but designed to protect teeth from severe grinding. Dr. Petkevis will take impressions of your teeth and fabricate a custom-made nightguard to offer the best protection.