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Woman Having Teeth Porcelain Veneers

Tooth grinding does a lot more than just create an unpleasant sound when you sleep. The habit, also known as bruxism, can do some major damage to your mouth, especially to some of the visible teeth.

When you visit a dentist for teeth grinding treatment, you may get a professional mouth guard to help prevent grinding in the future, but you may also consider cosmetic treatments to help correct the damage already done in your mouth. Learn about the treatments and ways each one will help improve your smile.

1. Cosmetic Bonding

When you grind your teeth down, some of the lengths may be different. For example, one front tooth may be longer than another. One tooth may have a slight crack or chip on it. A way to help get the tooth to look normal again is with a process known as cosmetic bonding.

The cosmetic bonding process applies a composite resin over your tooth. A dentist has the ability to shape and polish the resin so it blends seamlessly with the other teeth in your mouth. The resin shade will be chosen to match your real teeth so the bonded tooth does not stand out from the others.

The cosmetic bonding process is an ideal option for front teeth but may be applied to any tooth in the mouth with mild changes or damage due to bruxism.

2. Porcelain Veneers

For cracks or chips in your teeth, you may consider a cosmetic procedure like porcelain veneers. A veneer is a thin cosmetic shell which goes over the front of a tooth and provides protection from grinding and makes the tooth look uniform and whole.

When a veneer is installed, the shell will typically cover the whole tooth and will be matched to the rest of the mouth for proper look and style. Veneers add extra strength to the teeth and are an ideal option if you are getting cosmetic repairs on more than one tooth.

For example, you may choose to get porcelain veneers added to your four front teeth. The dentist will match your tooth shape and color so everything looks uniform. As a plus, when you cover all of the front teeth, you do not need to worry about them getting damaged.

3. Dental Crowns

In some cases of bruxism, a person will end up grinding down back teeth like molars. When the teeth become chipped or cracked, the ability to chew food or talk without pain could become a major problem.

For a complete tooth repair, consider a dental crown. A crown completely covers your tooth and adds protection for years to come. While a majority of crowns in the past used to be metal and have a metal finish, dental patients now have the option for a more natural crown look.

For example, you have the option to get a ceramic crown placed over your tooth. The ceramic design will match the look of your tooth while providing extra strength and durability so the tooth underneath does not suffer from any more damage.

Along with a ceramic crown, you have more affordable options including a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. With the mix of materials, the porcelain remains as the top layer to match the look of the teeth while the metal underneath provides a durable layer of protection.

An all-resin crown is another option to consider, especially if you are on a budget for your cosmetic dental procedures.

No matter what type of tooth repair options you choose, ensure you also have a preventive plan for the future to help stop future damage from teeth grinding.

Contact us today at Family Dental Center to set up your appointment and choose the best option to improve your smile. We will take a full examination of your mouth and go through all the options available.

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