Tag Archives: Bruxism

problems with bonding

I have sensitivity in my teeth due to missing gum tissue my dentist called abfraction lesions. We decided to do cosmetic bonding to fill in the missing coverage. The color on these is all wrong and it is obvious where my natural tooth is and the bonding starts. They’re also not smooth so the texture is off and uncomfortable. While it did take care of the sensitivity issue, I’d like it to not be uncomfortable and ideally to even blend into my tooth. Can they be removed and re-done or am I stuck with them?

Arnold

Dear Arnold,

Image of teeth with abfraction lesions

For the benefit of those who may not be aware, I’d like to talk about abfraction lesions quickly. In the image above, you see the enamel is worn away at the gumline. Dentists used to think this was from aggressive tooth brushing. While that can be a factor, we now feel it has more to do with the clenching of your teeth.

When you clench your teeth, they flex at the gumline. This wears away the enamel at that location. With the enamel missing that area can be quite sensitive. I understand why you wanted to have it repaired.

This should have been within the ability of most dentists so I’m sorry you’re facing such a poorly done job. You have two choices here. First, you could ask your dentist to re-do the dental bonding and give him another chance, if you think he has the skills to do it.

If you’re not sure he is up to the job, then you can ask him to pay for the repairs. Any of the dentists listed on their “Find a cosmetic dentist” list on mynewsmile.com .

If you decide to go with your dentist again, which is perfectly fine, I am going to make one suggestion. Because of the clenching, you will need to make sure he uses a flexible material. If he uses stiff material, it is likely to pop out.

I’d also look into getting a night guard. Much of the clenching is likely done at night when you’re unaware it is happening. Wearing a nightguard your dentist custom fits to your bite will protect your teeth from any further damage.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Questions about porcelain veneers

I used to brush my teeth too vigorously, and as a result I have quite a bit of erosion and abrasions along the line where my teeth and gums meet. I’ve changed my brushing habits, but the damage has been done. I am thinking about getting porcelain veneers to cover the damage, but I have some questions first.

If I decide to go with porcelain veneers, will the abrasions make the treated teeth prone to cavities and stains along the gumline?

Are your teeth underneath the veneers extra vulnerable to decay, because the enamel layer has been shaved off to place them?

How long do porcelain veneers go before they start to stain and discolor?

How much does it cost annually to maintain porcelain veneers, and are there any special procedures that are necessary?

Are there any foods or beverages that I won’t be able to have anymore if I get porcelain veneers?

I know these are a lot of questions, but I want to make sure I am making a smart choice.

Thanks,

Chloe in Elverta, CA

Dear Chloe,

The first thing we should discuss is what really may have caused the damage to your teeth along the gumline. For many years, many dental professionals thought it was overly aggressive brushing, but recent research has shown that the type of damage you describe is caused by biting stress (also known as bruxism). The teeth flex at the neck (where the tooth meets the gum) because of the pressure of the clenching and grinding, and that is what causes the “notches”.

Porcelain veneers would cover the damage, but your dentist should address any bruxism issue before placing them, or the lifespan of the veneers will be reduced. If the damage is not too severe, a really skilled cosmetic dentist may also be able to cover the damage with dental bonding.

Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant than your natural teeth, so you should not have to restrict your diet. If the porcelain veneers are well made, they should also serve to protect the underlying tooth from further decay or erosion. There are no special annual procedures necessary to maintain porcelain veneers, but you must always make sure your hygienist is aware that you have veneers so she does not use any abrasive toothpaste.

This blog post sponsored by the dental office of Lafayette Louisiana cosmetic dentist Dr. Mike Malone.