Does your teeth grinding habit file down your teeth? Broken teeth often occur as the result of an injury or accident. Our Annapolis dentists can repair worn teeth in Annapolis, MD. They treat all types of dental problems and restore teeth to optimal health, function, and esthetics.
Drs. Lee, Bonfiglio, and Vesely have years of experience restoring worn, cracked, or damaged teeth. They take a comprehensive approach to your dental needs. The key to restoring aesthetics and dental health is to fully evaluate all aspects of your smile. We will identify the underlying cause of your oral health concerns.
Why Do I Have Worn Teeth?
Some factors that cause or contribute to worn teeth. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching is a common cause of teeth that appear worn, flat or have small chips or cracks. Certain types of foods and medications can also erode tooth enamel. They can make teeth look dull and more likely to chip, break, or stain.
An existing bite or TMJ-related disorder may lead to teeth grinding and resulting in wear on the teeth. Addressing a bite problem as part of your overall treatment is the key to stabilize your dental health and repair any damage.
On-site Dental Laboratory
Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely, and Associates feature an on-site dental laboratory, which makes us unique from other Annapolis dentists. With our state-of-the-art dental laboratory, we can fabricate restorations such as dental bridges, crowns, and veneers. We use high-quality materials for a perfect match and fit your exact requirements.
We also offer on-site denture repair through Annapolis Denture Services. Our office can often repair a broken denture in just a few hours.
What to Do If You Have a Broken Tooth
If you just broke a tooth, stay calm. First, use warm water to gently rinse your mouth to clean the area. If your mouth is bleeding, place a piece of clean gauze on the area and apply gentle pressure until it stops.
You can also hold a cold pack or a bag of ice wrapped in a cloth against your cheek to reduce swelling and relieve pain. If part of the tooth broke off, carefully collect the pieces and bring them to our dentist.
A broken tooth should be treated immediately to prevent further damage. Broken teeth are also more prone to decay if left untreated. We offer emergency dentistry services in our Annapolis dental office with flexible hours.
Worn Teeth FAQs
Read answers to questions about chipped and worn teeth in Annapolis, MD:
Why do teeth get worn down?
Teeth can wear down for a variety of reasons, but one common cause is when your bite isn’t properly aligned. If your teeth don’t fit together the way they should, the muscles in your head, jaw, and neck may try to compensate for the imbalance. This extra effort can put stress on your teeth, especially during activities like clenching or grinding.
Over time, this stress can cause your teeth to wear down at certain points, particularly at the edges or tips that take on the most pressure. As your jaw shifts out of its normal position, it can make the problem worse and lead to discomfort or even pain.
What do worn down teeth feel like?
Worn-down teeth often feel rough or uneven when you run your tongue over them. The edges may seem rigid or sharp because of the loss of enamel or natural tooth structure. They might also feel like they don’t align properly when you bite down, which can make chewing uncomfortable.
How do you fix worn tooth enamel?
The two main ways to fix worn tooth enamel are bonding and crowns. Bonding is typically for milder cases, while a dentist will use a crown to correct more severely damaged enamel.
During bonding, we apply a tooth-colored resin to the damaged areas. The resin is shaped and polished to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. It provides extra protection and improves the tooth’s appearance.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers the damaged tooth. Crowns not only protect the tooth from further damage but also help maintain the proper alignment of your bite.
Do worn teeth hurt?
Yes, worn teeth can hurt, especially when the enamel—the protective outer layer of the tooth—is worn down. Enamel helps protect the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, so when it’s damaged, your teeth can become much more sensitive.
Worn teeth are also weaker and less durable. Without enough enamel to shield them, they are more likely to develop cavities or experience further damage
What happens when the enamel wears away?
Without this protective barrier, small cavities can quickly grow and spread. If left untreated, they may lead to infections, which can cause painful tooth abscesses that require immediate care.
Worn enamel doesn’t just affect the health of your teeth—it can also change how your smile looks. Teeth with worn enamel might appear yellow, dull, or uneven, making you feel less confident about your smile.
What causes worn front teeth?
Worn front teeth can result from a variety of everyday habits and choices. One common cause is overly aggressive brushing. When you brush too hard or use a toothbrush with stiff bristles, you can wear away the protective enamel on your front teeth. Even the toothpaste you use can play a role—abrasive toothpastes can damage enamel over time.
Another major factor is tooth erosion, which is often linked to your diet. Foods and drinks that are acidic, like citrus fruits, sodas, and sports drinks, can weaken and erode the enamel on your teeth. Many people are surprised to learn that some of their favorite snacks and beverages are contributing to the wear on their front teeth.
Repair Your Teeth
Get an even, healthy bite. If you have a chipped, worn, or broken tooth, please call our office at (410) 268-5503 to schedule an appointment. We treat worn teeth in Annapolis, MD. Let us know if you have questions about treatment. We’re here to help.
