Is tooth wear reversible?

Lost enamel does not grow back, but wear can be stopped and the shape of the teeth rebuilt. The earlier we intervene, the less rebuilding is needed.

How do I know if I grind my teeth?

Common clues are waking with a tight or aching jaw, headaches around the temples, a partner hearing grinding at night, and flattened, shiny facets on the biting surfaces that we can show you.

Will a splint stop me grinding?

It will not stop the habit itself, but it absorbs the force, protects your enamel and existing dental work and usually eases muscle discomfort considerably.

Can my bite be corrected without crowns on every tooth?

Usually, yes. We prefer the most conservative approach that works — often selective composite bonding and a splint rather than extensive crown work.

Could my sensitivity be from wear?

Very often. When enamel thins, the dentine underneath transmits temperature changes to the nerve. Treating the wear normally resolves the sensitivity.

Tooth Wear and Bite Problems in Staplehurst, Kent

Teeth that are becoming shorter, flatter, more sensitive or chipped are telling you something. Tooth wear and bite problems are progressive but very manageable once the cause is identified — and at our Staplehurst, Kent practice we always treat the cause before rebuilding the damage.

Cause-led diagnosis rather than repeated patching

Photographs and models to track wear over time

Relief from sensitivity and jaw or muscle ache

Protective splints to stop further damage

Conservative rebuilding with bonding, onlays or crowns

Bite balanced so restorations are protected

What causes tooth wear

There are three main mechanisms, and most patients have a combination. Attrition is tooth-against-tooth wear, usually from clenching or grinding. Erosion is chemical dissolving of enamel by acid — fizzy and citrus drinks, wine, or acid reflux. Abrasion is mechanical, most often over-vigorous brushing with an abrasive paste.

A bite that does not meet evenly concentrates force onto a few teeth, accelerating all three. That is why we assess how your teeth actually come together, not just the surfaces that are worn.

Signs and who is affected

Look for front teeth that appear shorter or translucent at the tips, cupped hollows on molars, yellowing as dentine shows through, sensitivity to cold, cracked or chipping enamel, fillings standing proud of the tooth, aching jaw muscles or morning headaches, and clicking in the jaw joint. Patients of all ages in Staplehurst, Kent are affected — stress-related grinding is particularly common.

How we treat it

First we stabilise: dietary changes for erosion, brushing technique for abrasion, and a custom splint for grinding. Where sensitivity or appearance needs addressing, we rebuild worn surfaces as conservatively as possible — composite bonding for front teeth, onlays or crowns where the load is heaviest — and then check the bite carefully so the new work is not carrying more than its share.