A general dentistry approach to strengthening teeth often begins with protecting each tooth's enamel and making a plan to cover it if it is extensively damaged. Signs of enamel problems may present in the early stages with sensitivity to cold or sweet foods. Often, if this important outer coating cannot be strengthened enough to prevent more serious problems, a dentist will recommend taking measures to artificially strengthen the teeth.
A layer of enamel protects the surface of each tooth from decay. Though enamel is strong and very durable, certain foods and drinks — as well as brushing too vigorously — can erode this layer over time. Unfortunately, this coating cannot be regenerated once it is gone. Signs and symptoms that your teeth are weakening due to a poorly functioning enamel layer are as follows:
While your dentist may recommend at-home measures to strengthen the enamel of weak teeth, such as special remineralizing toothpaste, often these products do not provide enough relief for patients with severe enamel loss. In this scenario, a dentist may recommend placing a crown, performing a bonding procedure, or using veneers to artificially strengthen the affected teeth.
If your dentist has informed you that your enamel has worn down and therefore weakened your teeth, you may be concerned that you will lose the teeth in question. Extraction is rarely the right solution here and is only reserved for teeth that cannot be saved by any other measure.
Your general dentistry office may suggest bonding to repair weakened areas of your smile. During your appointment, a composite resin will be applied to the surface of your tooth or teeth that need to be strengthened. This procedure is quick and painless, and most patients are able to complete it within a single appointment. The resin will be formed into a natural-looking shape and dried under ultraviolet light.
Because what you eat and drink has a direct correlation to how much your enamel has worn down, it is often the front teeth that suffer the most damage. Porcelain veneers may be a good choice for protecting front teeth that have sustained severe damage. The veneers function as a shield that protects and insulates the teeth and their remaining enamel from further damage.
For severely weakened teeth, using a crown to cover the entire tooth's surface may be appropriate. Because pain can be an issue when the tooth is weakened to this extent, receiving a crown that protects the remaining enamel, as well as the inside portion of the tooth, may provide relief for this type of patient.
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If you have concerns with your teeth or overall oral health, please do not delay in seeking care. Detecting these problems early may prevent later consequences. You can contact a licensed general dentistry office with any inquiries involving strengthening teeth.
Request an appointment or call Santa Monica LiveWell Dentistry at 310-828-2440 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
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