If you have noticed that your teeth are changing shape as you get older, you are not alone. Natural tooth wear is perfectly normal, and it does change the shape of your teeth. If you don't like what you see in the mirror or pictures, give us a call. Short Pump Dental dentists are family dentists in Henrico who can look at the wear on your teeth to determine the next steps.
Why Does Tooth Wear Happen?
Tooth wear happens for any and every animal that has to bite and chew, not just humans. Even horses and cows have teeth that wear down and need care as they get older. In humans, the teeth appear to slim down, take on different shapes, and even look less like the adult teeth you first got around ages 6-12
The more you chew, the more the teeth wear down. The process of tooth wear is even faster in people who grind their teeth in their sleep, which can result in broken or chipped teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, your family dentist in Henrico may suggest a night guard to protect your teeth.
What Is Normal Wear on Your Teeth?
The annual wear on your teeth is less than a millimeter every year. After age 70, the wear is about a millimeter a year because teeth lose enamel and lose their strength.
While you may not notice the differences over a couple of years, you do notice them after a decade and each decade that follows. Cosmetic procedures can slow this process and change how your teeth appear. Seeing our Henrico cosmetic dentists about these procedures can begin as early as your 40s.
Cosmetic Procedures to Preserve and Protect Teeth
If you want to stop the wear on your teeth or protect your teeth from ongoing wear, you can get one of two cosmetic procedures. The first procedure caps or crowns your teeth, preserving the live teeth underneath. The second procedure involves dental bonding, which shields your teeth from wear and prevents damage from grinding.
Depending on whether or not you grind your teeth at night, your dentist at Short Pump Dental will review and likely recommend one of these procedures. Because they are cosmetic and address the shape of your teeth and address the reason for why you don't like them.
Short Pump Dental would love to see you, regardless of how you feel about your smile. We can help you change what you don't like and love the results. Come see us in Henrico, VA.