woman during a dental treatment
Can You Have Veneers If You Grind Teeth?
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Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment used to hide chipped, broken, or discoloured teeth. These thin, customised shells cover the front surface of teeth and improve their appearance by making them look bright, straight, and perfect. They are made from composite or porcelain and effectively restore cosmetic dental flaws because of their natural look and complete coverage. Veneers are durable and can last up to 15 years. However, if an individual has the habit of teeth grinding, the lifespan of veneers can decrease significantly.

Veneers stay in optimum condition for years with proper dental care, such as brushing and flossing daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. In addition, avoiding dark-coloured and hard foods keeps them intact. This does not mean that individuals suffering from bruxism cannot opt for this cosmetic treatment. The solution relies on the seriousness of the teeth grinding problem. Here is everything to know about having veneers with teeth grinding problem. It is vital to know the options when looking for this treatment.

1. Veneers and Teeth Grinding

Individuals concerned about damaging their veneers because of their teeth grinding habit can take a sigh of relief. They can have veneers if the problem is not too severe. They must consult one of the best dentists Hope Island to understand their eligibility for cosmetic treatment. The practitioner will evaluate your teeth and examine the extent of bruxism. They will provide treatment to reduce grinding by understanding the underlying cause of the issue. It is vital to treat bruxism before starting the cosmetic treatment of placing veneers on teeth for enhancement.

2. Teeth Damage and Veneers

Besides treating bruxism, the dentist will also check if the teeth and gums are healthy for fixing veneers. An individual with a severe teeth grinding issue can have damaged teeth or a temporomandibular joint disorder. Also, the individual should not have cavities and must have sufficient tooth enamel that can be removed before the placement of veneers. Grinding can damage veneers because of the constant clenching and pressure built up on teeth. It can lead to chipped and broken veneers that lose their purpose of camouflaging anomalies.

3. Impact of Grinding on Veneers

Individuals suffering from severe bruxism are not considered eligible for veneers because the constant involuntary grinding can damage the shell-like thin veneers. Teeth grinding can fracture veneers or make them loose, leading to the shell dislodging and falling off. It can also weaken the veneer, make it look worn out, and lose its purpose of fixing the smile. Hope Island dentists recommend high-strength porcelain veneers for individuals who have the habit of grinding teeth after they have been treated for bruxism to reduce the impact.

4. Identifying the Cause of Teeth Grinding

Before beginning the veneer customisation process, the dentist will treat teeth grinding to ensure the cosmetic treatment lasts longer. An examination and analysis of medical history can help them detect the cause, which can be stress, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), sleep disorders, smoking, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), medication, etc.

Depending on the cause, the practitioner will suggest treatments, such as lifestyle changes to reduce anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality and duration, suggesting jaw exercises and prescribing medicines based on the diagnosis. One of the common treatments is wearing a mouthguard at night to decrease the impact of constant grinding on teeth.

5. Using the Right Veneer Material

Dental veneers can be made from composite resin or porcelain. Although both are good at concealing chipped, crooked or stained teeth, porcelain veneers are considered stronger and more durable. They do not get stained easily and are recommended by dentists in Hope Island for cosmetic procedures with mild bruxism.

The practitioners ensure individuals with teeth grinding habits wear a mouthguard at night to enhance the longevity of the porcelain veneers. Since the shells are customised for individuals, they can also increase their thickness to make them stronger. Mouthguards can also be customised to fit comfortably over thick veneers.

6. Alternative Cosmetic Treatments

Individuals with teeth grinding problem can opt for alternative treatments to prevent fracturing their veneers. The best alternative to veneers is a dental crown, which is much stronger and long lasting. They do not cover the front part but the entire tooth visible above the gum line. It protects the natural tooth from damage or strengthens a weakened tooth. Crowns are custom-made to fit over the tooth and look like natural teeth. They should be made with high-strength materials to withstand the pressure created by teeth grinding.  It is best to opt for zirconia or gold and silver alloy crowns instead of ceramic ones that can get fractured. The practitioner ensures they fit snugly and offer the perfect bite and concealment.

7. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Individuals who have undergone dental cosmetic procedures and have a history of bruxism should never miss an appointment with their dentist in Hope Island. They must frequently visit their practitioner to monitor the condition of the veneer or crown and detect any signs of wear and tear (debonding or fractures). They can also detect the impact of teeth grinding and its improvement after the treatment and use of mouthguards and splints.

Wrapping Up

Veneers are effective in covering dental problems that make people conscious of their imperfect smiles. However, if they suffer from bruxism, they must treat the problem before choosing an appropriate cosmetic treatment.