Teeth do a lot of work over the years, and the wear eventually shows. Edges turn flat, and a smile that once looked full can start to seem shorter. Dental bonding can repair worn-down teeth in many cases, often in a single visit.
The right answer depends on how much tooth has worn away, so it helps to know what causes the damage in the first place.
What Causes Worn-Down Teeth?
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, yet it cannot grow back once it wears off. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, ranks among the top causes, and many people grind at night without knowing it.
Acid from soda and other drinks, along with stomach acid from reflux, softens enamel and makes it easier to wear down. Brushing hard with a stiff-bristled brush adds to the damage over time. Once enamel thins, the yellowish layer underneath, dentin, starts to show.
Dentin reacts to hot and cold, so worn teeth often feel sensitive as well as look uneven.
How Bonding Repairs Wear
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin, a putty-like material that a dentist applies straight onto the tooth. The dentist shapes the resin to rebuild the lost edge or surface, then hardens it with a special light.
The material comes in many shades, so it blends with the natural tooth. It also covers exposed dentin, which can reduce sensitivity.
What the Procedure Involves
Most bonding visits take 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, and patients usually need no numbing unless decay is present or the wear sits close to the nerve. The dentist starts by choosing a resin shade that matches the neighboring teeth.
Next, the dentist lightly roughens the tooth surface and applies a conditioning liquid so the resin can grip. After that, the dentist applies the resin, molds it into shape, and hardens it with a curing light. A final trim and polish give the tooth a smooth, natural finish.
When Another Option Fits Better
Severe wear, where a large part of the tooth has worn away, often calls for a stronger option such as a crown. Heavy grinding also puts stress on any repair.
Bonding resin chips more easily than porcelain, so dentists usually recommend a night guard for patients who grind. Without one, the grinding can chip the new material too.
How Long Does Bonding Last?
Bonded teeth typically last between five and ten years, and some repairs need a touch-up sooner. Resin can pick up stains from coffee and red wine, so these drinks might dull the finish. Chewing on ice or pens can chip it. Brushing twice a day and keeping up with regular cleanings help the repair last.
Final Thoughts
Dental bonding can repair worn-down teeth when the damage is mild to moderate, and it offers a quick, comfortable route to a fuller smile. The best choice depends on what caused the wear and how much tooth is gone.
At Mabrito Dental Partners, we address each case personally, examine each situation thoroughly, and explain all possibilities in simple terms, so the patient knows what to expect before the treatment starts.
If you have flat or sensitive teeth, you can make an appointment to see if dental bonding is right for you. To schedule an appointment, call us at (713) 528-0567.