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Is Your Nose Getting Closer To Your Chin? Restorative Dentistry Can Help!

Everyone, even your dentist, knows that when we age, we see certain changes in our face (for example, wrinkled skin, less skin tone, shrunken appearance). The soft tissue in the lower one-third of the face is supported by the teeth and jawbone, and gives support to your smile. As we age, we lose support to our smile and we begin to appear older.

Anatomically, the face is divided into thirds: the upper, middle and lower one-third. The space between your nose and your chin is referred to as the lower one-third. The teeth support the vertical height of your lower face, and more specifically the back teeth support your lower face.

Most dentists agree that minimal and gradual wearing away of the top enamel of the teeth is considered normal during the lifespan of a patient. However, excessive wear on the top surfaces of the teeth can result in abscessed teeth, an irregular bite, decreased chewing capacity and esthetic disharmony. Patients with these types of problems often require extensive restorative cosmetic dentistry treatment.

How Common Is Tooth Wear?

Although the prevalence of tooth wear, or attrition, is not known, it is thought to be very common in adults over the age of 40. The wearing of the top surfaces of the teeth is most often attributed to attrition, which is the wearing away of one tooth surface by another tooth surface. Attrition is the result of bruxism, or the involuntary grinding of the teeth against each other.

How Does Attrition Occur?

Attrition can be the result of one or a combination of problems such as:

• Congenital Abnormalities: Hereditary abnormalities can cause the malformation of the surfaces of the teeth. This can result in a thin and/or brittle outer layer of the tooth. This leaves the tooth more susceptible to surface wear and a more rapid attrition of tooth structure.
• Parafunctional Habits: One type of parafunctional habit is bruxism, as explained above. Other habits often associated with attrition include biting on needles, pipe stems, pencils, or finger nails as well as clenching. Many studies have related stress to attrition.
• Abrasion: It is defined as the wearing away of tooth tissue through mechanical processes. The top surfaces of the teeth are abraded away usually by diet, chewing of abrasives such as tobacco and environmental factors such as constant exposure to dust and grit (in farming).
• Erosion: Erosion is the destruction of hard dental tissues by chemical action. Diets high in acidic content like juices, colas and other carbonated drinks are examples of the foods that cause erosion. Patients who suffer from anorexia nervosa or bulimia are prime examples of erosion due to the high acid nature of stomach acids that are constantly regurgitated into the mouth.

What Is the Result of Worn Teeth?

Depending on the severity of the tooth wear, teeth may be broken, shortened and unattractive. Having worn teeth can result in jaw joint pain (TMJ), a decreased ability to chew and a sunken appearance to the lower face. All of these results can make a person appear more wrinkled and older.

Can Worn Teeth Be Fixed with Fillings?

Generally, the worn teeth will have to have new fillings placed or redone. When severe wear occurs in the mouth, a dental crown or multiple crowns may be the only solution.

Can Tooth Wear Be Prevented?

Yes, tooth wear can be prevented, but only if you make regular visits to the dentist. If detected early enough, your dentist may prescribe a plastic night guard to protect your teeth, much like an athletic mouth guard.

By Benjamin O. Watkins, III, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Cosmetic Dentistry Combines Art and Science

Cosmetic dentistry, these days, sometimes combines science with fine art. This requires a craftsman's skill to make sure the tooth restoration is as attractive as it is durable. After all, your smile is too valuable to be spoiled by unnatural-looking dental veneers.

The goal of a cosmetic dentist should be to provide you with an attractive, natural-appearing smile. You have a wide array of choices, and a good cosmetic dentistry professional should be happy to review the possibilities with you. For example, porcelain onlays and inlays can return structural integrity to a broken tooth, while leaving it looking as good as (or possibly better than) the original.

This is especially apparent if you now have metal fillings or a gold tooth. Metal and gold, after all, are not normal components of teeth. There's a huge difference between gold or metal combination fillings and porcelain dental crowns that reflect the translucence of natural teeth. Plus, porcelain restorations are now as strong, or stronger, than your own teeth. Ask your cosmetic dentist to take before-and-after photos so you can see the difference for yourself.

Admittedly, these more natural-appearing restorations are also a little more expensive. And many dental insurance plans may not cover all of the cost for cosmetic dental work. But in terms of your appearance (and the self-confidence it boosts), there's no comparison.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.