TOOTH WEAR

Arnout & Hobbelink Dentists in Amstelveen Randwijck.Nearby Amsterdam Buitenveldert, Amstelveen Elsrijk, Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, RAI Amsterdam and the Zuidas.

Teeth can become so worn down that treatment is required in order to protect the them.

Apart from normal wear of teeth, they can experience additional erosion from sweet beverages, carbonated drinks, biting onto hard objects, teeth grinding, stress, certain medications and from brushing your teeth too hard.

Tooth wear is not always noticeable and you may not feel it. However, once dental tissue has been eroded, it will never grow back. This is why it is important to have a dental checkup every six months so that the dentist can identify any problems and discuss treatment options with you.

What causes dental wear?

Teeth wear naturally as you age. The enamel becomes thinner, revealing more of the underlying yellow dentine which causes your teeth to appear more yellow. Factors that will exacerbate this process include:

  • Consuming acidic food and drinks

    Consuming acidic food and drinks such as: soda, energy drinks, fruit juices, wine, sports drinks, vitamin drinks etc. Please note: not all drinks taste acidic. Apple juice, for example, tastes very sweet whilst it is one of the most acidic drinks there is.

  • Tooth grinding or clamping

    Many people are not aware that they do this during sleep or even during the day.

  • Medications

    Many medications can cause your mouth to become dry. Saliva is an important defence against tooth wear, so if your mouth is dry your teeth will deteriorate faster.

  • Stress

    This can cause tooth grinding or clamping and sometimes a dry mouth.

  • Brushing your teeth too hard.

    Brushing your teeth hard is particularly damaging just after eating something acidic. The type of toothbrush you use and your choice of toothpaste are also important. The dentist or dental hygienist can give you advice on toothpaste, toothbrushes and if necessary, on brushing techniques.

What are the symptoms of tooth wear?

You may not notice tooth wear yourself, but it may be necessary to be treated for it for the following reasons:

  • Sensitive teeth

    As the enamel on your teeth wears down you may experience more sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or food.

  • Discoloured / yellowed teeth or a change in the shape of your teeth.

    Sometimes the front teeth become so eroded that it looks unappealing and you may feel embarrassed to break into a smile.

  • Functional problems caused by your teeth getting shorter.

    This can change the position of your bite which can cause problems of the jaw including trouble with chewing, talking or eating.

  • PLEASE NOTE: Even if tooth wear is not noticeable, treatment may be required to maintain the health of your teeth.

What can I expect from treatment for tooth wear at Arnout & Hobbelink Dentists?

Most importantly, prevention is preferable to treatment, so be sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups. The dentist can give you specific advice to delay further tooth wear. Sometimes the damage will be of such a degree that treatment is unavoidable. The dentist will offer you a detailed treatment plan based on your personal situation, taking your needs into account.

  • Appointment #1 – Intake: oral exam, dental impressions and digital photographs

    The dentist will discuss the situation with you, paying close attention to your personal preferences. Your teeth will be scanned to make digital impressions and, if necessary, the dentist will take digital photographs.

  • Between appointments #1 and #2

    The dentist sends the scans to a dental technician who will make a treatment plan based on your dental impressions.

  • Appointment #2 – Discuss treatment plan and ‘try in’

    The treatment plan is ready. The dentist will use Digital Smile Design software to show you how the end result of the treatment will look. The optimal end result is achieved by closely analysing the proportions of your teeth, gums, lips, face and laugh.

    During the ‘try in’ you can place a model of your corrected teeth (the ‘wax up’) into your mouth. This enables you to see if the design suits you and, if necessary, make changes before starting the actual treatment.
    When you are satisfied with the design, the dentist will discuss with you which treatment is needed to achieve the desired result and what the treatment will cost. This offers complete transparency in the process and costs, making it easier for you to decide which treatment you prefer.

    The dentist will then make a detailed treatment plan. When you are satisfied with the plan, a first appointment will be scheduled to start the process.