If it seems your smile is flatter these days, or your front teeth are a bit shorter than you remember, you’re probably not imagining it. Like all tools that are in constant use, teeth wear down gradually. The change can be so slow that it only becomes obvious further down the road.
Teeth that look shorter are usually the result of wear from grinding, clenching, or exposure to acidic foods and drinks. At Bagley Family Dental, Dr. Andrew Bagley and our experienced team can diagnose the cause and restore their strength and appearance with dental bonding, veneers, or crowns.
Why Teeth Wear Down
Several everyday habits can wear enamel away. And, oftentimes, they work together. Chronic grinding or clenching, especially at night (bruxism), flattens biting edges. Meanwhile, acid from soda, sports drinks, citrus, or reflux softens enamel so it wears faster. And finally, over-aggressive brushing can exacerbate the damage. A bite that has shifted can also change how your teeth meet and accelerate wear.
As enamel thins, teeth might look shorter, edges may chip, and sensitivity soon follows.
Options for Restoring Worn Teeth
The right fix depends on whether the tooth’s structure has been compromised and just how much has been lost. Based on a thorough assessment, Dr. Bagley may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Tooth-colored bonding to repair minor chipping and wear
- Porcelain veneers to restore length, shape, and color on otherwise healthy front teeth
- Dental crowns to reinforce and protect teeth that have worn down significantly
Dr. Bagley personally performs every procedure and works with a trusted local dental laboratory in Greeley to craft custom restorations that ensure your results fit your natural appearance and bite.
Treat the Cause So the Results Last
Rebuilding teeth without addressing why they wore down invites the same problem to return. If grinding is the culprit, a custom night guard can protect your restorations and help fend off TMJ issues.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out why you’re looking a little short-in-tooth and what to do about it is an exam with Dr. Bagley.
Effectively Restoring Worn Teeth in Greeley, CO
If you’re in Greeley and want to learn more about your options for restoring worn, shortened teeth, contact Dr. Andrew Bagley and the friendly and skilled Bagley Family Dental team to schedule a consultation.