My Dentist Has Told Me That My Lower Teeth Are Down To The Dentine. I Am Unaware Of What To Do About This Problem. Any Advice?

Q.
I had my 2 front teeth crowned about 26 years ago and they are still okay. However at a recent check up my dentist told me that I was down to the dentine on my lower teeth and this was caused by the crowns. I am to be fitted with a night guard – do you think this is simply a stop gap – as my dentist did mention that the expensive option of having them all capped would probably be the best solution. I have some teeth missing already but am unsure of what could be done on the NHS and do you think this cost would be per tooth? I will have to save like mad but I’m not sure what I am looking at for the best results really. Any help would be gratefully received.
A.
It sounds like the porcelain on the back of your crowns has been wearing down the lower teeth – these teeth then ‘move’ upwards from the roots, as they wear down on their top edges. Simply crowning them may not be the answer, especially if these teeth are already worn down close to the nerves. Normally in these situations more complex work needs to be done, before veneering or crowning them. One such technique is to orthodontically push them down into the bone as they have ‘over erupted’ whilst wearing – I would advise that due to the complex nature of your problem you should seek treatment from an experienced cosmetic or restorative dentist who understands the process fully of what has happened and how to most effectively correct it.
Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

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