Many people are becoming increasingly concerned about dental erosion, which is the loss of tooth enamel brought on by acid attack. Teeth may become sensitive, discolored, and more prone to decay when enamel erodes. Thankfully, there are several effective treatments and management options for dental erosion available in cosmetic dentistry as recommended by a family dentist. Residents of Houston have a wide range of options to preserve their dental health and repair their smiles thanks to developments in cosmetic dentistry.
What is Dental Erosion?
Dental erosion refers to the wearing away of the hard outer layer of teeth (enamel) as a result of acids in food, drink, or gastric acid reflux. Cavities arise from bacteria, but dental erosion is chiefly the result of acidic exposure.
Signs and Effects of Dental Erosion
- Sensitivity of the tooth to hot, col,d or sweet foods and drinks
- Stains or yellowing of the teeth as enamel dissolves away
- Rounded, clear margins around the teeth
- Higher risk of cavities from loss of protective enamel
- Untreated, dental erosion can escalate into serious dental issues such as significant dental decay, up to and including tooth damage and even loss.
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment for Dental Erosion
Cosmetic dentistry provides several treatments to treat the actual problems caused by dental erosion and help restore teeth that appear unattractive and are not effective. All of these are some of the very best options that Houston has to offer:
Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a process in which a tooth-colored resin is applied to the affected teeth. The lustrous resin is sculpted and polished to blend into the other teeth — brilliant! Bonding is a non-invasive treatment option to cover erosion damage, protect the tooth as well as enhance aesthetics.
Veneers: Veneers are very thin shells that are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. Porcelain and composite resin are the most commonly used materials. Veneers can hide the effects of dental erosion and give the teeth an aesthetically pleasing appearance while providing a strong protective layer.
Crowns: A dental crown covers the full tooth like a cap and encases it to protect the tooth and restore its original shape, size, and/or appearance. Crowns are a great choice for teeth that experience extensive erosion and need more extensive restoration.
Inlays and Onlays: Inlays and onlays are tailored restorations that fit inside or sit on top of the damaged tooth. They’re most commonly employed when the damage isn’t large enough to put in a crown but is too big to put in a filling. Inlays and onlays last a long time and can be made with tooth-colored materials.
Enamel Microabrasion: Enamel microabrasion may work in mild cases of dental erosion. This process entails removing a small layer of outer enamel to remove stains and improve the appearance of teeth. It is usually paired with other cosmetic procedures such as bonding or veneers.
Prevention of further dental erosion
Cosmetic dentistry can work wonders in fixing the problems created by dental erosion, but it is important to follow preventive treatments to keep your teeth safe from damage from dental erosion. Here are some tips:
- Drink Through a Straw: If you are consuming acidic beverages, drinking through a straw will reduce contact with your teeth.
- Treat Acid Reflux: If you have acid reflux, find treatment options to help with it and help minimize acid exposure to the teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry is an important service for the restoration of damaged teeth where dental erosion occurs in Houston. Fortunately, individuals can restore their confidence and protect their oral health with treatments such as dental bonding, veneers, crowns, and more. When paired with preventive services, these treatments allow patients to achieve and preserve healthy, gorgeous smiles for life. If you are experiencing symptoms of dental erosion, seek a cosmetic dentist in Houston to discuss your options and create a custom treatment plan.
