The start of spring is also the beginning of the wedding season! One of our wonderful patients, had gradually been chipping away at the right side of his central incisor to the point where the enamel had worn off and there was sclerotic dentin showing due to excess teeth grinding. Dr. Song was able to transform his smile to give him a boost of confidence before his upcoming wedding in April!
The Tooth Bonding Transformation
Dr. Song used tooth bonding to lengthen and strengthen the patient’s front tooth to closely match the size and color of the surrounding teeth to give a more uniform smile. Learn more about the process of tooth bonding.
Although the tooth bonding procedure transformed our patient’s smile in time for his wedding, in the long term, Dr. Song would recommend orthodontic treatment to help move his teeth so his teeth are better aligned and no longer grind on top of each other.
Why am I Grinding my Teeth?
Tooth grinding (dentists call it bruxism) occurs when you involuntarily grind or clench your teeth. It usually occurs at night which means you may not notice it unless you visit your dentist regularly or your partner hears you doing it while you’re asleep.
There are several causes of teeth grinding, including stress, concentrating too hard, and it can be particularly troublesome when your bite is misaligned.
What are the Symptoms of Teeth Grinding?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be due to teeth grinding:
Flattened, fractured, chipped or loose teeth
Pain or ache in your jaw or neck or temples
Worn tooth enamel
Tooth sensitivity or pain
Earache or ringing in your ears that’s unrelated to your ears
Disruption of your sleep
During your visit at your Fairfax dentist, Dr. Song will provide you with information about the best ways to tackle your grinding issues. This may include orthodontic treatment, creating a custom night guard or providing resources for stress management. Dr. Song will also find solutions to restore any damage you have made to your teeth due to grinding.
If you have a special event coming up, or would like to find a way to improve your dental health and create a beautiful smile, Dr. Song recommends coming to our Fairfax dental office for a consultation to decide what cosmetic or restorative dental treatments are required to help fix your teeth and your bite to give you a beaming, healthy smile you’ll be proud to show off!