Rebuilding Worn Smiles
Restoring teeth that have lost structure over time — with a focus on understanding why wear happened in the first place.
Tooth wear is more common than most people realise
Many patients gradually lose tooth structure over time without noticing it happening. By the time the wear becomes visible — shorter teeth, flattened edges, chipped surfaces, or increased sensitivity — the underlying process has often been progressing for years. Common causes of tooth wear include:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Acid erosion from dietary sources or reflux
- Heavy or uneven bite forces
- Sleep-related clenching
- The cumulative effects of ageing
In many patients, more than one of these factors is at play simultaneously, which is why rebuilding worn teeth requires a careful, considered approach rather than a straightforward cosmetic fix.
At Central Dental Group, we try to understand why the wear happened before we discuss how to address it. Rebuilding worn teeth without first identifying and managing the underlying cause often means the new restorations will suffer the same damage over time.
Factors we consider when assessing tooth wear include:
- Airway and breathing patterns — mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing are increasingly linked to nighttime clenching and grinding
- Jaw function and muscle activity — the way your jaw moves and the muscles involved can significantly influence how much force your teeth are exposed to
- Sleep-related muscle activity — many patients are unaware they grind heavily during sleep until clinical evidence is found on the teeth
- Diet and reflux — frequent exposure to acidic foods, drinks, or stomach acid accelerates enamel loss alongside any physical wear
Addressing the underlying cause, where we can identify one, helps protect your new restorations and supports your long-term oral health. Rebuilding is only part of the solution.
Depending on the extent of the wear and the cause, restoring a worn smile can range from relatively straightforward to complex. Treatment options may include composite bonding to restore lost edges, porcelain veneers or crowns where more significant coverage is needed, or a full-mouth rehabilitation approach in cases of advanced wear across multiple teeth. In many cases, managing the underlying cause — through a protective night splint, airway assessment, or dietary changes — will be recommended alongside or before any restorative work begins.
Book a worn smile assessment
If you’ve noticed your teeth looking shorter, flatter, or more sensitive than they used to, it’s worth having them assessed sooner rather than later. Book an appointment with Central Dental Group at our Frankston or Elsternwick clinic, and we’ll give you an honest picture of what’s happening and what your options are.
