Tooth wear refers to the gradual loss of tooth structure over time. While some level of wear is expected with age, excessive or premature wear can lead to a range of problems including sensitivity, cosmetic concerns like shortened or uneven teeth, and functional difficulties such as altered bite or difficulty chewing. Fortunately, with early identification and the right approach, tooth wear can be managed and treated successfully, helping you maintain both comfort and confidence in your smile.
There are four main types of tooth wear. Attrition is caused by tooth grinding or clenching, leading to flattened or shortened biting surfaces. Erosion results from acid exposure, either from diet or stomach acid, and gives teeth a smooth, thinned appearance. Abrasion is due to mechanical forces like aggressive brushing or biting habits, often creating notches near the gums. Abfraction involves small grooves at the gum line caused by stress and flexing forces on the teeth.
The treatment approach depends on the cause, severity, and symptoms of your tooth wear. In many cases, a combination of lifestyle changes, protective strategies, and restorative care offers the best long-term outcome.
For mild wear, we may simply recommend monitoring the situation over time, supported by preventive advice on diet, brushing techniques, and acid exposure. If grinding or clenching is contributing to the problem, a custom-made night guard can help protect your teeth while you sleep.
When tooth structure has been significantly lost, we can restore your smile using composite bonding — a tooth-coloured material that is applied directly to the surface of the teeth to rebuild worn areas. For more extensive wear, onlays or crowns may be needed to protect the tooth and restore function. In complex cases involving the bite or multiple teeth, we may carry out a full bite rehabilitation using digital scans and provisional restorations to test and plan your final result.
We also take a holistic view when appropriate. For example, if acid erosion is caused by underlying medical issues like reflux or disordered eating, we may work closely with your GP or other specialists to ensure a joined-up approach to your care.
Treating tooth wear early can help prevent more complex dental issues down the line. When caught in the early stages, we can often restore teeth using conservative techniques like bonding, which preserve more natural tooth structure. It also reduces the risk of bite changes, jaw joint issues, or the need for more invasive treatment in future. By acting early, we help protect your long-term comfort, function, and confidence in your smile.
Some wear is expected with age, particularly on the biting edges of the teeth. However, when wear is excessive, uneven, or starts to cause problems such as sensitivity or functional issues, it’s worth seeking professional advice.
Enamel doesn’t grow back, but we can rebuild lost structure using materials like composite or porcelain. These treatments can restore both the function and appearance of your teeth.
Not necessarily. In many cases, we can use composite bonding — a more conservative and cost-effective approach — especially when the wear is mild to moderate. Crowns or veneers may be recommended if more strength or a long-term solution is needed.
Composite edge bonding is often the go-to option for front teeth, allowing us to rebuild lost enamel and restore length or shape. In some cases, porcelain veneers or crowns may be more suitable depending on your bite, wear pattern, and aesthetic goals.
Yes — grinding or clenching is one of the most common causes of attrition. It often happens during sleep, and many people aren’t aware they’re doing it. A protective night guard can help prevent further wear and protect your dental work.
The first step is identifying what’s causing it. This might involve reviewing your diet, checking for acid reflux, adjusting your brushing technique, or addressing clenching or grinding habits. We’ll help you make the right changes and monitor your progress over time.
It can. As the enamel thins, the underlying dentine can become exposed, making teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. Restorative treatment often reduces or eliminates this sensitivity.
Most treatments for tooth wear are gentle and minimally invasive. Composite bonding, for example, usually doesn’t require any drilling or anaesthetic. Our priority is always your comfort.
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Located in the heart of the Wirral peninsula, our practice has made its home in a beautiful period sandstone building with a wealth of character, along with easy access and parking. We treat our patients as we would want to be treated ourselves – with empathy, respect and compassion. Our priority is your oral health.