Tooth enamel might be thin, but it is the hardest tissue in the human body. This durable covering on the surface of the teeth keeps teeth looking good and functioning properly. Healthy enamel ensures your teeth stay protected through activities like biting, chewing, and crunching. The enamel also makes your teeth less sensitive to temperature changes.
Just like any part of the body, your enamel can break down. When you experience any changes, you should visit our Astoria, NY, dental practice to learn more about treatments for enamel wear. Doctors Clifford Degel and Carmen Every-Degel work closely with patients to offer a range of restorative dentistry options to improve the look and function of their teeth.
What Causes Enamel to Break Down?
Harmful acids from various sources can cause the enamel to become worn. Drinking too many soft drinks and other fruit-flavored drinks are a common cause since these beverages contain a high level of citric and phosphoric acids. Diets with an excessive amount of starches and sugars can also lead to enamel erosion.
Additionally, conditions like acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems can cause stomach acid to reach the teeth and break down the enamel. When left on the teeth for a prolonged period of time, plaque can lead to enamel erosion due to the acids produced. For some individuals, genetics plays a role and they are predisposed to problems with their enamel.
Why Should I Seek Treatment?
When enamel is worn, you can visibly see that there is an issue because the teeth appear chipped, cracked, or discolored. These cosmetic issues can lead to lower confidence. Damaged enamel can also cause pain and sensitivity while eating and drinking certain foods and beverages.
If the worn enamel goes untreated for too long, patients can become more susceptible to tooth decay. Prolonged tooth decay can cause the teeth to become loose and even fall out. That is why patients need to contact our Astoria office as soon as possible to prevent more extensive problems.
Treatments for Enamel Wear
When patients visit our office for enamel wear, we have several treatment options, depending on their needs. During an examination, we assess your teeth to develop the right treatment.
Sealants
For patients who have minimal enamel wear, dental sealants might be a good option. The dentist paints the sealant, which is a thin, plastic coating, onto the enamel. With this treatment, the bond attaches to the teeth automatically to fill in grooves and depressions and provide instant protection. On average, sealants can last up to 10 years.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is another effective choice to treat enamel that we provide at our Astoria practice. Durable tooth-colored resin is applied to the teeth to restore appearance and function. The material is molded to the teeth, shaped, smoothed, and hardened with a special light. Teeth are left stronger and better protected from future damage. Dental bonding can last up to 10 years.
Veneers
At our practice, we provide both porcelain veneers and LUMINEERS. Both treatments involve the dentist placing a thin shell on the front of teeth with worn enamel. LUMINEERS are thinner and work better for patients with sensitive teeth. There is also less prep involved compared to traditional veneers. Both treatments provide an enhanced appearance while restoring damaged enamel.
