Can Veneers Help With Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, a condition also known as bruxism, is a common issue that many people face at some point in their lives. Despite its regularity, however, bruxism has a serious long-term impact on one’s teeth, wearing down their enamel and impacting both their form and function.

Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry offers several solutions for people to combat the aesthetic effects of a grinding condition. Porcelain veneers, for instance, are among the most widely used cosmetic treatment options, but are they truly the right choice for those who grind their teeth? Here’s what patients need to know.

Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is caused by a variety of different factors, including stress, sleep disorders, and bite misalignment. A patient may also have an underlying issue, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or sleep apnea, both of which go hand in hand with bruxism. Your dentist can help determine the specific factors behind your tooth grinding.

Many patients live with bruxism for years without noticing it, given that their teeth grinding typically happens during sleep. (Symptoms such as a sore jaw and headaches may occur upon waking, though, prompting a faster diagnosis.)

Over time, the action leads to serious damage as the teeth’s enamel gets worn away, and issues such as chips and cracks arise. If left untreated, patients with bruxism can quickly find themselves with a visibly damaged smile. Their teeth will appear uneven, short, or excessively worn, and they may require crowns or full replacements via dental implants.

Restoring Damage Caused by Grinding with Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are one potential option to restore the cosmetic damage caused by bruxism. They are custom-made by a cosmetic dentist to match a patient’s smile, covering damaged tooth surfaces to provide a flawless yet natural appearance, all while delivering longer-lasting results than other options, such as dental bonding.

An individual who suffers mild to moderate damage from grinding may find veneers to be the right restorative choice; however, more serious damage that impacts the structure and strength of the tooth calls for more in-depth treatment.

The Impact of Tooth Grinding on Veneers

Unfortunately, the same issue that leads to damaged teeth in the first place can also impact veneers. While porcelain veneers are durable, the ongoing stress from teeth grinding each night will take a serious toll on them. It exerts considerable force that can lead to damage, such as cracking or becoming loose. What’s more, veneers bond to the front surface of teeth, so any grinding can lead to pressure being concentrated at a very thin point.

The specific material used for veneers also matters. Porcelain veneers are considered the gold standard, with 93% of patients reporting satisfaction. Other options, such as composite veneers, typically wear down far more quickly when faced with grinding.

Dealing With Bruxism Before Veneers

A patient who suffers from bruxism and is thus planning on getting veneers must address their teeth grinding ahead of time to prevent damage to their eventual treatment. For some patients, that can mean dealing with underlying issues such as stress through lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, or therapy.

When a patient’s bruxism is related to issues such as TMJ disorder or bite misalignment, additional treatment may be necessary before moving forward with veneers, such as orthodontic solutions like braces or various TMJ therapy options.

Additionally, patients with bruxism are often prescribed custom mouthguards worn during sleep to protect their teeth. A night guard can also protect veneers, ensuring that a patient’s revitalized smile will stand the test of time even if they still experience some degree of bruxism.

Alternative Treatment Options

Patients with severe bruxism may not be the best candidates for veneers. However, there are other options available to restore their smiles. Veneers are used to treat many different issues, so the specific solution will depend on what’s affecting the person’s teeth.

Tooth whitening, for instance, is a straightforward way to enhance a smile. Professional in-office whitening delivers rapid, same-day results. On the other hand, dealing with more serious damage could require treatments such as dental crowns. Addressing bruxism is still important in these cases, but crowns provide increased durability compared to veneers.

Find Out if Veneers Are Right for Your Smile

If your teeth have been damaged by grinding caused by bruxism, then porcelain veneers could be a good means of restoring your smile. However, it’s essential that bruxism is addressed first to prevent damage to your veneers. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brett Langston at Dental Implant & Aesthetic Specialists to discuss your symptoms and find out more about your options.