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Cosmetic Dentistry and Eating Disorders

asked 1 year ago by 9753anon in Texas
Latest answer by George Koutsoukos, DDS
Question viewed 370 times
Tags: eating disorder

Hi, I've had an eating disorder for over 20 years and I've spent time in a rehab to address the issues related to this behavior. It seems that when things are tough (economy) I return to the destructive behaviors of both bulimia and anorexia. Does the stomach acid break down the crowns, or veneers? What are my best options? I am deeply saddend the effects have had on my teeth -even though I knew it was inevitable. My teeth and smile were always pretty before.

6 answers to Cosmetic Dentistry and Eating Disorders

+4

Cosmetic Dentistry with Eating Disorder

Thank you so much for your bravery to discuss your eating disorder. The psychological issues are far more complex and important than the dental issues. Please work very hard to seek the help you need to recover completely. Your life is at stake.  Dentistry will not hold up until the bulimia is managed and only maintenance procedures should be performed. Once you have completed recovery, Cosmetic Dentistry can give you a beautiful and healthy smile once again. In the meantime,... more
Mickey Bernstein, DDS

Memphis Cosmetic Dentist
+3

Cosmetic Dentistry and Eating Disorders

The unfortunate reality is that eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia are destructive to natural or cosmetically enhanced teeth. During your time in rehab i think its a great idea to have your dentist see what he can do to minimize or protect your teeth from further damage .Perhaps he can treat the damaged teeth with composite or bonded restorations. This can act as a good temporary remedy until your rehab is complete. Hopefully then you can be in a position to be re-evaluated to see... more
Howard Perlmutter, DMD

Paramus Cosmetic Dentist
+3

The Eating Disorders & Health

Sounds like it's been a huge struggle for you,  it takes much strength  to continue your journey to get better. Yes your health, teeth & cosmetics take a toll with this condition, your first step is to seek help so you can recover  & when you're ready you can move forward to a healthy, beautiful smile.  Start off with a good cleaning , x-rays & a full examination to determine which cosmetic option will work for you. more
Lawrence Gilbert, DDS

Woodbury Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Your Eating Disorder and Cosmetic Dentistry

To answer your questions first: Yes, stomach acid will eventually cause the crowns or veneers to fail, if you are still in the active stages of bulima. Stomach acid causes erosion around the margins of the veneer or crown, causing erosion around the tooth structure, subsequently causing the veneers or crowns to fail. Your best option is to continue with therapy and, while in the active stage, use good hygiene, have regular professional dental cleanings with applications of... more
George Koutsoukos, DDS

Valencia Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Eating disorders and Dentistry

Stomach acid can cause a lot of damage to teeth, resulting in erosion and loss of tooth structure. Even if crowns are placed, a small amount of tooth structure is still exposed and vulnerable to acid damage. Fillings and crowns will fail or have problems if the acid is still attacking the tooth structure. The best approach is to control the eating disorder with the appropriate therapy, as the psychological component is probably more powerful than what is happening... more
Kristen Berning, DDS

Dubuque Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Eating disorders and dentistry

Unfortunately, until you are recovered, your teeth and any dentistry done will continue to break down. By continuing to see a dentist in the meantime, you can at least help to limit the damage.
Paul D. Kantor, DDS

Cleveland Cosmetic Dentist

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