My teeth are worn down from grinding them when I was younger, am I a candidate for porcelain/zirconium veneers? (Photos)

Question

I have worn down teeth from grinding when I was younger, and for the last 10 years I have slept with a mouth guard. But unfortunately I also have a bite that makes Bruxism, in danish it's called a deep/low bite. My dentist want me to get braces and then dental bonding on the lower/upper 6 teeth. My problem is, I don't like the fact that they stain, and braces are very expensive. So will porcelain/zirconium veneers be an option for both power and lower teeth, so they will be aligned? Thanks :)

Kathy Frazar, DDS, FAGD · Answer

I know a quick fix  is so desirable but from my experience may not produce the best and longest lasting result...Braces or invisalign will take longer than you may like and add to the cost but straightening your bite with resultant esthetic goals met may satisfy your health and appearance..If smile not as beautiful as you would like you can do cosmetic dentistry afterwards.

Michael D. Kosdon, DDS · Answer

Thank you for your question, a lot of good topics addressed here! Good thing you have been wearing a night guard for the past 10 years, that's a great habit to have!
When teeth are in malocclusion ( not coming together properly ) its not uncommon for them to wear unevenly, especially if you were grinding your teeth. I agree with your dentist, braces would be the best place to start here by aligning your teeth and fixing your bite. I don't agree with placing bonding on the upper and lower teeth once the braces come off. Bonding is a composite resin material ( plastic ) that discolors overtime and loses its shine. You have to have an extremely talented dentist to hand craft 12 composite veneers and make them look good. 
Now, this brings us to your next question, would veneers be an option? In your case, veneers would be a good option to both correct your bite as well as improve the appearance of your teeth. eMax porcelain is the strongest and most esthetic porcelain available. When placed by a skilled cosmetic dentist, you should get decades of use out of them. 
I would still recommend wearing a night guard if you do decide to have the veneers placed. Your dentist will have to make a new one since the old one will not fit after the new porcelain is bonded

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Since even with braces the worn out teeth have to be restored, I suggest to do emax veneers instead of braces. Best,Dr. Maddahi

Sandeep Mohal · Answer

Everybody would love to have a quick fix and the problem to be solved but this does not always result in a desirable outcome. Braces would be the best option to align your teeth first and then to have some bonding work down to help with the grinding. If veneers are put on your teeth currently they may look too big and feel odd and are also more likely to break.

Regards,
Sandeep

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

best option in yr case is braces / aligner treatment for setup of proper occlusion followed by deprogramming splint therapy.

My teeth are worn down from grinding them when I was younger, am I a candidate for porcelain/zirconium veneers? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Worn teeth

Answer: Worn teeth

Answer: Treatment for grinding

Answer: Treatment for grinding

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

My teeth are worn down from grinding them when I was younger, am I a candidate for porcelain/zirconium veneers? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Worn teeth

Answer: Worn teeth

Answer: Treatment for grinding

Answer: Treatment for grinding

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.