I Have a Dentist Who Wants to Grind Down my Teeth to Correct my Bite. Is Grinding Necessary?

Question

I am 54, have all of my natural teeth with problems. We are working on a treatment plan for caries and a bite issue for which the consensus agreed upon grinding down the interfering teeth even if to sensitivity (invasive?), plus caps. Somehow the much discussed braces option evaporated. I am requiring 2 implants and 2 restorations or 4 implants. The teeth in question are weak. Does orthodontistry come first or the restoration? Wouldn't braces be preferable to grinding down healthy teeth?

Lawrence Singer, DMD (in memoriam) · Answer

Do not grind down your teeth to correct your bite - this is horrible treatment and can lead to TMJ problems in most situations. It is a philosophy from the 1960s that should be abolished. If your teeth are out of alignment significantly, then they musth be treated first with orthodontics with an eye on establishing the correct relationship with the TMJ. You are absolutely right with your intuition - braces are preferable to grinding down healthy teeth. Grinding down healthy teeth makes as much sense as amputating part of a leg that is slightly longer than the other. Contact me if you like for a referral in your area.

I Have a Dentist Who Wants to Grind Down my Teeth to Correct my Bite. Is Grinding Necessary?

Answers (1)