I have thin teeth enamel. What should I do? (Photo)

Question

My teeth enamel is very thin and translucent at the bottom, with a lot of chips and cracks..It hurts when I eat something hot or cold. I asked my dentist for a composite bonding but he refused and said that he wouldn't touch anything. I'm very annoyed and sometimes even embarrassed to smile. What do you think that I should do? Go to a different dentist or leave it like this? Btw, I'm 21 years old.

Kathy Frazar, DDS, FAGD · Answer

Yes, if present dentist does not want to treat you and you most assuredly want to fix your smile.....get another opinion..Its ok to do this and if other wise you like your present dentist you could stay with him if you choose to even though another dentist enhanced your smile...Google cosmetic dentist in your area and demand to see before and after photos where  said dentist actually performed the work..Get a smile design recommendation from this dentist and good luck with your decision.

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

You should be able to restore your lost enamel with porcelain veneers.  I would find a doctor that has a great deal of experience in smile makeovers and seek out a consultation.  The loss of tooth structure is likely due to grinding and you will need to wear a night guard once you case is completed.  Good luck.

George Tsangaroulis, DDS · Answer

This is a legitimate concern.  If you are concerned with the health and appearance of your smile, you may want to consider seeking another opinion.  If you find a new cosmetic dentist you feel comfortable with, but also like your current dentist you can have the treatment and resume going to your current dentist for your cleanings and checkups.  To address your immediate concern of sensitivity to hot and cold, you can use Sensodyne Toothpaste Rapid Relief, or if you prefer with no Fluoride there is Tom's Rapid Relief Sensitive.  I would have a dentist investigate why your teeth are becoming translucent with chips and cracks.  My guess is that there are 2 variables.  1)  You are grinding your teeth, in which I would recommend a temporary nightguard, and ultimately a permanent custom-made nightguard after you decide to do composite bonding.  2)  Your enamel may be subject to acid erosion, which can be extrinsic or intrinsic - many foods and liquids are highly acidic such as sports drinks, soda, seltzer, colas, and citrus (lemons).  Or there is a possibility you might have stomach indigestion or acid reflux, which results in acid coming up from your stomach affecting the teeth.  This is something you will want to inquire with your primary care physician.  Either way, there is a paste called MI Paste which you apply on your teeth after you brush to help buffer the acid and remineralize your teeth (make sure you don't have a dairy or milk protein allergy).  Do meticulous research on which cosmetic dentist you will choose.  I always recommend one who has been trained at educational facilities such as Spear, Kois, or Dawson Academy to name a few.  And be sure to have a diagnostic waxup prototype prior to treatment so that you can get a good idea of what the outcome will be and what it will entail.  Good luck!

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Porcelain veneers are the best option due to strength and color stability.  However, due to your age you can also explore bonding as a more inexpensive alternative.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Maria, hello.
I would consider porcelain veneers. They are very thin but strong layer of porcelain over the front and biting side of your thin teeth. This treatment option will not only make you more comfortable enjoying hot and cold food and drinks, but make your smile amazing. Of course you should seek a consultation of experienced dentist before making a final decision.

Gary Braunstein, DDS · Answer

You could definitely have bonding done to correct your problems.  A chairside resin veneer is creating a veneer from bonding material  in one visit.  We have been doing these successfully for several years with a system called EasySmile Veneers.  Most dentists do not like to do direct chairside veneers because it requires an esthetic sense and can be technique sensitive.  Resin veneers are also not as durable as porcelain veneers and will periodically require touch ups at an additional expense.  The advantages are that you do not need to have your teeth filed down which would cause even more sensitivity, and they are much more affordable than porcelain veneers.  I would highly  recommend this procedure for you because of your age and the fact that you do have sensitive teeth already .   You should look for another dentist that is comfortable and skilled with this procedure .

Mandy Kouroshnia, DDS · Answer

Hello,  examining the picture you have posted along with the fact that you are 21 I feel you have grinding or perhaps erosion issues.  You are too young to have translucency and worn out teeth.  Few things need to be done 
1) your dentist needs to evaluate your occlusion (bite).  The occlusal trauma due to grinding needs to be managed 
2) some patients with GERD or with conditions that make them vomit frequently can display thin enamel due to the acid  eroding the tooth protective layer.  acidic /carbonated drinks can also cause some erosion.  Consult your medical doctor and stop drinking carbonated drinks (soda).
3) dental porcelain veneers are ultimately the solution but since you are still young I would also suggest a composite veneer .  Downside to composite veneers is the fact that they are really temporary, they will stain and Eventually you have to change them with porcelain ones. 
I hope this helps . 
Dr Mandy

A Vandiveer Strait, DDS (Retired)- Acct. Suspended · Answer

Based on your photo and your symptoms, I would say all your issues are very treatable and you can have a beautiful healthy comfortable smile.  The cold sensitivity is a result of exposed dentin which is normally covered by enamel.  Desensitizing treatment along with Bonding to replace any enamel which has been lost as a result of wear, chipping, erosion, etc should eliminate any cold sensitivity.  Heat sensitivity is a result of pulp degeneration and usually Endodontics (root canal therapy) will be needed to solve this.  It is very important to treat the cause of your problems and not just the symptoms.  It looks like a bad bite and uneven, poorly aligned teeth are the cause both directly and indirectly of the symptoms you have.  I would recommend you see a good general cosmetic dentist who is experienced and trained in Invisalign Orthodontics. Invisalign is the best way for you to permanently prevent any new similar problems. There may be other care needed but what I have recommended can go a long way in achieving and maintaining a healthy, beautiful  and comfortable smile.

Bruce Wilderman, DDS (retired) · Answer

It looks like you have a serious issue with grinding your teeth and the extreme amount of wear associated with it for someone your age. Left untreated, you will have very little tooth structure left. Your current dentist probably does not want to treat the problem because they don't know how. Adding composite or porcelain bonding to your teeth will not solve the problem, it will only temporarily treat the lost tooth structure. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, yet you have managed to wear it off. Teeth wear, but porcelain and composite BREAK!  You need to find out WHY your teeth are so badly worn before addressing the cosmetic issue.

I have thin teeth enamel. What should I do? (Photo)

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