Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 3 minutes
Tooth grinding can wear down enamel and change the shape of your teeth over time. As damage progresses, cosmetic and restorative procedures may be needed to rebuild structure and protect your bite.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
Table of Contents
Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location
At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress.
How Tooth Grinding Causes Damage
Tooth grinding often happens during sleep and may go unnoticed for years. Continuous clenching and friction gradually shorten teeth and flatten their edges.
Common effects include:
- Flattened or worn biting surfaces
- Small cracks or fractures
- Increased sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Jaw tightness or discomfort
As enamel thins, teeth become more vulnerable to decay and breakage. In more advanced cases, patients may notice visibly shortened or “grinded teeth.”
Cosmetic and Restorative Options to Repair Teeth Grinding Damage
Your dentist will evaluate the severity of wear and recommend the most appropriate treatment. The procedure selected depends on how much enamel and tooth structure have been lost.
Dental Bonding
For mild wear, composite bonding can rebuild small areas of enamel. This composite resin improves shape and protects exposed surfaces.
Inlays and Onlays
When grinding causes moderate damage that does not require a full crown, inlays or onlays may be recommended. These restorations rebuild damaged portions of the tooth while preserving as much natural structure as possible.
Inlays fit within the grooves of a tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps to restore strength and contour. They are often used when teeth grinding repair involves structural loss that is too significant for bonding but does not require full coverage.
Dental Crowns
When grinding has significantly weakened a tooth, a crown may be recommended.
A dental crown:
- Covers the entire tooth
- Restores height and shape
- Reinforces structural strength
- Improves bite function
How to Prevent Further Grinding Damage
Preventing further grinding damage requires reducing the pressure placed on your teeth. While cosmetic procedures restore structure, protective measures help stop continued wear.
Your dentist may recommend:
- A custom night guard
- Bite evaluation and adjustment
- Monitoring for jaw joint strain
- Stress management strategies
A custom nightguard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. It absorbs grinding forces and helps protect both natural enamel and any restorations that have been placed.
Professional Care for Teeth Grinding Damage
Repairing tooth grinding damage requires a thorough evaluation of enamel wear, bite alignment, and overall tooth stability. At Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics, we assess grinding patterns and determine whether bonding, inlays, onlays, or crowns are appropriate to restore strength and function.
We also evaluate for signs of ongoing bruxism and recommend protective strategies to help prevent further damage.
Dentist in Denver, CO
If you suspect tooth wear related to grinding, book an appointment at Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics in Denver or at the location nearest you. For our Denver location, call (303) 825-2295 or visit us at 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204.
Other locations:
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
FAQs
Can tooth grinding damage be reversed?
Enamel loss cannot regenerate naturally. However, restorative treatments can rebuild and protect worn teeth.
Does insurance cover tooth grinding repair?
Coverage depends on your individual plan. Restorative treatments that repair structural damage are often covered when medically necessary, while cosmetic procedures may have limited benefits. It is important to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Will repairing teeth stop tooth grinding?
Repair restores damage, but a custom nightguard or additional management strategies are needed to control bruxism.
