Worn / Chipped Teeth

Worn or chipped teeth can be a detriment to the aesthetic appearance of an individual’s teeth, but many people don’t realize that this type of oral health issue contributes to functional damage in addition to affecting the way the teeth look.

Read on to learn about the causes of wear and chips, the seriousness of the issue, and how to repair your smile.

A close up photo of a patient's worn teeth before receiving treatment
A close up photo of a patient's worn teeth after receiving treatment

What Causes Wear / Chips?

Several behaviors can cause teeth to chip, including trauma to the mouth from falls or impact, biting down on substances too hard for the teeth to break through, and excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Tooth wear is often caused by individuals grinding their teeth during sleep, but it can also be a side effect of stress and anxiety if it causes jaw clenching.

The Impact of Chipped / Worn Teeth

Wearing down or chipping the teeth creates a threat to the structural integrity of a tooth. A small chip can make the tooth more susceptible to additional chips, cracks, decay, or even tooth loss in some cases. If a tooth is chipped badly enough, the nerves and tooth root may become exposed. This can result in significant pain, as well as exposing the inside of the tooth to bacteria.

Worn teeth can lead to the same issues, as over time the wear can expose nerves, roots, and blood vessels. A tooth that has been worn down significantly may eventually crack or fall out, which calls for immediate dental intervention to protect the rest of the mouth from damage.

A patient with worn teeth before receiving treatment
A patient with worn teeth after receiving treatment

Treatment Options

Some chips are relatively minor and they can often be treated through simple cosmetic procedures, like dental bonding.

In cases where the chip is more serious or the teeth have been worn down far enough to be a concern, a dental professional may recommend more intensive treatment.

For example, the appearance of worn teeth might be corrected with veneers, but in cases where the damage is too great, a root canal or tooth replacement may be necessary.

If you have chipped or worn teeth and you’d like to explore your treatment options, reach out to Signature Dentistry Centennial. Our experienced team serves Centennial and the surrounding areas, including The Pinery, Foxfield, Cottonwood, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, Denver Tech Center, Lone Tree, and more.

Step 1

Evaluation of your facial structure, smile and lip line, gums, and teeth in planning a Smile Transformation that strikes an artist balance, to bring out your best features.

Before

Creation of a 3D Model of your new smile design based upon this evaluation and your expressed goals. Every aspect of your face, lips, gums, and teeth, go into the creation of your new Signature Smile. You now have an opportunity to see the 3D Model and see the final result BEFORE starting treatment.

Step 2

Creation of a 3D Model of your new smile design based upon this evaluation and your expressed goals. Every aspect of your face, lips, gums, and teeth, go into the creation of your new Signature Smile. You now have an opportunity to see the 3D Model and see the final result BEFORE starting treatment.

Your treatment begins. This is when your smile is transformed. At this appointment, any old restorations and decay are removed, and the underlying teeth made healthy and rebuilt. Care is taken by our doctors to save as much of the healthy teeth as possible. Impressions are made of the new structure, and beautiful temporary teeth are artistically sculpted by the doctor, so when you walk out of our office after the first visit you have a new smile!

Step 3

Your treatment begins. This is when your smile is transformed. At this appointment, any old restorations and decay are removed, and the underlying teeth made healthy and rebuilt. Care is taken by our doctors to save as much of the healthy teeth as possible. Impressions are made of the new structure, and beautiful temporary teeth are artistically sculpted by the doctor, so when you walk out of our office after the first visit you have a new smile!

While you try out your new smile for the next few weeks, our Master Ceramist will artistically design and create your new smile. The skill and artistry of the technician is a critical step in creating a beautiful smile with veneers. Our technician MJ is truly one of the best in the entire world, know for creating flawless, natural smiles.

Before

After

Step 4

While you try out your new smile for the next few weeks, our Master Ceramist will artistically design and create your new smile. The skill and artistry of the technician is a critical step in creating a beautiful smile with veneers. Our technician MJ is truly one of the best in the entire world, know for creating flawless, natural smiles.

Before

After

Completion of your full mouth reconstruction. When you return for your treatment appointment we bond the final restorations in place. Our doctors take time at this appointment to get the fine details of your smile looking perfect- completely natural, befitting of your smile line, face, and enhancing your overall appearance. Smile Transformations, if maintained properly, should look and feel great for up to 15 years after placement.

Before

After

Step 5

Completion of your full mouth reconstruction. When you return for your treatment appointment we bond the final restorations in place. Our doctors take time at this appointment to get the fine details of your smile looking perfect- completely natural, befitting of your smile line, face, and enhancing your overall appearance. Smile Transformations, if maintained properly, should look and feel great for up to 15 years after placement.

Before

After

Why choose Signature Dentistry Centennial for Smile Transformation?

All dentists are not created equal – either in terms of artistry, training, or experience. Our award-winning team of aesthetic dentists have gone above and beyond in these areas to become recognized experts in Smile Transformation. We are known for creating smiles that are radiant, beautiful, and so natural they are undetectable from natural teeth. Not only can you expect a smile that brings you new found health, confidence, and happiness, it will be delivered by a team of individuals that truly care for you and your experience, making the overall process as comfortable and smooth as possible. It is our team’s level of expertise and care that makes what we offer one-of-a-kind. We invite you to come see us and experience the Signature difference for yourself!

Our Signature On Every Smile