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Duluth, GA 30097

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A Collapsed Bite

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I wonder if you can advise me. I am very self conscious about my smile. When my mouth is at rest, but not completely closed, there is just a black cavern. You cannot see my teeth at all. My jaw also hurts from years of grinding my teeth, which I just found out recently was an issue. My dentist made a night guard for me to wear at night. When I wear that, my jaw hurts less and it gives the slight appearance of my teeth being visible. This makes me think I need to add something to my teeth to make them “show up”, plus it may help with the jaw pain. I asked my dentist about it and he suggested porcelain veneers. Before I make such a big investment, I want to make sure it is the right choice. Have you seen patients in my situation? If so, what worked for them?

Caroline

Dear Caroline,

woman holding her jaw in pain

I am glad that you wrote. I think I know what has happened here and if it is not done right it can completely mess up your bite and leave you in a lifetime of pain. As for porcelain veneers, while if you see an excellent cosmetic dentist it would help with the appearance related issues, it would not solve the root of your problem or the jaw pain, which is like TMJ Disorder as the result of the grinding.

Based on what you have described, it sounds like your teeth grinding has led to a collapsed bite. I wish a dentist would have intervened sooner and protected you from this. However, that is water under the bridge and you need a solution. When your teeth are that ground down, the only real solution is a full mouth reconstruction. This is done by crowning the ground down teeth in order to get your bite in proper alignment and occlusion. However, this is one of the most advanced procedures in dentistry and has to be done very carefully.

A dentist would have to do this starting with provisionals to make sure everything lines up perfectly. It takes years of post-doctoral study to be able to do this well. Look at Dr. Marion’s bio to get an idea of the type of training a dentist would need to work on your case.

This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.

Did My Dentist Damage My Dental Bridge?

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I have a dental bridge, it wasn’t fitting quite right so my dentist asked me to come in and he’d make some adjustments. He did some grinding on the crown. I noticed the next day that it had a spot on it which showed the metal. I went in to see my dentist again and he said it was because I’m a tooth grinder. What I don’t understand is how it can happen in one night. He did put a composite filling on it, but that was gone by the next morning. I don’t think it is my grinding, but I’m not sure if my dentist will ever agree. What do you think? Can this be fixed?

Penny

Dear Penny,

A dental bridge

I’m sorry for what you’re experiencing. I’ve got to tell you I’m a little concerned you need to find a different dentist. It isn’t simply because of the crown for your dental bridge. It’s more about the teeth grinding. Granted, I am extrapolating here, but it sounds like your dentist has known you are a grinder, but he hasn’t provided you with a nightguard. This is a simple mouthpiece you’d wear at night, which is when most grinding takes place. It protects your teeth from the damage done by the teeth grinding.

Believe me, that damage is serious. Eventually, you will wear your teeth down to nubs. When that happens, it will require you to get a full-mouth reconstruction. That means placing a dental crown on every tooth and would cost you between 30 and 60 thousand dollars. That will bring in a lot more money for your dentist than the nightguard. The best dentists stay on top of all your oral health, not just cleanings and restorations. He should be keeping an eye out for gum disease, signs of grinding, and doing oral cancer screenings. I don’t think you’re getting the care you need.

As for the crown. Yes, it is very likely your dentist did that but I doubt he will admit to that because it would mean replacing it at his cost. Instead, he’ll try to pawn it off on you. How would you know how to prove otherwise? I’ll tell you how. You write to me.

Getting this Dental Bridge Replaced

The first thing I want you to do is get a second opinion. Some dentists will even do that for free. It will be easy for a dentist to tell if your dentist’s adjustments were the cause of the damage. If the porcelain on your crown has been ground on by a metal explorer it will leave very distinct marks. If the second opinion dentist tells you those marks are there, you are armed with some backup. From there you have two choices:

  • Get a refund and have another dentist do your dental bridge.
  • Give your dentist a chance to replace it and do it right.

The choice is completely up to you. One thing you’d asked is if this can be repaired. There is a small chance, but it is very involved and not much of a guarantee. To be honest, based on what I’m reading from you, I don’t think your dentist has the skills needed. I’d just get the bridge replaced.

This blog is brought to you by Deluth, GA Dentists Dr. David Marion.