Premature tooth wear, broken fillings and chipped teeth, can all be signs of underlying functional dental problems. New Bern dentist Dr. Stephen Hoard is one of the most highly trained restorative dentists in North Carolina. In addition to his New Bern dentist office, Dr. Hoard is an Associate Faculty member at the Dawson Academy where he teaches other dentists about restorative dentistry and how to address problems like excessive tooth wear.
What Causes Broken Teeth and Wear
In some instances, a single chipped or broken tooth is caused by an injury or accident. Dr. Hoard can fix these problems quickly with treatment options such as tooth bonding, veneers or crowns.
Teeth grinding is a common cause of worn or broken teeth and can be treated with a mouth guard or other type of oral appliance.
If your issue is with a tooth or teeth that break repeatedly, even after repeated dental treatment, you could have an underlying functional problem such as malocclusion or TMJ disorder.
Treatment For Broken and Worn Teeth in New Bern, NC
The first step when solving the problem of worn or broken teeth is a comprehensive evaluation. It is critical to identify the underlying cause of the problem to ensure long-lasting results. Your treatment may include one or several procedures to establish a healthy, stable bite and repair cosmetic problems.
- Orthodontics: Crooked, or misaligned teeth, can sometimes be the source for premature tooth wear and/or broken teeth. Dr. Hoard works with local New Bern orthodontist, Dr. Todd Rankin to design and implement an orthodontic treatment plan.
- Restorative Dentistry: Ceramic restorations such as dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and dental fillings can become damaged when the teeth are not properly aligned. Dr. Hoard can repair broken fillings and crowns as well as restore worn or broken teeth with new ceramic restorations.
- Tooth Bonding: For minor tooth chips, Dr. Hoard may recommend cosmetic tooth bonding. This is a simple procedure, typically complete in a single dental visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my teeth are excessively worn, not just naturally aging?
Natural and gentle wear happens over a lifetime. Excessive wear often shows up as flattened, shortened teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, or edges that look chipped or translucent. If your teeth look significantly shorter than they used to, you see cracks in your enamel, or your fillings seem to break frequently, these are signs it’s more than just age. A comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Hoard can determine if your wear pattern is normal or caused by an underlying issue.
I wear a night guard, but why are my teeth are still wearing down?
A standard night guard protects your teeth from grinding against each other, which is a great first step. However, if the underlying cause of the grinding is a misaligned bite or a TMJ disorder, the guard may only be managing the symptom, not the root problem. Dr. Hoard’s approach focuses on diagnosing the why behind the grinding to create a treatment plan. It may include a specially designed oral appliance that addresses the cause for long-term stability.
Can you fix my worn teeth without grinding them down further for crowns?
It depends on the extent of the damage. For minor to moderate wear, we often prioritize minimally invasive options. Techniques like direct bonding can build up tooth structure without significant reduction. In some cases, ultra-thin porcelain veneers can be placed with minimal prep.
Dr. Hoard’s philosophy is to preserve your natural tooth structure whenever possible. He will only recommend more extensive restorations like crowns if they’re absolutely necessary for function and health.
What’s the difference between just fixing a broken tooth and solving the functional problem?
Fixing a single broken tooth is like patching a recurring pothole without checking the road’s foundation. It solves the immediate problem, but if the breakage is because of a misaligned bite, the same forces will likely cause another tooth to break or the repair to fail. Solving the functional problem involves analyzing how all your teeth, jaw muscles, and joints work together. The goal is to create a harmonious, stable bite so that repairs last and your teeth are protected from future damage.
Is treating worn teeth just a cosmetic procedure?
No, it’s primarily a health and functional procedure with cosmetic benefits. Severely worn teeth can cause jaw pain, headaches, compromised chewing ability, and more complex dental problems. By restoring proper tooth structure and bite, we safeguard your long-term oral health, comfort, and function. The natural-looking smile you get is a wonderful side effect of achieving a healthy mouth.
Why should I choose Dr. Hoard for this instead of my regular dentist?
Treating complex wear requires advanced training in the principles of bite function (occlusion), jaw joints (TMJ), and full-mouth reconstruction. As an Associate Faculty member at the prestigious Dawson Academy, Dr. Hoard is not only trained in these advanced concepts but also teaches them to other dentists. This means you’re benefiting from a specialist-level understanding of the why behind your tooth wear. You’ll get a diagnosis and plan that aims for a permanent solution, not just a temporary fix.
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Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re tired of dealing with chipped teeth, broken fillings, or the frustration of unexplained wear, it’s time to get a lasting solution. Don’t settle for repeated repairs that don’t address the root cause. Dr. Stephen Hoard offers the expert diagnostic skills and advanced restorative care you need to fix the damage and restore the long-term health and beauty of your smile.
Contact our New Bern office today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation. Give us a call at (252) 507-0373 or request an appointment online. Let’s build a strong, stable foundation for your smile that lasts.
