What to Do If Your Grinding Habit Has Damaged Your Crowns

5 November 2019
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


Scientists do not appear to know why people grind their teeth at night. They think that it may be something to do with stress, as if the brain were trying to work out some problem during sleep, and this may lead to the unconscious action, known as bruxism. Either way, this type of behaviour can cause a big issue with your dentition and, if left for a long period, can cause the teeth to deteriorate to a considerable extent. If you've been dealing with this all your life, then you may have had to fit a set of dental crowns before, but as your nighttime habits have continued since then, you may need to get them replaced. What are your options?

Time Moves On

A lot has changed in recent years with regard to the technology and materials used to create dental crowns. The set that you had fitted some time ago may have been based on simple porcelain and may not have been able to stand up to the internal pressures caused by your bruxism.

Upgraded Technology

Today, however, you may be able to get a set of crowns made with the "fused to metal" approach, and these are a great deal stronger, especially when it comes to the back teeth. Your older crowns may have tended to crack with excessive force, and if that did happen, you would need to have them replaced anyway.

With fused to metal crowns, the external layer can always be replaced if it has been damaged. This may certainly be the better option now and until you get your grinding habit in check.

Zirconium

Some people may be eligible for zirconium crowns, which represent the latest technology in the world of dentistry. They are a particularly good choice if you want to keep your opposing teeth as they are, as crowns made from zirconia do not cause as much wear and tear in the opposite direction.

Night Guard

Whatever you do, it is a good idea for you to consider wearing a custom-fitted night guard. When you do get replacement crowns, this device will help to protect your investment and ensure that you do not have to think about any replacements for some time into the future.

Taking Action

Talk with your dentist about your bruxism habit and discuss your replacement crown options. He or she will also be able to make a professional night guard for you.


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