Tooth wear: how does it happen?
Many people only notice late that their teeth are wearing down. Sometimes because the teeth become shorter, sometimes because pieces chip off. Wear can have various causes, such as teeth grinding, an incorrect bite or simply natural wear over the years.
At VLIJT Tandartsen in Eindhoven, we regularly see young people with this problem. A great example is an 18-year-old patient who came to us with severe wear on his front teeth.
A young patient with wear
This patient had no complaints at first glance, but his lower teeth were becoming increasingly shorter. His wish? He wanted to grow old with his own teeth and thought it was important that they looked nice and white.
Research showed that he had a deep bite. His lower teeth closed too deeply into his upper teeth, causing them to be constantly incorrectly loaded. This caused wear that was already clearly visible at a young age.
Align, Bleach, Bond
In dentistry, we often refer to Align, Bleach, Bond – meaning: straighten, whiten and build up. We also applied this step-by-step plan for this patient:
1. Align – braces (aligners)
To correct the bite, we started with an aligner treatment. Aligners are transparent, removable braces that gradually move the teeth into the correct position.
Read more about our aligner treatments.
Using ORDOLINE digital scans, we could accurately determine the duration of the treatment: in this case, 6 months.
2. Bleach – teeth whitening
After the aligner treatment, we chose teeth whitening. This not only provides a fresh appearance but also gives a lighter base before we build up the teeth with filling material.
Want to know more? Discover everything about teeth whitening at VLIJT.
3. Bond – restoring and building up
After whitening, we built up the worn front teeth with durable filling material. We also repaired small edges of the upper teeth. The result? A natural, radiant smile that suits his age.
This falls under cosmetic restoration.
The result
Within 6 months with aligners, followed by 2 weeks of whitening and one treatment appointment for the build-up, this patient got his smile and confidence back. His teeth are not only more beautiful but also functionally strong again.
Frequently asked questions about wear and aligners
How do I know if my teeth are wearing?
Look for teeth becoming shorter, sharp edges or sensitivity to hot and cold.
What is the difference between aligners and traditional braces?
Aligners are transparent, removable braces that are more comfortable and less visible.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, as long as it is done professionally at the dentist. This ensures the result is safe and durable.
How long does an aligner treatment take?
This varies per situation, but usually ranges between 3 and 12 months.
Ready for a radiant smile?
Do you suffer from wear, a deep bite or simply want a more beautiful smile? At VLIJT Tandartsen in Eindhoven, we help you with modern solutions such as aligners, whitening and cosmetic restoration.
👉 Contact us for a free consultation.
