All You Need to Know About Flat (Or Worn) Teeth
Your teeth are always in use, whether biting into your favourite food, chewing, speaking or smiling.
When you do this each day, there’s bound to be friction and pressure on your teeth. The hard outer layer of your teeth, also called the enamel, is a protective layer that withstands the wear and tear caused by these everyday activities. However, despite this strong enamel protecting your teeth, your teeth can still wear down, causing them to look shorter or flatter as you age.
Aging, however, is not the only cause of flat teeth. Causes of flat teeth include conditions such as Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) and Sleep Apnoea, among others. So, if you notice your teeth are shorter or flatter than they used to be, we recommend scheduling a consultation ASAP.
The good news is that early action can help prevent your teeth from wearing down prematurely. Not only will it preserve the shape of your teeth and smile, but it will also help you steer clear of dental problems that come with flat teeth. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know, so you know exactly what to do if you ever have to deal with flat teeth!
Do I Have Flat Teeth?
Unfortunately, flat teeth, especially mild cases of flat teeth, may not be visible at first glance. So, looking at your teeth in the mirror, they may seem perfectly fine. This is where regular dental visits play an important role. If you visit your dentist for regular checkups, we can identify signs of tooth wear that aren’t visible to you and address the condition before it worsens.
In these early stages, you will most likely notice a slight unevenness to the ends of your teeth or a more rounded look. But, when it comes to severe tooth wear, your teeth will look prominently flat and short.
Signs & Symptoms of Flat Teeth
Since flat teeth are hard to identify at first glance, knowing the telltale signs and symptoms of this condition can come in handy. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Oddly jagged or smooth teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Changes in your bite and alignment of teeth
- Shorter teeth
- Cracks or chips in teeth
- Problems with previous dental work (if any)
- Discolouration or yellowing of teeth due to enamel erosion
What Happens if You Don’t Treat Worn Down Teeth?
Neglecting flat teeth without seeking treatment can cause many problems. Its consequences can extend well beyond tooth sensitivity, discolouration and headaches to problems such as:
- Tooth Decay: flat teeth are prone to decay because the enamel that prevents bacteria from penetrating your teeth is damaged.
- Misaligned Bite: when your teeth lose their natural shape, it can affect your bite. A misaligned bite can then cause jaw pain and increase your risk of tooth decay or conditions such as TMJ Disorder, which in turn can cause headaches and neck pains.
- Changes in Appearance: flat teeth can affect your smile and confidence.
- Bruxism: if tooth wear caused by Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) is left untreated, it can cause severe pain, enamel erosion, fractured teeth and may even contribute to tooth loss!
Treatment For Flat Teeth
Now that you know the consequences of flat teeth, you probably understand the importance of timely treatment. The good thing is that multiple treatment options are available to restore your teeth and that beautiful smile of yours. Some treatment options include:
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are protective caps placed over your tooth to preserve its functionality and strength while restoring your smile.
Dental Veneers
These are thin, custom-made porcelain shells bonded to the front of your tooth. Veneers are a great solution from a more aesthetic standpoint to covering any imperfections in your smile.
Dental Fillings
Fillings are used to restore damaged or worn teeth to their natural shape and function. The damaged part of your tooth will be removed and replaced with a tooth-coloured filling material for a seamless finish.
Dental Implants
In severe cases of tooth wear and if your tooth is unsalvageable, our dentist may recommend extracting it and replacing it with dental implants.
Mouthguards/Nightguards
If teeth grinding is the cause of your flat teeth, our dentist will recommend a nightguard. All you have to do is wear this custom mouthguard at night while you sleep. It will act as a protective barrier, preventing further damage to your teeth.
Remember — the sooner you treat your worn teeth, the better chances you have of protecting your smile. With the right treatment from our experienced dentists, you can restore both your smile and confidence. Don’t let flat teeth dull the sparkle of your smile! Contact us or schedule an appointment with us if you want to explore the best solution for your flat teeth.