Tooth decay is such a prevalent issue in American culture, affecting 96% of Americans by the age of 65. But many people often forget teeth can be damaged in other ways as well. Enamel erosion is a common issue that has nothing to do with decay unless left untreated or oral health habits are neglected. Natural teeth are tough, but enamel isn’t indestructible. Tooth enamel won’t “grow back” once it begins eroding. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be repaired via biomimetic dentistry. But what is the biomimetic approach to enamel erosion and how can your Moorestown Biomimetic Dentist help save your smile?
How Common Is Tooth Erosion and What Are the Causes?
A global study in 2015 discovered that over 34% of the children and adolescents in the focus group of over 16,000 participants already exhibited signs of dental erosion. Unlike gum disease and dental caries which are caused by bacteria and decay, tooth/enamel erosion is caused by acid contact on the teeth. This can be intrinsic (internal damage) or extrinsic (external damage). Intrinsic damage occurs when the acids absorb into the oral cavity. Causes may be acid reflux, alcoholism, bulimia, and even pregnancy. Extrinsic damage is due to external environment or personal health and lifestyle decisions such as beverages, dietary choices, and airborne occupational or industrial risks.
What Is So Special About Biomimetic Dentistry?
Biomimetic dentistry focuses on the most effective and non-toxic solutions to saving as much of the original tooth structure as possible. While traditional dentistry applies a variety of fillers and tooth replacement materials, biomimetic dentistry prioritizes restorative methods involving the existing pulp and enamel. As such, teeth are reinforced as opposed to filed down when needing crowns. Less of the tooth structure is removed when fillings are needed. Deep cleaning and sealants are implemented to cut the root canal cycle. And special adhesives and biocompatible materials are used to strengthen and seal cracks, chips, and erosion. Saving more of the damaged tooth cuts the risks of decay and ongoing damage. Proactive solutions last longer than simply piling extra materials into your teeth, so body and dental health, as well as dental aesthetics and personal confidence, improve drastically via biomimetic dentistry procedures.
How Can Biomimetic Dentistry Help Reverse or Correct Enamel Erosion?
Unfortunately, once natural tooth enamel weakens and starts to erode, there’s no way for it to regrow or correct itself. But it’s not a lost cause and your Moorestown Biomimetic Dentist can help ensure that. While enamel can’t regenerate, the erosion can be stopped in its tracks with specific biomimetic dentistry procedures. Dental bonding and crowns are among the least inexpensive and most effective solutions for rebuilding the destroyed tooth surface while saving the remaining structure. The dental materials used are biocompatible and strong enough to trust for daily life needs while providing the desired aesthetic value.
Dental sealants can be used for kids or adults. While they’re known primarily to guard against decay, they also do wonders as a barrier between acids and enamel. But if you want an extensive or uniform smile adjustment, porcelain veneers can give you the smile of your dreams within as little as two or three office visits to your Moorestown Biomimetic Dentist.