Teeth-damaged teeth

[snaggletooth]

My front bottom teeth dig into the backs of my upper front teeth and I'm wondering if that damage can be repaired by drilling and filling.

 

[MattKW]

It usually only becomes a problem in a couple of circumstances:

1. If your lower teeth dig into the gums and start pushing them off the upper teeth - you'd need to see an orthodontist.
2. If your lower teeth are chipping badly, or your upper teeth are wearing excessively. This is usually due to lack of back teeth nad/or too many acidic drinks. It is sometimes reparable, but you'd have to see a dentist or even a prosthodontist.

 

[snaggletooth]

I can't afford a prosthodontist. Can a dentist repair the damage? I use a night-guard when I sleep.

 

[MattKW]

What was the cause of the damage? Missing back teeth or acidic drinks?

 

[snaggletooth]

As I said, the tops of the bottom teeth dig into the backs of the upper teeth. Apparently the cause is Bruxism, but I use a night guard now and I don't grind my teeth when awake.

 

[MattKW]

Then the nightguard will have to do. If you can afford it, get a cutom-made by a dentist or dental prosthetist; don't get DIY form a store or internet.

 

[snaggletooth]

You're saying that the damage done to the backs of the front teeth can't be repaired with fillings?

 

[MattKW]

Without the benefit of seeing you, in my experience it means that if you build up the back of the teeth, then that will open your "bite" and you will either have to open up all your bite (i.e. build up all teeth), or hope that the back molars overerupt to compensate.

 

[snaggletooth]

Does this mean that if I go to a dentist he probably will not drill and fill the back of the front tooth? I'm too poor and too old for crowns.

 

[MattKW]

Probably will not drill and fill.

 

[snaggletooth]

What do you know about Silver Diamine Fluoride?

 

[MattKW]

Useful for sensitivity, probably good for early decay. It cannot rebuild tooth structure that is not there.

 

[honestdoc]

Silver Diamine can darken your teeth. Another option is to lightly adjust your lower teeth so they won't bite heavily against your top teeth.

 

[Busybee]

Another option is to lightly adjust your lower teeth so they won't bite heavily against your top teeth.

How can you recommend this without examining this patient's teeth or checking their bite?

 

[honestdoc]

How can you recommend this without examining this patient's teeth or checking their bite?

Can you make that examination possible for me?