With today’s dental technology and upgraded materials, dental restorations such as fillings, bridges, and crowns are more durable and long-lasting than ever before. But even if you visit a skilled dentist who uses the highest quality materials, most dental work will eventually need to be replaced.
In fact, older restorations can even change your bite over time; let’s take a look at why this happens.
Why Does Your Bite Feel Different?
If you’ve had a filling, crown, or bridge for a very long time and start to notice that your bite feels a little off, it’s important to contact our dental office for an appointment. If left untreated, this issue can affect your other teeth and cause problems with your jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
During your visit, we’ll assess your bite and create a treatment plan to restore your oral health, as well as your smile’s function and beauty.
Here are some of the reasons this can happen:
- Material breakdown — Over time, the materials used in your fillings or crowns can develop gaps or fractures, creating a high or low point when you bite down and chew.
- Shifting teeth — If the teeth adjacent to your restoration begin to shift, it can move your bridge or crown out of alignment.
- Cement failure — The cement used to hold a crown or bridge in place can weaken over time and cause your restoration to move.
- Tooth decay — It’s possible to get a cavity underneath an older restoration; this tooth decay can lead to tooth movement.
- Physical wear — Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth can cause wear and tear on your natural teeth and on an older restoration.
Dental Restorations in Indianapolis, IN
To learn more about crowns, bridges, and tooth-colored fillings, or if you need to schedule a routine exam and cleaning, please get in touch with our dental office.
At Southeast Family Dental, your oral health is our top priority, and if the time comes when you need to replace an older restoration, we’re here to walk you through the process and answer your questions.
You can reach us at (317) 359-8000.