Bruxism and worn teeth: separating tooth protection from reconstruction
Protection and rebuilding answer two different questions. A guard addresses ongoing damage; rebuilding addresses damage already done. Many worn teeth need only protection and monitoring. Rebuilding is usually discussed when wear has exposed dentin widely, caused sensitivity or fractures, shortened teeth enough to change chewing or appearance, or keeps progressing despite protection. The examination, wear records and photographs over time determine which tier applies.
Wear has several causes
Attrition from grinding, erosion from acid, abrasion from brushing, and often more than one at once. The Merck Manual notes that grinding wears teeth and that a guard protects them (Merck); the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research describes bruxism and its management (NIDCR). Rebuilding worn teeth without controlling the cause tends to wear the new work too.
The tiers
| Tier | What it involves | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Protect and monitor | Night guard; cause control; photographs or scans at intervals; desensitizing | Wear stable; teeth comfortable; appearance acceptable |
| Protect and repair locally | Guard plus bonding of chipped edges or sensitive spots | A few teeth affected |
| Rebuild | Bonded composite or ceramic restoring shape and bite height, tested in provisionals; guard afterward | Dentin widely exposed; fractures; shortened teeth; progression despite protection |
What the examination records
Wear pattern and depth, exposed dentin, sensitivity, cracks (AAE), bite height, muscles and joints, acid sources, and baseline photographs for comparison.
Why monitoring is a real plan
Comparing photographs or scans a year apart shows whether wear is active. Stable wear with a guard may never need rebuilding.
Questions to ask
Is my wear active or stable? What is causing it? Which tier am I in, and what would move me to the next? If rebuilding is discussed, how will the bite be tested first?
The studio describes reconstruction for worn teeth as a staged plan and lists guards and maintenance (studio).
Next step: Request a consultation or call (805) 565-5111. A request is not a confirmed appointment; the office confirms times during its listed hours (Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, plus select Fridays).
Protection-versus-rebuild tier sheet
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Causes of my wear (grinding / acid / brushing) | |
| Active or stable (compared with last records)? | |
| Dentin exposed widely? Sensitivity? Fractures? | |
| Teeth shortened; chewing or appearance changed? | |
| Tier: protect and monitor / protect and repair / rebuild | |
| What would move me to the next tier? | |
| Guard made? Review date for photos |
Guides are general education; an examination is needed for individual advice.
Sources
- Teeth Grinding (Hennessy BJ, reviewed Mar 2026) — Merck Manual Consumer Version
- Bruxism — National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Six Things You Need to Know About Stress-Related Tooth Injuries Like Cracked Teeth (Aug 2021) — American Association of Endodontists
- Loul Dental Studio: Full Mouth Reconstruction — Loul Dental Studio
Sources were current when this guide was last updated.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Please contact the studio to discuss your own situation.