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Is it Advisable to Get Veneers if You Have Severe Bruxism?

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Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, can have a detrimental effect on your teeth over time. If you are one of the five percent of the population that forcefully grinds their teeth throughout the day and whilst sleeping, then you might be wondering if it is possible to repair your damaged teeth with veneers.

Even if you grind your teeth regularly you can still get veneers, but there are several factors you should take into consideration before deciding between the two most common types of veneers.

Composite Veneers

You may have heard that composite veneers are easier to repair and this is true; however, composite veneers only have a lifespan of 4-8 years and are prone to chipping, which means they are probably a poor choice for someone with bruxism. They also lack the natural look that porcelain veneers have and are prone to staining. That being said, composite veneers are about half the price of porcelain veneers.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are your best option for a number of reasons. Not only are they more durable and less likely to stain, but they are also much more natural looking and therefore fit into your smile without looking out of place. While porcelain veneers tend to last for at least 15 years if well taken care of, they are much more costly than composite veneers. 

Bruxism Splint and Daily Grinding

Whichever option you decide to go with, you will need to ensure that you protect your veneers both night and day. At night it will be a simple matter of putting in your bruxism splint to ensure you don't grind down your veneers. However, during the day you will either need to be vigilant and control your grinding or wear your bruxism splint otherwise you could damage your veneers and shorten their lifespan. 

Also bear in mind that the bruxism splint you currently use will need to be replaced with another one once your veneers have been fitted. Even if you are a forceful grinder, you can still get veneers and have an aesthetically pleasing smile. 

Make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist to discuss your options. They will be able to perform a thorough examination of your teeth to determine what your best course of action is. If you are able to control your grinding by wearing a bruxism splint then your chances of long term success will be much better.


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