Hi all,
I’m looking for advice on treatment of severely worn teeth. My dentist says I have severe grinding and need a full set (28) of crowns. While my teeth are worn, they are still functional. I have no pain, sensitivity or TMJ. I’ve heard the horror stories of root canals, tooth loss, even being a “dental cripple” and yes, I want to avoid that. The alternative seems to be to allow someone to “prepare” my teeth so I can never be without crowns again then install a set that will last 10-15 years. Am I supposed to pay $45k every 10 years to maintain crowns?
I’m really lost with this. I’m an engineer by day and the concept of destroying my teeth and gluing on temporary caps seems archaic. What kind of technology is that?
It’s hard for me to believe that there isn’t some type of compound that can be bonded to my existing teeth to act as substitute enamel. I don’t care if my bite is corrected or if smile isn’t perfect. All I need is to protect the surface of the teeth from wear and decay.
I’d really appreciate hearing any thoughts or experiences on this.
Thanks,

Would it be at all possible to have some sort of appliance made (a hard nightguard or something) to protect your teeth especially while sleeping? I'm wondering if that might be worth a try before doing anything non-reversible.

You could ask about having composite resin bonded onto the teeth. This might not last very long but could be replaced when worn. Crowning sounds drastic and irreversible and will not solve the wear problem. A hard plastic night guard is well worth a try if you are a night bruxist.

Thanks - I have a night guard on order, should be here any day. Right now I'm trying to figure out the next step.

I hear you, I wouldn't go for the crowns either. I was also told I needed 10 crowns because of my bruxing. But I also am losing two teeth and having to get a partial because two root canals failed on two crowns. It's better to keep what you have intact. I've read about porcelain inlays, sounds sturdier than just composite. Good luck!

I wouldn't do it - especially since you are not in pain from it. Its too damaging to the tooth structure and then you run the risk of needing root canals as well the risk of getting food and debris lodged underneath them and still developing decay. I would get other opinions - there are other options that are not as destructive - assuming anything must be done - worn teeth that are not in decay and are not bothering you or causing pain in anyway are still good teeth - so only do something if absolutely neccessary, like you have fractured a tooth or your bite becomes bothersome, you develop jaw pain, etc. The night guard should help some.