Teeth Grinding and Veneers: What You Need to Know

If you have cosmetic issues with your teeth, such as chipped teeth, discoloration, or small misalignments, you might be looking at veneers as a natural-looking, long-lasting solution.

But you have another problem. When you sleep at night, you grind your teeth. And people who grind their teeth are more likely to break their veneers than people who don’t grind their teeth.

Does that mean you shouldn’t get veneers if you grind your teeth? Not necessarily. But there are precautions you should take. Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of Dr. Emmanuel Aguilar and your friends at American Dental Clinic in San Diego, California.

What’s teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, affects millions of people. More than 70% of dentists recognize signs of it in their patients. It refers to the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth, often during sleep.

Bruxism can wear down your natural teeth. And it generates enough pressure to crack veneers that you’ve had affixed to your teeth to address other dental problems.

Do you want veneers but grind your teeth?

If this scenario applies to you, your first step is to talk to your dentist. At American Dental Clinic, we assess the severity of your teeth grinding so we can recommend preventive measures to protect your veneers (and your natural teeth).

Here are a few techniques Dr. Aguilar often recommends in such situations.

Wear a night guard

A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that fits over your teeth and protects them from grinding as you sleep. This device keeps your natural teeth from wearing down and your veneers from breaking.

Use stronger veneers

Veneers can be made from various materials and various strengths of porcelain (the most common material used in veneers). If you have bruxism, you want the strongest material available. Talk to Dr. Aguilar about your options.

Treat the root cause

Common causes of bruxism include stress, anxiety, or misaligned teeth. Depending on your situation, you could practice stress reduction techniques (such as meditation) or consider orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign®, to fix the alignment of your teeth.

You can indeed wear veneers if you grind your teeth — if you take precautions. If you’re ready to find out more about veneers or any of our other services to correct dental problems, our expert team at American Dental Clinic is happy to help. 

Call our office today at 858-215-2951 to schedule a consultation, or book your appointment online.