Veneers for Worn-Down Teeth: Restoring Length and Bite

Why teeth shorten

• Nighttime grinding (bruxism): 0.3–0.5 mm per decade in heavy grinders
• Acid erosion: sparkling water, wine, reflux, citrus
• Age: natural wear over many years
• Bulimia or acid reflux: severe erosion on inner surfaces

Why you can't just veneer over the wear

If the cause isn't addressed first, new veneers will fracture within 1–3 years. Order of operations:

1. Diagnose the cause
2. Treat the cause (nightguard, reflux treatment, acid diet changes)
3. Stabilise the bite over 4–8 weeks
4. Restore the worn teeth with veneers, crowns, or onlays

Treatment complexity

Worn teeth often need a full-mouth or significant-scope rehabilitation:

• Lower front teeth often need crowns, not just veneers (less enamel left)
• The bite needs raising gradually (can't add length without raising the bite)
• Back teeth may need onlays to match the new bite

Cost in Dubai

A full-mouth rehabilitation for wear typically costs AED 50,000–180,000 depending on tooth count and materials.

Nightguard — absolutely mandatory

Any patient with wear-related veneers needs a custom nightguard for life. Without it, the new veneers will wear down again.

References

• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
• Journal of Periodontology