Can You Get Veneers if You Grind Your Teeth?

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure to transform your smile. Veneers are made from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin that can help hide or correct issues like stains, chips, gaps, or slight misalignment. They are a long-lasting way to achieve the bright smile you’ve always wanted. 

However, if you grind your teeth, you may be concerned about the potential damage you could cause to your veneers. Understanding how veneers hold up against bruxism and how to protect them can help you make a more informed decision.

The Effects Of Bruxism

Bruxism is something that usually happens subconsciously when you’re either awake or asleep. It is defined as clenching, grinding, or gnashing your teeth and is commonly caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, or specific medications. Anyone can develop bruxism, but is more commonly seen during childhood through young adulthood.

Bruxism Symptoms

Some people have difficulty knowing if they grind their teeth or not because it often occurs while asleep. You might be grinding your teeth subconsciously if you start to notice the following symptoms:

• Headaches or facial pain
• Earaches
• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• Aching jaw muscles
• Feeling pain when chewing
• Having difficulty opening and closing your mouth

There are a handful of risk factors that increase your chances of developing bruxism, like stress and anxiety, smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine, medications like SSRIs, or sleep apnea. When left untreated, bruxism can lead to sleep disorders, cracked or loose teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, and ongoing facial pain. 

Teeth Grinding And Your Veneers

Dental veneers are ceramic or composite thin shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. While veneers are strong, durable, and meant to last, they are definitely not indestructible, and grinding your teeth could have a negative impact on them. Grinding with veneers can cause a few different issues:

• Chips, Cracks, and Fractures: Pressure and force constantly placed on your teeth from grinding can cause chips or fractures in your veneers. Veneers are usually durable and resistant to staining or normal wear and tear, but they are not as strong as your natural teeth and are more prone to damage by bruxism.
• Debonding or Loosening: Constant grinding can loosen the veneers, causing them to dislodge or fall off the teeth and require re-bonding or replacement.
• Premature Wear: Grinding your teeth accelerates the wear and tear on your veneers, which reduces their lifespan and can lead to a much earlier replacement. 

Treatment Recommendations for Bruxism

If you are looking to get veneers and suffer from grinding your teeth, your dentist will likely recommend methods that address teeth grinding prior to applying veneers. Grinding is a rather tough habit to break, and many people often will need some assistance. Finding the cause of teeth grinding is the first step, and once determined you can find treatment. Treatment usually includes relaxation practices, TMJ treatment, exercises for the jaw, or a customized mouth guard. While these exercises may not completely eliminate grinding, they could likely minimize dental damage and help benefit those looking to get porcelain veneers.

Protecting Veneers From Teeth Grinding

After you’ve addressed treatment options for teeth grinding prior to getting veneers, you’ll want to know how to protect your new veneers from any damage. Here are some effective ways you can safeguard your veneers:

• Nightguards: Custom-made nightguards can help shield your veneers by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which reduces the impact of grinding and protects them from chips or cracks.
• Manage Stress Triggers: Since stress is often a trigger for bruxism, learning techniques like meditation, exercise, or therapy can help with grinding by addressing the root cause of your stress.
• Correct An Uneven Bite: If your teeth grinding is linked to an uneven bite, orthodontic treatments can help align your teeth properly which can reduce any strain on your veneers.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: By visiting your dentist regularly, you can monitor the condition of your veneers and catch signs of wear, misalignment, or damage early to make sure they last for years to come.

Cosmetic Dentistry In Woodlands, TX

While veneers have the ability to transform your smile, you should understand the risks and damage that teeth grinding can cause. Thankfully, there are preventative measures like nightguards, stress management, and regular dental care to prevent your veneers from damage. With the right precautions in place and guidance from your dentist, you can enjoy the beauty of your veneers while also maintaining your oral health. 

If you are looking for a smile makeover in Benders Landing, Woodforest, Spring, North Houston, or the Conroe/Montgomery area, the offices of Carrie Muzny D.D.S. offer comprehensive dental care. We provide a wide range of services like regular cleanings, sealants, screenings, periodontal therapy, cosmetic and restorative services, prevention, sedation dentistry, and oral surgery. Whether you prefer a virtual consultation or an in-person appointment, we are here to meet your needs with flexible appointment options.

Reach out to us today to start your journey towards a dazzling smile.