Developing an underbite
June 17th, 2010Question: I am 62 and my teeth are badly worn. I had an even bite but due to excessive wear I now have an underbite and my teeth are getting smaller by the year. I have been advised by a consultant at the dental hospital that it is impossible to halt. I can see my appearance changing as my lower jaw is beginning to jut out and my upper lip loses its support. I am desperate restore my appearance. I haven’t had a lot of work done to my teeth and they are fairly good. Please help me. I wear a night shield.
Answer: Tooth wear is a relatively common problem and in severe cases the teeth can be worn down to gum level. The damage can be reduced by wearing a soft or hard ‘nightguard’. Restoration is often by means of dentures on top of the worn teeth (overdentures), or crowns and bridges, depending upon how many teeth are missing and how much tooth structure remains. Normally this type of treatment can be carried out by the ‘prosthodontics’ department of a dental hospital or by a dental specialist.
