Rehabilitations of worn dentitions
Rehabilitation of a worn dentition is a comprehensive and highly personalised treatment approach for patients affected by advanced tooth wear, loss of dental structure, reduced chewing efficiency, discomfort, or changes in their bite.
The objective is to restore function, comfort, stability, and a natural appearance while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Depending on the individual situation, treatment may involve direct composite restorations, ceramic or reinforced-composite partial crowns or onlays, veneers, crowns, dental implants, orthodontic treatment, or a combination of these approaches.
Treatment is carefully planned according to the causes and extent of the wear, the condition of the teeth and supporting tissues, the bite, facial characteristics, and the patient’s functional and aesthetic expectations.
clinical case
Common questions about the rehabilitation of worn dentitions
01
What is full-mouth rehabilitation?
A full-mouth rehabilitation is a comprehensive treatment designed to restore multiple worn, damaged, or missing teeth.
It aims to re-establish a stable bite, improve chewing function and comfort, and recreate a natural and harmonious appearance. Each treatment is individually planned according to the condition of the teeth, the bite, facial characteristics, and the patient’s priorities.
In some situations, only part of the dentition requires treatment. This may be referred to as a partial-mouth rehabilitation.
02
What causes severe tooth wear?
Tooth wear may result from several factors, including grinding or clenching, erosion caused by acidic foods or drinks, gastric reflux, abrasion, an unstable bite, ageing, or a combination of these factors.
Identifying the causes and progression of the wear is essential before defining the most appropriate treatment and long-term prevention strategy.
03
Are full crowns necessary to treat worn dentitions?
No. Modern adhesive techniques often allow worn teeth to be restored using minimally invasive treatments such as direct composite restorations, veneers, or partial crowns.
Full crowns are generally reserved for teeth that are extensively damaged, structurally weakened, or already heavily restored.
The objective is always to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.
04
How long does the treatment take?
The duration depends on the complexity of the situation, the number of teeth involved, and whether additional treatment such as orthodontics, implant therapy, periodontal care, or endodontic treatment is required.
Treatment is usually carried out in carefully planned stages. Complex rehabilitations may require several months, particularly when a provisional or test phase is used.
05
Is the treatment adapted to each patient?
Yes. There is no standard solution for a worn dentition. Each rehabilitation is planned individually according to the degree and cause of wear, the condition of the teeth and gums, the bite, facial characteristics, and the patient’s functional and aesthetic priorities.
The objective is to provide the most conservative and predictable treatment possible while restoring function, comfort, stability, and a natural appearance.
