Cracked & Fracturing Teeth
“Teeth are fracturing in record numbers. Cracked and fractured teeth are now the 3rd leading cause of tooth loss in industrialized nations. Posterior teeth with conservative amalgams and com-posites are splitting and losing cusps. Crowned teeth, both posterior and anterior, are fracturing off at tissue level. Endodontically treated teeth are splitting, snapping off, and simply imploding. Additionally, endodontists are reporting that cracked teeth are now replacing carious teeth for causative etiology in numbers of patients referred for endodontic treatment.
We assume that the causes of this pervasive and growing problem are (a) we are living longer; (b) our stress levels are rising, and clenching and bruxism are also more prevalent; (c) the advent of the high-speed handpiece spawned billions of iatrogenic “G.V. Black” cavity preparations that have weakened posterior teeth deep axial crown preparations in the name of porcelain aesthetics; and (e) aggressive “crown-down” endodontic shapes in delicate, non-round roots.
Dentistry’s last great mystery, fracturing, is a poorly understood process. A dramatic change in the focus of continuing dental education toward cosmetic dentistry, bleaching, and implants has shifted our attention away from some of the most integral aspects of the healing art of dentistry, and cracks top that list. We now find our profession faced with a monumental problem that will require a significant commitment and reallocation of resources to address appropriately. There is no need to assess blame; we must simply roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
Kashana’s Worn Down Teeth
https://youtu.be/4oFwPSfLjZY
Kashana was willing to make the trip to Tacoma, Washington’s Bioclear Clinic, from out of state, because she was interested in how the Bioclear Method could be employed to conservatively treat her black triangle teeth, repair her broken lower teeth and restore her thinning, chipping, upper teeth. Her issues happen to us all. From attrition due to unstable tooth-to-tooth contact such as unconscious grinding and abrasion resulting from abrasive toothpastes and toothbrushes to erosion caused by eating acidic foods or drinking carbonated beverages—there are almost too many ways for the enamel coating your teeth to wear down. Untreated, worn-down teeth can lead to additional deterioration and problems including pain and even infection. Which is all in addition to the obvious cosmetic concerns.
Fortunately for Kashana, even though her smile had been negatively impacted by damage and tooth decay Dr. Clark was able to restore her smile using Bioclear. The Bioclear Method is a relatively inexpensive, alternative to the porcelain veneers other cosmetic dentists would have fitted by grinding away portions of Kashana’s already worn-down teeth. Using Bioclear Matrixes, Dr. Clark was able to injection mold, tooth-colored, dental composite around Kashana’s damaged teeth—preserving the remaining tooth structure while fully restoring her smile.
Don’t just take our word for it though, press play and see for yourself.