Worn and short teeth: causes and how the smile is rebuilt

In many cases, yes. Length can be added with bonding, veneers or crowns depending on how much has worn away and the state of the bite. The added length has to suit your lips, speech and bite, so it is planned with smile design and tested with a mock-up first. Most importantly, the cause must be treated so the wear does not repeat on the new restorations.

Many people do not know. Signs include waking with jaw or temple pain or a morning headache, flat or cracked tooth edges, increasing sensitivity, or someone hearing you grind. A dentist can spot the wear patterns typical of grinding during an examination and may recommend a custom night guard to protect the teeth while you sleep.

Grinding increases the risk of veneers chipping or coming off. That does not always rule veneers out, but it calls for careful bite planning, the right material and usually a night guard afterwards. In some cases crowns may be more suitable. Dr. Khalid Saeed discusses these risks clearly before starting.

Yes. Fizzy drinks, including sugar-free ones, are acidic and can erode enamel with frequent use. The same goes for energy drinks and some juices. The problem is worse when they are sipped slowly over hours. Having them with meals, less often, and rinsing with water afterwards reduces the damage. Using a straw can also limit contact with the front teeth.

It could be either. Some people naturally have short teeth, or gums that cover part of the tooth, in which case laser gum contouring may help more than adding length. Others have lost length through wear. Examination and measuring the proportions of your teeth and gums identify the cause and therefore the right treatment.

It varies a lot by case, from bonding on a few teeth to full mouth rehabilitation. No price is given before an examination and bite assessment. After the assessment at Celebrity Smile Center you receive a written plan itemising prices, stages and alternatives. You can book via WhatsApp on +964 750 799 3444.

It can be. When enamel wears away, dentine is exposed and passes hot, cold and sweet sensations to the nerve. But sensitivity has other causes too, such as gum recession, decay or a damaged filling. So it is better to have it checked than to rely on sensitive toothpaste alone for a long time.

Wear needs a dentist who looks at the bite and the cause, not only appearance. Dr. Khalid Saeed, "the celebrity smile maker", works at Celebrity Smile Center in Duhok and provides full mouth rehabilitation, veneers and crowns after digital design, a mock-up and a written plan. He also practises at Creative Arts in Dubai. Results vary with the case and with aftercare.