Patient question
My teeth have become noticeably worn down over time due to grinding, and I would like to restore their natural shape, length, and overall appearance.
I am considering laminate veneers or composite bonding, but I have been told that my bite may affect the durability of these treatments.
Would zirconia crowns be a better option for me, and how can I protect my new teeth from further damage?
Verified answer from our dentist
Answered on Oct 17, 2026
Dentist
Based on the initial assessment, you have bruxism (teeth grinding), which has caused significant wear across your teeth.
You also have an edge-to-edge bite, meaning your upper and lower front teeth meet directly against each other rather than having the usual slight overlap.
This bite relationship, combined with excessive grinding forces, creates a higher risk of fractures, chipping, and premature wear in cosmetic restorations.
For this reason, laminate veneers and composite bonding would not be our preferred treatment options in your case, as they may not provide the durability required under your current bite conditions.
Instead, a more comprehensive treatment with zirconia crowns and dental implants may be considered to restore the worn teeth and improve both function and aesthetics.
Proposed Treatment Plan
2 dental implants in the regions of teeth 25 and 36
24 zirconia restorations for teeth 16–26 and 31–36, 41–46
Masseter Botox treatment, if clinically appropriate, to help reduce excessive jaw muscle activity and clenching forces
2 custom night guards, one for the upper jaw and one for the lower jaw, to help protect the restorations from grinding-related damage
Zirconia crowns may provide a stronger restorative solution for teeth affected by significant wear. They can also help restore lost tooth length, improve tooth proportions, and create a more balanced and natural-looking smile.
However, because your bite is currently edge-to-edge, a detailed bite analysis will be essential before proceeding. The treatment must be carefully designed to ensure that the new restorations do not experience excessive pressure during chewing or grinding.
It is also important to understand that zirconia crowns are not completely resistant to bruxism. Although Masseter Botox may help reduce muscle forces, it does not permanently eliminate teeth grinding.
A properly fitted protective night guard will therefore remain an important part of your long-term care. The most appropriate night guard design and whether one or both arches require protection will be determined after treatment.
The final treatment plan will be confirmed after a detailed clinical examination, three-dimensional CBCT evaluation, and assessment of your bite, tooth wear, and remaining tooth structure.