Life expectancy is increasing, and the desire to maintain our natural teeth and a beautiful smile throughout our lives is growing. Demands are both aesthetics and function, necessitating the involvement of various disciplines in the prevention and treatment of the worn dentition. The role of orthodontics in preventing tooth wear is a topic of ongoing debate. Is there an association between the bite and tooth wear, and which malocclusions can benefit from orthodontic treatment to reduce wear?
When the damage has occurred, and dental restorations are needed, orthodontics can be immensely helpful and, in many cases, crucial for achieving an optimal solution. Orthodontic treatment can create the necessary space for reconstructing lost tooth substance and align the bite appropriately before the final restorative phase. Often, there will be a requirement for initial interdisciplinary planning and continuous communication between the orthodontist and the dentist, who will build upon the orthodontic results.
The presentation aims to illustrate the association between malocclusion and tooth wear as well and the possibilities of orthodontics and interdisciplinary collaboration in restoring the worn dentition.
