Restoration of Eroded Teeth and Bulimia Smile Makeovers
Many patients seeking a more youthful, whiter, and aesthetic smile have maxillary anterior (upper front teeth) with significant erosive wear on the palatal (inside) surfaces of their teeth. For the first time, there is a conservative way to restore these teeth, thanks to a new treatment developed by Dr. Isaac Comfortes of Total Health Dentistry in Encino, California.
Until now, patients recovering from bulimia or under medical care for acid reflux disease had no other option than to have their significantly acid-eroded teeth crowned. Their dentist had to remove part of the natural tooth and then fit the prosthetic crown over the remaining tooth structure.
Dr. Comfortes developed his “conservative” technique in 2003 to restore acid eroded teeth and has been tracking the success of his technique with his own patients for over 12 years. If acid erosion has not destroyed too much of the tooth structure, Dr. Comfortes places gold inlays on the inside surfaces of the teeth and then bonds porcelain veneers on the outside faces of the teeth. Compared to crowns, far less natural tooth structure has to be removed when prepping teeth for inlays and veneers.
“I have had long-term success with these patients,” says Dr. Comfortes. “Their restorations are fully functional and aesthetic years after treatment. Only one veneer has had to be replaced in 12 years, and that was due to an accident that had hard impact on the tooth. Nothing makes me happier than achieving a better quality of life for the individuals who come to me for help.”
Because he is inspired to help people and solve their “dental puzzles,” Dr. Comfortes has worked on other innovative treatments. He is preparing a case study report about his conservative treatment for acid erosion and will submit it for professional publication with the hopes of inspiring other dentists to take the conservative approach.
“I think we owe it to our patients to help them preserve their natural teeth through conservative treatment whenever we can still meet the goals of health, function, comfort, and aesthetics,” says Dr. Comfortes, one of LA’s finest general and cosmetic dentists.
Hope for Patients Recovering from Bulimia, Acid Reflux and Other Causes of Tooth Erosion
Using gold restorations, combined with porcelain veneers, Dr. Isaac Comfortes has restored the mouths of individuals whose teeth have suffered significant enamel erosion due to bulimia and other problems such as acid reflux disease. He is happy to restore the mouths of patients in recovery from bulimia and under medical management of acid reflux disease or other systemic disease conditions that have compromised tooth surfaces.
Conservative Treatment of Significantly Eroded Teeth
Treatment using gold inlays and porcelain veneers is more conservative than crowns because less of the natural tooth structure has to be removed in order to prepare the tooth for restoration. The gold inlays provide long-lasting strength and can be expected to last 20 to 30 years. The porcelain veneers provide natural tooth aesthetics and come in a range of colors to match the surrounding teeth.
Call today for your smile makeover consultation.
There is no time like today to start learning what is possible for you. Give us a call to schedule your consultation. You do not need to suffer from embarrassment over your smile and tooth sensitivity that is hurting your quality of life. Every patient is different and a custom solution can be designed specifically for your needs and goals. Dr. Comfortes is known for fine dentistry that lasts and his compassionate approach to patient-centered care.