I’ve had bulimia since 1990. I’ve been seeing a therapist for the last five years, and finally feel like I have things under control. I will always have bulimia, but now I am in control of the disease instead of the other way around. I’m finally at a healthy weight, and my skin looks nourished and healthy. The one thing I can’t change with diet, though, is my teeth. They are very badly damaged from more than 20 years of abuse. They are chipped, discolored and really thin, and they don’t fit together like they should. One side sticks out when I open my mouth to bite something, and I’ve been getting headaches.
I think I really need to see a specialist for all this. I need someone to help me with my bite issues, and I really want to improve the appearance of my smile, too. Should I see someone for the bite first, and then address the cosmetics, or vice versa?
Thanks,
Kelly in Sacramento
Dear Kelly,
If you find the right cosmetic dentist, you could address both issues with the same professional, which would really be ideal.
The issues with your bite are likely the cause of your headaches, and it sounds as if it is a temporomandibular joint issue, commonly known as “TMJ”. TMJ treatment will get everything back in alignment and functioning properly, so your nutrition is not compromised and your headaches ease or cease.
Because you have so little tooth structure left, you will probably have to have dental bonding before anything can be done to address the appearance of your teeth. Traditional dental cement is not strong enough to hold dental crowns in place when there is very little tooth structure to work with.
This will not be a quick fix, unfortunately. You are probably looking at porcelain crowns for all of your teeth. The improvement in appearance and function will be dramatic, but the price will be steep.
Best of luck to you as you move into this healthier phase of your life.
York PA cosmetic dentist Dr. Currie’s dental office sponsors this blog.