Aesthetic Rehabilitation in Teeth with Wear from Bruxism and Acid Erosion

BACKGROUND: Bruxism is defined as a repetitive activity of grinding the teeth through lateral or protrusive movements of the mandible, and it is considered the most complex and destructive functional disorder. In addition, erosion caused by diet or reflux can damage the remaining teeth. OBJECTIVE: In this report, a patient with bruxism and dental erosion was treated with a multidisciplinary approach to restore the function and aesthetic. METHODS: This clinical report describes the management of an adult woman, 33 years old, who was dissatisfied with the aesthetics of her smile and complained of joint pain and headaches. As result of her condition, the patient’s dentition exhibited generalized wear on the vestibular and incisal surface of the upper incisors incompatible with her age, moderate darkening of the teeth and excess gingival tissue in the upper incisors. After a detailed anamnesis and clinical examination, a diagnosis of bruxism and acid erosion caused by a diet rich in citrus foods and beverages was obtained. Forthwith, a treatment plan was established, and the patient underwent home bleaching, gingivoplasty and ceramic laminates of lithium disilicate on the anterior teeth. After the rehabilitation was completed, a night guard was made to reduce the symptoms of bruxism and avoid fracture of the ceramic restorations. The patient was followed at different time intervals. CONCLUSION: The improvement in the aesthetics of the teeth was significant and remained stable after periodic controls in which no adverse effects were observed.