Treatment of Broken and Worn Teeth in
Denver Tech Center
Worn & Broken Teeth — Restore Function, Preserve Tooth Structure
A smile isn't just about looks — it’s how you eat, speak, and feel. At Smile Essentials, we treat worn and broken teeth with a patient-first, conservative approach that prioritizes long-term function and natural esthetics. Dr. Carolyn Kittell and our team focus on preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible and offering custom, predictable solutions — many crafted in our in-house lab with advanced digital technology.
What causes worn and broken teeth?
Teeth wear and fracture for many reasons. Common causes include:
- Chronic grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Acid erosion from diet or reflux
- Decay or large failing restorations
- Trauma or sudden impact
- Bite (occlusion) problems that overload certain teeth
- Natural aging and general wear
Because every case is different, accurate diagnosis is essential — we use clinical exams, photos, digital scans, and bite analysis to find the root cause and create a plan that lasts. Schedule a complimentary treatment consultation today!
Signs & symptoms to watch for
You might have worn or broken teeth if you notice:
- Short, flattened, or translucent teeth
- Chipping, cracks, or pieces missing from teeth
- Tooth sensitivity or pain with chewing
- Changes in your bite or jaw discomfort (TMJ symptoms)
- Trouble chewing or a “tired” feeling in the jaw
- An older smile that looks aged or uneven
If any of this sounds familiar, an evaluation can show whether conservative restoration or a more comprehensive plan is needed.
Treatment options — conservative to comprehensive
We tailor treatment to your goals and to what will protect your teeth long term. Options we commonly use include:
Preventive & protective
- Nightguards and occlusal splints to stop further wear.
- Diet and hygiene guidance to reduce acid erosion.
Conservative restorations
- Composite bonding — minimally invasive, immediate results, great for small chips and wear.
- Onlays / overlays — ceramic or composite restorations that rebuild cusps while preserving tooth structure (a more conservative alternative to full crowns).
Restorative & aesthetic solutions
- Crowns — when a tooth needs full coverage for strength.
- Porcelain veneers — for cosmetic improvements when sufficient enamel remains.
- Full-mouth rehabilitation — a staged, multidisciplinary plan for severe, generalized wear to restore form, function, and esthetics.
Adjunctive therapies
- Orthodontics or limited tooth movement to correct bite issues.
- Root canal therapy when a tooth has irreversible pulp involvement.
- Implants or fixed prosthetics for non-restorable or missing teeth.
We always discuss all alternatives — whenever possible we favor less aggressive treatments that preserve your natural teeth.
1-Before
Broken, Worn and Stained Teeth
1-After
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
3-After
Porcelain Resorations
2-Before
Worn and Stained Teeth
2-After
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
4-Before
Shortened, worn down teeth
4-After
Crown lengtheing & Porcelain Restorations
Our step-by-step process (how we restore worn & broken teeth)
Our workflow is designed to be predictable, conservative, and focused on the patient experience.
- Comprehensive exam & diagnosis — clinical photos, x-rays, digital scans, bite records, and a conversation about your goals.
- Digital treatment planning — we create a customized plan using digital smile design so you can see options before we start.
- Address the root cause — if bruxism or bite issues are present, we usually begin with a nightguard, occlusal adjustments, or orthodontic referrals to protect future work.
- Conservative first steps — minimal-prep bonding or onlays when appropriate so we preserve enamel and tooth structure.
- Diagnostic mock-up / provisionals — we create a trial smile (in the mouth or with 3D mockups) so you can preview shape and function; this guides final decisions.
- Precision preparation & digital impressions — when permanent restorations are needed we use digital scans and exacting preparations for optimal fit.
- In-house fabrication — Whitney and our lab team craft your custom restorations using CAD/CAM and hand finishing for natural texture and color.
- Try-in and final placement — we evaluate fit, shade, and bite, make final micro-adjustments, then bond or cement your restorations with meticulous technique.
- Maintenance & follow-up — nightguards, Retainers, routine checkups, and yearly evaluations to protect your investment and monitor wear.
Why Choose Smile Essentials to restore your smile?
- Conservative first approach – We preserve healthy enamel whenever possible
- In-house lab – Work directly with our expert technician for precise shade matching
- Experience in complex cases – Many patients come to us to fix work done elsewhere
- Real patient results – No stock images — what you see is what we do.
Frequently Asked Questions about treating worn and broken teeth
Can I still get cavities after my teeth are restored?
Yes — your restorations themselves won’t decay, but the natural tooth around them still can. Think of them like a beautiful tile backsplash: the tile is durable, but you still have to keep the grout clean. Good brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings will keep everything healthy.
How long will my new teeth last?
With proper care, they can last many, many years — often a decade or two (or more!). How long yours last depends on your bite, habits, and hygiene, but we’ll give you all the tools to help them stay looking and feeling great.
Will I have to replace everything in the future?
Usually not. If a tooth ever needs to be replaced down the road, it’s typically just that one tooth, not the whole set. We design your treatment so it’s easy to maintain and update as needed.
What if my bite changes over time?
Your bite can shift a bit with age or other changes, but we keep an eye on it at every visit. If something starts to feel different, we can make small adjustments or give you a protective appliance to keep your restorations safe.
Will my restored teeth look natural?
Absolutely. Each one is custom-made in our in-house lab for the exact color, shape, and texture that suits your smile. The goal is for them to look so natural that even you might forget which ones we restored!
