Dentist wants to align my teeth?

Question

Hi. I went to a new dentist yesterday, along with my wife. The dentist told each of us that we get cavities and receeding gums because our teeth are such that we can not chew side to side as she says people are supposed to be able to do. She says our upper teeth are hitting our lower teeth in such a way as to cause wear and tear and damage. She plans to sand down the high spots on my bottom molars so they won't get in the way of my upper molars as I'm chewing. She says she does this to all her patients. Is this for real? I've been going to dentists for twenty years, and I've never heard this.

Thanks.
Steve.

Answer 1

Hi Steve,

I am a dentist myself, and what you describe can be accurate, but in certain cases. If I understand well, it is called an occlusion adjustments, and it can be done by sanding lightly some parts of the teeth, but only lightly so the teeth do not end up being sensitive to cold. It is mostly done to people who have jaw pain or jaw problems.
Since it is hard to see your teeth and give my opinion, what I suggest is that you consult another dentist too for a second opinion.

Anto.

Answer 2

If she does this to ALL her patients, I'd find another dentist! Don't take the chance! I've grinded the top parts of my teeth down naturally. I didn't need help and I wish I would've had help NOT to grind them because now everytime I eat milk chocolate my teeth hurt bad and I've been told it's not from cavities but because my teeth are so worn from grinding. I can only imagine how much more sensitive my teeth would be if my dentist would have sanded my teeth for me. And besides, it just doesn't sound right. Let's face it. We're not cows are we? We chew meat not cud. Hence, there is a reason we have "peaks" in our mouth. The wearing is not from eating. If anything, you might also be grinding or clenching your teeth too much. Possibly at night when you're sleeping. They make guards for that to protect your teeth.

Answer 3

Yes it is true. I've had the same problem with my back molars - They were very sharp and were hitting spots in my bottom molars causing them to be weaker. So my dentist just "filed" or used that drill to just round them out a little bit. It doesn't hurt at all, and believe me, it's definately a relief. Don't sweat it :) If you want to they'll give you a numbing solution if you're nervous about it. But the whole process takes like 1-3 minutes.

Answer 4

Steve, cyberanto first answer is right and since he is a Dentist he should know. Get a second opinion. You only have so much enamel on your teeth. Keep it as long as you can . . if at all possible.

Answer 5

then i guess you need it, just go around and collect information then fix your teeth u oew it to urself, good luck