Fixing Worn and Crooked Teeth at 50: Affordable Smile Makeover for Adults Who Grind Their Teeth

Image: 
Severity: 
Teeth Problems: 

Quick visual findings (from the photo)

  • Incisal wear / flattened edges on the upper front teeth — classic for bruxism (tooth grinding).

  • Uneven incisal edges and small chips on the front teeth.

  • Color is mildly yellowed (surface staining/enamel tone).

  • Gums and surrounding tissue look okay in the photo (no obvious inflammation), but a full exam is needed to confirm periodontal health.

  • Overall: teeth are structurally intact (you said no cavities) but show wear and esthetic irregularities that are very treatable.


Probable diagnosis

  1. Bruxism-related tooth wear (current or historic).

  2. Minor enamel chipping & uneven incisal levels.

  3. Mild discoloration / staining.

Nothing in the photo looks like urgent disease (infection or large cavities), but this is NOT a substitute for an in-person exam and x-rays.


Immediate actions you can take (days → weeks)

  1. Get a custom night guard (occlusal splint) — highest priority. Protects teeth from further wear and prevents new chips. Many dental plans cover part of this cost.

  2. Avoid hard foods (nuts, ice, hard candy) and habits like chewing pens.

  3. Maintain anxiety care (your meds + relaxation) — lowering clenching will help healing and outcomes.

  4. Book a dental exam with x-rays to confirm no hidden problems and to get dental records/photos for planning.

Timeframe: a night guard can usually be made in 1–2 dental visits over 1–3 weeks.


Cosmetic & functional treatment options (ordered by invasiveness & cost)

You can combine these; most people do treatment in phases.

  1. Dental bonding (composite) — reshape and lengthen worn edges, repair small chips, improve symmetry.

    • Visits: usually 1–2 visits.

    • Recovery: immediate function; mild sensitivity possible a few days.

    • Cost: relatively affordable per tooth.

  2. Whitening (bleaching) — improves overall color before any bonding/veneers so restorations match.

    • Visits/options: professional in-office or take-home; 1–2 weeks for take-home, one session for in-office.

    • Minimal recovery.

  3. Orthodontics (straightening):

    • Clear aligners or braces to straighten teeth and correct bite (can also reduce wear long-term).

    • Timeframe: 6–24 months depending on how much movement you need; limited/front-only treatments can be 3–9 months.

    • Cost: varies; check insurance coverage for adult ortho.

  4. Veneers or porcelain restorations — for more uniform shape/length and color (more durable and esthetic than bonding but more expensive and irreversible).

    • Timeframe: 2–6 weeks from consult to completion.

    • Recovery: few days to adapt.

  5. Crowns — only if a tooth is severely worn or fractured; more invasive.

Recommended typical sequence: Protect (night guard) → Straighten (if desired) → Whitening → Conservative bonding or veneers for final shape. Doing orthodontics before veneers/bonding gives more conservative tooth preparation.


“Timeframe to heal” & what to expect

  • If you mean recovery after minor cosmetic work (bonding/whitening): hours to a few days (some sensitivity).

  • For orthodontics: active movement months to years, but daily life is normal during treatment.

  • For a night guard: you’re protected immediately once you start wearing it.

If you mean “if it takes 14 days” — most dental cosmetic procedures don’t require a 14-day healing period except for surgical work (extractions, implants). Short procedures will not “heal into” a final result in 14 days; they’re immediate or take weeks for lab work.


Risks / what can scale up if you delay treatment

  • Continued grinding → more enamel loss, larger chips, tooth sensitivity, possible need for more invasive restorations (crowns) later.

  • Uneven wear can change your bite and cause TMJ/jaw pain or headaches.

  • If discoloration or chips bother your confidence, emotional impact continues.
    Delaying won’t usually cause infection if you have no cavities, but it may increase cost and invasiveness later.


Practical next steps — what you can do this week

  1. Call your dentist and ask for:

    • a full exam and bite evaluation,

    • a custom night guard quote and whether insurance covers it,

    • an estimate for bonding/veneers and orthodontic consult.

  2. Schedule an orthodontic consult (some offer free/low-cost consults).

  3. Use the directory you mentioned (https://cebudentalimplants.com/map-dental-clinic) to find clinics near you and compare fees / financing.

  4. Ask about payment plans and whether your plan has an orthodontic lifetime maximum (if applicable).


Questions to bring to your dentist / orthodontist

  • Do I need x-rays or study models now?

  • Can you evaluate my bite and bruxism? Can you make a night guard? Is it covered by my insurance?

  • For straightening: how long will treatment take for front-teeth alignment only? Are clear aligners an option? Cost estimate?

  • For esthetics: would bonding or veneers be better for my goals and budget?

  • If I delay treatment a year, what are likely changes to expect?


Cost & insurance tips

  • Night guards are often partially covered. Ask your insurer for a prior-authorization.

  • Dental schools can be much cheaper (supervised students).

  • Use in-house financing or split treatment into phases to spread costs across years.

  • Use your annual maximum wisely (start the high-priority items in year 1, cosmetic finishing in year 2 if needed).


Final checklist you can print / show your dentist

  • Night guard: yes 

  • Full exam + x-rays: yes 

  • Orthodontic consult: yes 

  • Whitening before bonding/veneers: yes 

  • Conservative bonding for chipped/worn edges: yes