Teeth Look Shorter or Worn Down Singapore: What's Causing It?
Quick answer
Teeth that are visibly shorter, flatter at the biting edges, or have lost their natural shape are almost always caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) — usually during sleep. This is called tooth wear or attrition. Unlike surface staining, this damage is permanent — enamel does not grow back. Seeing a dentist is important both to protect remaining tooth structure and to treat the underlying grinding.
**Restore what's been lost:** Depending on severity: - Mild: dental bonding ($200–$600 per tooth) to build back worn edges - Moderate: porcelain veneers or composite overlays on affected teeth - Severe: full mouth rehabilitation with crowns — significant cost but restores function and appearance Restoration without addressing the grinding first is futile — the new material will wear just as the original enamel did.
What does teeth grinding do to your teeth?
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When you grind your teeth, the upper and lower teeth rub against each other with significant force — often for hours each night. Over months and years, this physically wears down the enamel (the hard outer layer of teeth).
The effects are gradual and many people don't notice until the change is significant: Front teeth become visibly shorter and flatter at the tips The biting surfaces of back teeth (molars) develop flat, shiny patches Teeth become more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods as enamel thins In severe cases, the teeth look "ground down" and the face appears more closed or aged
This wear pattern — flat horizontal surfaces with no natural cusps — is instantly recognisable to a dentist as grinding damage.
How much enamel have I lost?
Enamel is 2–3mm thick at most. Mild wear (under 0.5mm) causes sensitivity but is manageable. Moderate wear (0.5–1mm) is visible and requires active protection. Severe wear (1mm+) typically requires restorative treatment.
A dentist can measure and photograph tooth wear to track progression. If wear is recent and active (you can see the fresh shiny surfaces), stopping the grinding now prevents further damage. If it's long-standing, they'll discuss whether restoration is needed.
What can be done?
Stop the damage first: A custom night guard ($200–$800) prevents further grinding damage. This is the essential first step regardless of how much restoration is needed.
Restore what's been lost: Depending on severity: Mild: dental bonding ($200–$600 per tooth) to build back worn edges Moderate: porcelain veneers or composite overlays on affected teeth Severe: full mouth rehabilitation with crowns — significant cost but restores function and appearance
Restoration without addressing the grinding first is futile — the new material will wear just as the original enamel did.
Cost in Singapore
$200–$5,000+
Night guards and cosmetic restoration are not Medisave-claimable. Crowns for structurally compromised teeth may have partial Medisave coverage — check with your dentist.
Key takeaways
- Shorter, flatter teeth = grinding damage — enamel cannot grow back
- A night guard stops further damage — this must come before any restoration
- Sensitivity to hot/cold is often the first sign enamel is getting thin
- The sooner grinding is treated, the less restoration will be needed
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