Quick links
Lost Canine Guidance occurs naturally because the long and strong canines withstand the chewing forces when the lower jaw moves from side to side. The top and bottom back teeth do not touch each other.
Wear and tear on the tips of the canines, often from tooth grinding (called bruxism) allows the top and bottom back teeth to come into contact. This is called “group function”.
Any back teeth weakened by fillings are prone to fracture if the canine protection is lost.
The simplest method is to add white fillings (composite) to the tips of the worn canines. If the front teeth are crowned then canine guidance can be built into the shape of the crowns.
They will look like they did before any wear and tear and feel strangely longer initially.
It takes years for the wear and tear to occur, but the treatment can be repeated.
Crowns and veneers are expensive but white composite fillings are much cheaper.
The wear and tear will continue and the back teeth may fracture repeatedly.
Canine protected guidance should ensure the back teeth will be safer.
There is no special aftercare, your teethshould be cleanedas normal.
