Massive problems with teeth sensitivity - can they stand IPR?

[Dinkytinky]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and hope someone may be able to help.

I have (for years) had massive problems with sensitive teeth, I don't just mean a bit of sensitivity when I eat something hot etc, I mean when the sensitivity strikes I can barely chew (anything) it is that bad. I use sensitive toothpaste and mouthwash everyday which does help a bit however, the enamel on my teeth actually looks paper thin and has caused a lot of enamel erosion. I don't know what has caused this and neither does my dentist and doesn;t seem to know what to suggest with regard to finding out why this has happened. I have always rinsed my teeth with water after eating fruit and waited an hour before cleaning them and have always drank fruit juice through a straw.

However, to cut the waffle, my teeth are very overcrowded and my dentist recommended braces as the unevenness is putting pressure on the back teeth causing them to wear. However, the Orthdontist I saw said that I would need some (or rather a lot of IPR) 0.5mm on a number of teeth on the bottom to get about 4mm. The obvious problem is the teeth sensitivity. I am obviously concerned that this will make the sensitivity worse. By the way the Orthodontist recommended Invisalign braces.

My question with regard to this are has anyone with massive sensivity had IPR and did it make it a lot worse? I don't know whether to have the IPR done and risk even more sensitivity or not have it done and risk more wear to my back teeth (which isn't exactkly helping with the sensitivity).

Also has anyone with enamel erosion been able to trace what caused it (and actually do anything about it)?

Sorry if this goes on a bit but I would appreciate any help with this.

Thanks, Sarah

[godutch]

If he really really needs that space I would opt for an extraction of an incisor . I have very sensitive teeth too and have tried most products on the market and I would dread them becoming even more sensitive

Were your teeth crowded before? What I notice with people with severe erosion is that their teeth get more and more crowded over time and contrary to what you would believe that erosion causes small gaps to appear their teeth get tighter and tighter together. Is there really no place in your jaws for all your teeth?

[Dinkytinky]

Hi, many thanks for your reply. I should have mentioned that they did suggest an extraction but that I am totally against that. (Yes I know I haven't left myself many options)

My teeth started crossing when I was in my teens (I am 42 now), unfortunately braces were never suggested to me when I was still eligible for NHS ones. The crookedness has just got worse over the years. The erosion also started around the same time and the various dentists I have seen over the years have just been clueless as to what has caused it and equally clueless as to recommending a solution.

[Dinkytinky]

By the way my teeth are so packed together that I cannot even floss between them.

[godutch]

By the way my teeth are so packed together that I cannot even floss between them.

That always happens with erosion, molars are somewhat round and have a contact point but get more rectangular with erosion and the contact point becomes an ever wider contact plain

[drleonsu]

Hi,

It sounds like having an extraction would be the best way to go. May I ask what is the reason for you to be against that treatment option and would consider doing 0.5mm IPR on multiple, thin enameled teeth?

Thanks

[FlyByNight]

I had IPR done on my central and lateral incisors to reduce black triangles. I had no issues with sensitivity whatsoever. However, when my ortho grinded a few molars to improve my bite after braces, I had a lot of sensitivity. By using Colgate sensitivity toothpaste for a few weeks, the sensitivity went away. It works.

[Rebeccasmells]

Ask if you are an NHS candidate

Perhaps don't refuse extractions

[Rebeccasmells]

Are you seeing an Orthodontist or a dentist?

[Dinkytinky]

Hi, no, this would not be done on the NHS but privately. I have had consultations with both a specialist orthodontist (who said the IPR) and then at the weekend with a dentist who specialises in orthodontics (but not an actual registered specialist) but with 15 years experience of orthodontics, who said that IPR was definitely not necessary so even more confused now? Second dentist also said Invisalign would only take around 9 months as opposed to first orthodontist who said around 2 years (and IPR).

[DrJasonKTam]

One factor to consider for your sensitivity is that it depends where the teeth are experiencing this sensation. Many people have sensitivity due to root exposure from gum recession or from wear on the biting surfaces of the teeth. When doing IPR, there is a thickness of enamel between the teeth that does not experience much wear over one's lifetime (unless overly aggressive flossing is considered), so generally, this should not be a factor.

If the sensitivity is with air/cold at the gums, it can be helpful to have those areas covered by a cotton roll during the IPR procedure. Speak to your doctor to see if there are any alternatives, but IPR may still be viable. Good luck!

[Dinkytinky]

Many thanks for taking the time to reply and for raising this very interesting point. The sensitivity is definitely not caused by too much flossing as my teeth are so tightly packed together that I have never been able to floss between them. I will certainly raise the point you raised with my dentist and hope that I may afterall be able to have IPR done. Thanks again for your reply.