Intro
In this episode of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, Eon Engelbrecht and Dr Clifford Yudelman tackle a dramatic but critical topic:
Bite Collapse. As teeth wear down from grinding, acid, or loss of support, the lower third of the face can literally shorten, leading to premature aging and functional failure.
Dr Yudelman explains the mechanical and chemical causes of this collapse and shares how modern digital dentistry—including 3D printing—can restore a bite without aggressive drilling.
10 Questions with Dr Clifford Yudelman
1. What does "bite collapse" actually mean in practical terms? Bite collapse occurs when teeth lose significant height due to wear, erosion, or missing support, reducing the vertical dimension of the face. It’s not just about short teeth; it means your chin physically moves closer to your nose.
2. What are the three primary causes of bite collapse? The three main causes are Mechanical Wear (grinding/clenching), Chemical Erosion (acid from diet or reflux/GERD), and Structural Loss (missing back teeth or failing large fillings that haven't been properly restored).
3. How do night-time grinding forces compare to normal chewing? While normal chewing generates force, studies show that sleep bruxism (grinding) can generate forces six times higher—up to 250kg per square centimetre—accelerating collapse significantly.
4. What are the earliest warning signs visible on front teeth? Look for front teeth that are flattened with sharp edges (instead of rounded corners), small chips, and little yellow "dents" on the biting tips (exposed dentine).
5. How does bite collapse change your facial appearance? It ages the face by shortening the lower third. This leads to thinner-looking lips, increased wrinkles around the mouth, and a "sunken" appearance, similar to someone who has taken their dentures out.
6. How is bite collapse diagnosed at OptiSmile? Diagnosis involves digital scans, high-resolution photography, and 3D bite analysis. "Time-lapse" technology allows dentists to compare scans over time to measure exact millimetres of tooth loss.
7. What happens if someone ignores these early signs? Wear accelerates because exposed dentine wears seven times faster than enamel. What starts as a small chip can turn into a split tooth, requiring extraction and eventually leading to the need for a full mouth rehabilitation.
8. Why should you be cautious if a dentist recommends crowning all your teeth? "Turkey teeth" or crowning every tooth removes up to 60% of healthy tooth structure. Dr Yudelman warns against aggressive treatment plans (like 28 crowns) and suggests seeking a second opinion, preferably from a prosthodontist, for complex cases.
9. How are 3D printing and digital dentistry changing treatment? Digital dentistry allows for "no-drill" or additive solutions. Dr Yudelman shares a case study of his son-in-law, where they used 3D-printed onlays (as thin as 100 microns) to restore height without filing down the natural teeth.
10. What is the single most important takeaway for listeners? Don't ignore small chips or jaw tension; they are mechanical warnings. Early diagnosis via a digital assessment allows for conservative treatment (like aligners or bonding) before the damage becomes catastrophic.
Outro
Dr Yudelman wraps up by emphasizing that "bite collapse" is preventable if caught early. By paying attention to the warning signs - like yellow dents on your molars or a shortening smile - you can avoid costly rehabilitation. Always consult a digital dentist to catch these issues before they compromise your quality of life.
Further Resources
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Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.
