Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 2/22/2006

Question
MY BOYFRIEND WEARS A GOLD MOUTHPIECE OVER HIS FRONT FOUR TEETH. IT IS REMOVABLE AND HE HAS BEEN WEARING IT FOR ABOUT A YEAR. IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS OR SO HIS TWO FRONT TEETH HAVE BECOME VERY THIN TO A TRANSPARENT LEVEL. ONE HAS A CRACK UP THE MIDDLE AND A SMALL HOLE IN THE CENTER. HE ALSO HAS A VERY LARGE GAP BETWEEN THESE TEETH THAT HE HAS ALWAYS HAD BUT NOW THERE IS A 1/4 INCH PIECE OF HIS GUMS HANGING BETWEEN HIS GAP. COULD THE MOUTH PIECE BE CAUSING THIS? CAN HIS TEETH BE RESTORED OR WILL HE NEED THEM REPLACED?  

Answer
Erica,
Without seeing him in person, I cannot give you a definite answer. But from what you describe, it sounds like the gold piece is not having a good effect on his teeth and his gums. He needs to get into his dentist ASAP to have the area evaluated. Whether or not it is reversible cannot be determined until he is seen. Any damage can be fixed one way or another. Just make the appointment right away. Good luck,

Jeff Dalin, DDS