CASE · Cosmetic dentistry
Dental Erosion from Acid Reflux: Restoring 8 Front Teeth with All-Ceramic Crowns (Case Study)
When stomach acid reaches the mouth, it can dissolve tooth enamel, a condition called dental erosion. This patient, a woman in her late 30s, came in asking for veneers to improve her front teeth, but the examination showed severe erosion on the back of her upper front teeth. We switched to all-ceramic crowns that cover the back of the teeth as well, and kept all eight teeth vital.
Case at a glance
- Concern: Brighter front teeth and even edges after chipping (woman in her late 30s)
- Diagnosis: Long-term acid reflux; about half of the back surface of the upper front teeth eroded with exposed dentin; thin, chipped edges; a mild open bite; a protruding upper right canine
- Treatment: All-ceramic crowns on eight upper front teeth (canines, laterals and centrals)
- Nerves: all eight teeth kept vital
- Bite: upper front teeth designed to overlap the lower front teeth by about 1 mm
How does acid reflux damage teeth?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) lets stomach acid flow back into the esophagus. When it reaches the mouth, it can dissolve the tooth surface.
During reflux or vomiting, the tongue tends to cover the lower teeth, so they are relatively protected. The back of the upper front teeth is directly exposed and often erodes first. It is easy to miss early on, but as it progresses dentin becomes exposed, and eventually a root canal may be needed.
Why crowns instead of veneers?
Veneers cover only the front of the tooth. They can improve appearance, but they cannot stop erosion on the back. About half of the back surface was already gone, so all-ceramic crowns that cover the whole tooth were the better way to protect the teeth, and we recommended changing the plan.
- Veneers: front surface only; the back stays exposed to acid
- All-ceramic crowns: cover the whole tooth and protect the back; esthetics improve too
What were the treatment goals?
- Restore eight upper front teeth with all-ceramic crowns without root canal treatment
- Adjust tooth angles so the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth by about 1 mm, correcting the mild open bite
- Reshape the protruding right canine and even out the edge line
What did the result look like?
Right after bonding, the crown margins blended naturally with the gums and the edges lined up. The upper front teeth now overlap the lower teeth by about 1 mm and the bite is stable. Most importantly, the eroded back surfaces are protected and all eight teeth kept their nerves.
How long do I need to stay in Korea, and what does it cost?
The schedule depends on the number of crowns and bite adjustments, so we suggest a plan after reviewing your X-ray and photos.
Typical fees per front tooth: all-ceramic or zirconia crown KRW 700,000 (about USD 528); PFZ crown KRW 800,000 (about USD 604). Converted at USD 1 = KRW 1,325 on 2026-10-23.
Frequently asked questions
Can I notice dental erosion myself?
Not easily at first. If your front teeth look thin or see-through at the edges, chip easily or feel sensitive, have them checked.
Should I treat the reflux too?
Yes. Ongoing reflux affects your remaining teeth and restorations as well, so we recommend treating it with your physician at the same time.
Do crowns always mean a root canal?
No. In this case all eight teeth stayed vital. It depends on the condition of each tooth.
I want veneers. Could you recommend crowns instead?
Yes, if there is a problem on the back of the teeth like this one. We recommend what protects the teeth, not only what looks good.
This case was treated at our clinic. The article was medically reviewed by Dr. Sunmin Kim, our lead dentist and a board-certified orthodontist.
About the reviewer
Dr. Sunmin Kim is the lead dentist at Ceramic Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, a board-certified orthodontist (Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea) with a PhD from Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Our clinic is registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to treat international patients.
Important information
This is a real case. Results, treatment time and the number of visits vary from person to person.
How much tooth structure is removed for veneers or crowns depends on the case. Some cases can be no-prep or minimal-prep (case by case, decided after diagnosis), others need more. After bonding, sensitivity, chipping, debonding or gum changes can occur, so regular check-ups are needed.
Photos show teeth only and are published with the patient’s consent. Fees are as of October 2026.
Questions about your own teeth?
Send us photos of your teeth for a preliminary opinion. A final plan and quote are given after an in-person examination.
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