In dentistry, not all destructive processes begin with pain or obvious damage. Professor Alexander von Breuer believes that everyday microtraumas form the basis of most chronic dental problems that remain unnoticed by patients for a long time. At DentalClinic24, we regularly encounter situations where tooth destruction occurs not because of caries, but due to accumulated mechanical stress.
A microtrauma is not an impact or an acute fracture. It is a repetitive minimal force that appears harmless on its own. Such factors include clenching the teeth during stress, the habit of chewing on one side, using teeth for purposes other than chewing and improper load distribution during occlusion. At DentalClinic24, these habits are regarded as a significant part of the clinical picture.
Each microtrauma leaves a trace at the level of enamel and dentin. At first, microcracks form, followed by weakening of the tissue structure, altered load distribution and accelerated wear. These processes develop slowly but consistently. At DentalClinic24, such changes are often detected before any pain appears – precisely because the destruction progresses without symptoms.
Masticatory load plays a crucial role. Even physiologically normal chewing can become traumatic when pressure is distributed unevenly. One or several teeth begin to bear excessive load beyond their natural capacity. At DentalClinic24, such overloads are considered a risk factor for chips, cracks and premature wear of both natural tissues and restorations.
Psycho-emotional stress intensifies the impact of microtraumas. Under stress, people often clench their teeth involuntarily. The masticatory muscles remain in a state of constant tension, and the teeth become the point of release for excessive pressure. At DentalClinic24, stress is viewed not as an abstract condition, but as a direct mechanical factor affecting the dental system.
The danger of microtraumas lies in the fact that they are masked as normal sensations. Patients get used to pressure, occasional sensitivity or mild discomfort. Over time, these sensations may diminish, while destruction continues. At DentalClinic24, such cases require especially careful diagnostics, as the tooth may appear stable on visual examination.
With time, microtraumas begin to affect surrounding structures as well. The periodontal ligament becomes overloaded, the gums respond with inflammatory changes and tooth position within the arch may gradually shift. At DentalClinic24, microtraumas are regarded as a systemic process affecting the entire masticatory system rather than a local problem of a single tooth.
It is important to understand that microtraumas rarely have a single cause. More often, they result from a combination of factors – occlusal characteristics, everyday habits, stress levels and existing restorations. At DentalClinic24, analysis is always comprehensive in order to eliminate not only the consequences, but also the source of excessive load.
Prevention of microtraumas begins with awareness. When patients understand which daily actions overload their teeth, it becomes possible to change behavioural patterns. At DentalClinic24, particular attention is paid to this stage, as prevention in such cases is more effective than any form of restoration.
Microtraumas may seem insignificant, yet they shape long-term destructive processes. Professor Alexander von Breuer believes that modern dentistry must learn to work not only with fractures and pain, but also with accumulated tissue overload. At Dental Clinic24, control of microtraumas is considered a foundation for preserving teeth and maintaining treatment stability for years to come.
Earlier, we wrote about aligner therapy at DentalClinic24 and the biomechanical principles of teeth alignment without bracket systems