Attrition

In simple words, Attrition is the loss of tooth structure occlusally due to excessive forces by the occluding teeth, grinding of teeth, deep bite

Aetiology

• Age 
• Hard and Abrasive diet 
• Chewing Habits 
• Opposing porcelain crowns
• Lack of posterior support- cause of anterior teeth attrition
• Bruxism and Clenching

Clinical Manifestations

Occluding surface attrition causes small polished facet on a cusp tip or ridge or incisal edge 

In severe cases, reverse cusp in place of cusp tips and inclined planes. This causes dentinal exposure and loss of vertical dimension of teeth.

Precipating Factors

• Deficient masticatory capabilities of teeth
• Cheek biting
• Caries- because of the increased vulnerability of exposed dentinal surfaces 
• TMJ Problems
• Jutted out appearance of restoration and flattening of surrounding occlusal surface. %

Treatment : Pathologic

• Advice the patient to wear splints 
• To manage localised anterior teeth wear: use dahl technique
• The more traditional way of dealing with a full arch or full mouth rehabilitation is to use conventional crowns eg, onlays of a full crown