Case study - From Erosion to Confidence: Rebuilding A Smile After Years of Damage

Rob had stopped smiling. Years of drinking soft drinks—specifically 2 litres of Coca-Cola a day—had taken a serious toll on his teeth. What started as a daily habit for a caffeine boost eventually caused irreversible damage to his enamel. Hoping to improve his health, Rob made the switch to diet cola to cut down on sugar. But while sugar was reduced, the acidic nature of diet soft drinks proved even more harmful to his teeth.

The Hidden Dangers of Soft Drinks

Whether regular or sugar-free, all soft drinks are highly acidic. This acid wears down tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth. On top of that, cola-based drinks contribute to dehydration, which reduces saliva flow. Saliva plays a critical role in neutralising acids and protecting the teeth from erosion and decay. Without it, teeth are left vulnerable.

By the time Rob came to see us at Renew Dental Lounge, he was dealing with:

• Severe acid erosion on every tooth

• Complete enamel loss on the front (labial) surfaces of his upper and lower front teeth

• Exposed dentine (the sensitive layer beneath enamel)

• Shortened, discoloured teeth

• An overclosed bite due to excessive wear on his back teeth

• Reluctance to smile

A Comprehensive Plan to Restore Function and Aesthetics

Rob’s case was complex, but not hopeless. The first step was to fully understand how his bite had collapsed and how we could rebuild it—both functionally and aesthetically.

Step 1: Rebuilding the Bite with Temporary Composites

We began by using temporary composite restorations to rebuild the shape and height of his worn-down teeth. This allowed us to:

• Re-establish a healthy bite (also known as the occlusal vertical dimension)

• Preview the size, shape, and position of his future teeth

• Allow Rob to “test drive” his new smile and adjust to the changes gradually

He wore these temporaries for three months, which gave us valuable insight into how his new bite would function day-to-day and ensured long-term comfort before committing to permanent restorations.

Step 2: Full Mouth Rehabilitation with Crowns

With Rob’s bite successfully stabilised and aesthetics carefully mapped, we moved on to permanent restoration.

Using strong, natural-looking zirconia ceramic crowns, we restored every single tooth in his mouth. The work was completed in segments over a two-month period, replacing the temporary composites with high-strength, beautiful crowns in a brighter shade than his natural teeth—something Rob had specifically requested.

Step 3: Funding the Treatment

Rob accessed his superannuation through SuperCare, a service that helps Australians apply for early release of super for essential dental treatment. Their tax licence & close relationship with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ensures a smooth, ethical process with fast approvals. This gave him the financial support he needed to move forward with comprehensive care without delay.

The Result: Confidence, Comfort, and a Bright New Smile

Today, Rob not only smiles freely—he beams. His new teeth are strong, functional, and designed to last. The transformation went beyond aesthetics: he can now chew properly, speak clearly, and enjoy the confidence that comes with a healthy, attractive smile.

Thinking About a Major Dental Overhaul?

If your teeth have suffered from years of wear, erosion, or damage—whether from diet, grinding, or neglect—you’re not alone, and you’re not beyond help. With the right planning, technology, and care, full-mouth rehabilitation can give you back your bite, your smile, and your confidence.

At Renew Dental Lounge, we take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options clearly, and support you every step of the way. We also work with services like SuperCare and offer a range of flexible payment options to help make treatment more accessible.

Your smile can be rebuilt. Let’s talk about how.