Tooth wear in maxillary anterior teeth from 14 to 23 years of age

Using a planimetric method, the size of horizontal wear facets on maxillary anterior teeth was studied longitudinally in the permanent dentition of 35 subjects at ages 14, 18, and 23 years. The study subjects had not previously undergone any orthodontic treatment and had Class I occlusion. We studied the association between the amount of wear and reported parafunctions and maximal bite force. Total wear areas in age groups 14, 18, and 23 years were 29.5 mm(2) (SD 11.4), 39.1 mm(2) (SD 12.7), and 45.0 mm(2) (SD 13.0), respectively. The total wear area increased significantly both from 14 to 18 years of age and from 18 to 23 years of age (p < 0.0001). Between 18 and 23 years of age, the maxillary canines showed strongest wear, although the central incisors had largest wear facets. It can be concluded that wear of permanent anterior teeth is a continuous phenomenon in adolescence and young adulthood.