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Treating Your Chronic Teeth Grinding

If you grind or clench your teeth often, you might have a condition called bruxism. Over time, this habit wears away the surface of your teeth, leading to additional problems with your oral health. The constant back-and-forth movement of your jaw may also cause significant strain, leading to a problem called TMD. Because this condition can happen while you are asleep, it can be difficult to detect without the aid of a skilled dentist.

What Are The Forms Of Bruxism?

You may grind your teeth when you are awake or asleep. The movement of your jaw is the same, but the treatments may differ. If you experience awake bruxism, it is generally tied to emotional issues. You may attempt to resolve feelings of anxiety, stress, or anger with chronic grinding. Learning to recognize the connection between these feelings and your habits can help you find a healthier outlet for your emotions. Pursuing stress management can help you put an end to damaging your teeth.

Sleep bruxism can become more harmful when it goes undetected. Because you cannot make a conscious decision to unclench your bite while asleep, you will require treatment to protect your smile and relieve tension headaches.

Treating Bruxism With Botox

Our APRN can provide Botox therapy to prevent your masseter muscle from grinding involuntarily. Because bruxism can overdevelop this large muscle that moves your jaw, this treatment can also improve your facial appearance by allowing it to relax into a more aesthetically pleasing shape. Depending on how quickly you metabolize Botox, we may reapply your treatment every three to six months.

Wearing A Custom Oral Guard

We can design a night guard to protect your smile while you sleep. This BPA-free, custom device separates each row of teeth to prevent damage from grinding. By reducing the force of your clenching, a night guard can relieve tension throughout your facial muscles, leading to a more peaceful, refreshing night’s sleep.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is bruxism and how do I know if I have it?

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, and it usually happens while you are fast asleep. Since you might not even realize you are doing it, the most common signs are waking up with a sore jaw, a dull morning headache, or teeth that suddenly feel a bit sensitive. When you come in for a routine checkup, we will carefully check your teeth for early signs of wear and tear so we can catch the issue before it causes any real discomfort.

Why is grinding my teeth at night harmful to my oral health?

Your jaw muscles are incredibly strong, and all that extra pressure can slowly wear away your protective enamel over time. Left untreated, severe clenching can lead to chipped teeth, receding gums, and persistent tension in your jaw joints. By stepping in with a straightforward and dependable solution early on, we help protect your natural smile and keep your whole mouth feeling healthy and comfortable.

What is the most effective treatment for teeth clenching and grinding?

For most of our patients, the simplest and most reliable solution is a custom night guard. This clear, comfortable appliance rests gently over your teeth while you sleep, acting as a durable cushion that absorbs all the force of your jaw. It is a highly practical way to instantly relieve muscle tension and stop enamel damage right in its tracks, giving you a much more restful night of sleep.

How is a custom night guard different from one I can buy at the store?

Store bought guards are often bulky and require you to boil and bite them, which rarely provides a precise or comfortable fit. Our customized night guards are crafted from professional grade materials based on exact digital impressions of your unique smile. This means they fit snugly and securely without feeling awkward, ensuring you get dependable protection that is actually comfortable enough to sleep in every single night.

How long does it take to get a custom night guard made?

Getting your new night guard is an easy and completely painless process. During your first visit, we take a quick, comfortable impression of your teeth to ensure a flawless fit. Once our trusted dental lab crafts your custom appliance, you will come back for a brief fitting so we can make any tiny adjustments needed. In just a couple of short visits, you will be well on your way to protecting your teeth and waking up pain free.