When you grind or clench your teeth on a nightly basis, that could lead to serious damage and major complications with your smile, as well as painful symptoms. Bruxism doesn’t require an invasive treatment, as we can offer relief with an oral appliance. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about custom treatment for bruxism.
The Causes of Teeth Grinding
Why do we begin to grind or clench our teeth on a regular basis? A number of factors could be responsible, and these often upset overall bite balance. This could include TMJ disorder, malocclusion, injury to the face or jaw, tooth loss, or issues with the growth and development of your smile. A high level of stress in your daily life could be an issue too. To help limit your grinding episodes and discomfort, reduce your consumption of caffeinated products, avoid very hard or chewy foods, and use a warm washcloth against the side of the face to ease tension.
The Warning Signs of Bruxism
Warning signs of bruxism could include jaw pain, facial aches, headaches, migraines, and toothaches and tooth sensitivity. If you encounter one or more of these potential warning signs, then you should give us a call right away. Otherwise, the pressure could begin to wear down the teeth or even crack or chip them. Not only does this cause issues with the appearance of your smile, but they’re more likely to develop tooth decay and dental infection, causing worsening pain and even increasing the risk of tooth loss and other major complications.
A Custom Solution
For some, treating teeth grinding could involve correcting dental misalignment with orthodontics, or replacing missing teeth with a dental prosthetic. We could also improve the overall balance of your bite with dental bonding, or even a custom-made dental crown. However, the most common solution is an oral appliance that is worn as you sleep. The device is custom-made and fitted for your smile, crafted based on detailed digital images we take of your smile. The finished product will fit like a mouthguard and is worn nightly. The device repositions your jaw to help prevent strain, and also places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent further damage to your smile.
If you have any questions about treating bruxism, or about repairing the damage that has already occurred, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy a comfortable smile, and avoid potential damage and discomfort to your smile.
Ready for Teeth Grinding Treatment
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about avoiding damage from the onset of grinding and clenching.
