Stress can take a toll on the entire body which includes tooth damage from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. One of the easiest ways to protect your oral health is by wearing a custom-made night guard when you sleep. At your Lake Orion, MI dental practice, we can inspect your smile to tell if you suffer from bruxism and take action to protect you!
Why Am I Grinding My Teeth?
Stress will cause tension in the head and neck region often leading to grinding and clenching. If your teeth or jaw are misaligned, you will also grind the teeth as you seek a comfortable resting position. This often leads to jaw fatigue, pain, clicking or popping when opening, and damage to the teeth.
Damage To Your Smile
Grinding and clenching will cause cracks, chips, or flattened cusps. If the grinding causes wear through the protective enamel layer of your teeth, sensitivity, and decay may not be too far on the horizon. To restore the damage, we can offer life-like dental crowns or veneers. We also place tooth-colored fillings to restore smaller areas of decay or chipping.
What Is a Night Guard
A night guard is a thin, hard, BPA-free plastic mouthpiece. Typically, it is worn over the top teeth when you sleep but some opt for the lower teeth. The process is simple. We take detailed impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab where they custom make your guard. Since it fits exactly to your teeth and occlusion, it is more comfortable and safer than the over-the-counter guards. If you snore or have an airway obstruction, we may need to discuss other options to protect your overall and oral health better. At your dental check-up, we will make recommendations based on your unique situation.
Contact Us Today!
At your next dental check-up, we will thoroughly examine your mouth and check for signs of bruxism among other oral health concerns. For more information about how we can help protect your smile, please contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213.
