Teeth Grinding
Also Called Bruxism
Characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth, bruxism can damage your teeth and cause jaw pain or soreness, headaches, tooth pain, sensitivity and other uncomfortable symptoms. Bruxism is also often associated with stress. At Midland Park Family Dentistry, we offer appliance therapy in the form of a mouthguard that protects a single arch.
What to Expect
The Initial Appointment & Fitting
First, one of our dentists will perform an exam, identifying any signs that you are clenching during the day or grinding at night. Then, using our iTero intraoral scanner, we will take an accurate scan of your teeth and send it off to the lab where your custom mouthguard will be fabricated. The process usually takes about two weeks.
You will then return to our office to have it fitted. We’ll check your occlusion to see how you’re biting down and to ensure that the mouthguard is comfortable for you.
The Follow-up Visit
I have been a patient for years and I continue to be because of excellent service.” Dave S.
After a few weeks, you will come back in so we can determine how you’re wearing it and if it still fits comfortably. Once again we will check the occlusion and inspect the guard for signs of wear. It’s important to remember that the mouthguard doesn’t stop the clenching or grinding, but it helps to protect tooth enamel.
Xeomin® for a Relaxing Smile
In addition to providing mouthguards to address bruxism, we offer neurotoxin injections which can also address temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding). TMJ can cause headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing, while bruxism can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, and jaw soreness. Neurotoxin brands, like Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport work by relaxing the muscles involved in clenching and grinding, relieving these uncomfortable symptoms. This can help even if you are wearing your nightguard regularly and especially if you are also clenching and grinding during the day.
Though many drugstores sell mouthguards, they’re not as effective as ones you can get from the dentist. That’s because they’re not custom-fitted and the material used lacks the quality and durability that a custom mouthguard features. We find that many people also remove their OTC guards in their sleep.
How often do I need to wear my mouthguard?
You will need to wear it every night. If you work out at the gym, particularly lift weights, you should consider wearing it then as well as many weightlifters clench when they lift.
Mouthguards can last for many years, but it depends on how severe your grinding and clenching are.
Your bite may have collapsed because you’ve ground away so much of the tooth structure. If that’s the case, we can rebuild your occlusion by crowning the affected teeth.
If you grind enough of the enamel away and the tooth structure you could end up grinding down to the nerve. Sensitivity could result, and a root canal would likely be in order. That’s why it’s always essential to address bruxism early before bigger and costlier problems develop.
We can provide you with tips on being aware of daytime clenching such as positioning your tongue at the palate to create space between your teeth, so you’re not clenching down.
Many insurance companies pay for the mouthguard but, because every plan is different, we can submit your claim and let you know what’s covered.
Contact Us Today
If you grind or clench your teeth, we can help. Contact us today to book a consultation!
