Have you ever heard of bruxism? A common disorder, this means that you grind or clench your teeth on a regular basis, damaging your smile and leading to serious complications down the road. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist will explain how we diagnose and treat teeth grinding with a cozy oral appliance.
The Causes of Bruxism
Chronic teeth grinding could be caused by a number of different issues. For example, losing a tooth could be a factor, as could injury to the face or jaw. High levels of stress in your daily life could be a factor too. Other causes include bite imbalance, untreated TMJ disorder, and dental misalignment. As part of the treatment process, our team will take detailed digital images of your smile and assess the wear and friction to diagnose the factors behind the disorder, and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.
Dangers and Warning Signs of Teeth Grinding
Over time, bruxism could begin to wear away outer enamel and even make the teeth appear small and short. The damage could also crack or chip a tooth too. Wearing away enamel and damaging outer structure exposes the sensitive inner dentin and pulp, meaning teeth begin to hurt and the risk of tooth decay and infection increases significantly. Symptoms along with tooth sensitivity and toothaches include headaches, migraines, jaw pain, and aches in the face, neck, and shoulders. If you experience one or more of these possible symptoms, then please see our team right away for an exam and to discuss possible solutions.
Treatment with a Custom Appliance
Often, we use an oral appliance that fits much like a mouthguard to help protect your smile. We take detailed impressions of your smile with digital technology, using the information to craft an appliance in a dental lab setting. Worn at night, the device repositions the jaw to ease pressure, and also puts a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth. The barrier prevents further damage, and easing strain helps stop grinding episodes. If you have damaged teeth, then we can help with dental bonding or even a crown, repairing the teeth and ensuring a natural appearance as well. If you have any questions about treating or preventing teeth grinding, or if you have painful symptoms, then contact our team today. We want to work with you and help make 2021 the year you enjoy optimal oral health, and a beautify smile that fills you with pride.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office About Bruxism
Your Ankeny, IA dentist wants to protect your smile from discomfort and dental damage by treating common oral health issues like bruxism. To find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
