Can Bruxism Really Cause Your Teeth To Chip?

The effects of bruxism—a recurring tendency to grind and clench your teeth—can leave you with a smile that you are no longer proud to show off. The gradual wear and tear from this activity can hurt the shape and overall look of your enamel. In time, you can even experience noticeable chips and cracks in your teeth! By visiting with your Ankeny, IA dentist and discussing this issue, you can learn about how your smile can remain safe. A custom oral appliance can protect your teeth at night, a time when people affected by bruxism can be vulnerable to prolonged grinding and clenching. When appropriate, we can also discuss the benefits of cosmetic and restorative services to take care of dental damage.

The Effects Of Bruxism Can Be More Severe Than You Realize

If you are grinding your teeth while you sleep, you can already have issues with the impact of this habit on your daily life. Waking up with pain in your face and jaw can be a warning that something is wrong. Dental soreness and sensitivity can also be an issue. Until you do something about this repeated issue with bruxism, you should know that the harm to your smile can grow more serious. You may find yourself with enamel damage that affects your appearance, or even chips and cracks that require restorative dental work! The sooner you say something about your troubles with teeth grinding, the less likely you are to need more advanced treatment.

How A Custom Oral Appliance Helps You Sleep Without Worrying About Teeth Grinding

A custom oral appliance provided by Dr. Foust can ensure that your teeth remain safe from harm while you rest. The guard is designed to stay comfortably in place and keep your teeth apart throughout the night. This can do more than just protect your enamel, as it can also help to reduce the stress on your jaw joints and muscles created by bruxism.

Dealing With Chips, Cracks, And Other Physical Harm

A review of your smile can tell us if you might benefit from cosmetic dental work, or if restorative dentistry will be needed to address more serious enamel damage. A cosmetic procedure can hide flaws while only making minimal changes to your teeth. The good news for those who need restorative treatment is that we can tend to your oral health needs while using a treatment approach that also preserves your smile.

Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Bruxism

If you are letting a problem with bruxism go without treatment, you should be aware of just how much harm this habit can do. As time passes, the friction from this activity can wear down your enamel, and even cause noticeable chips and cracks to form! Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is prepared to help by providing a custom appliance that will keep your teeth safe. If you already have dental damage, we can respond with the appropriate cosmetic or restorative service. To find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.