ankeny teeth grinding

Teeth Grinding Could Damage Your Tooth

If you grind your teeth, this could be more than an annoying habit. Over time, the pressure could wear down and damage teeth, causing cavities and even infections! But we can help. In today’s blog, Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, talks about preventing bruxism damage with an oral appliance. In addition, we have ways to offer lifelike and durable repair for any damage that bruxism has caused!

The Causes of Bruxism

What causes bruxism to occur? In childhood, teeth grinding is usually a temporary issue that passes on its own. But in adulthood, this could become persistent and occur nightly, which wears down and damages teeth, not only changing the appearance of your smile, but increasing the risk of tooth decay and dental infection. How does this happen? For some, high stress levels are to blame, while others could develop this due to untreated TMJ disorder, missing teeth, misalignment, or issues with the growth of your jaw or the eruption of the teeth.

The Warning Signs of Chronic Teeth Grinding

If you begin to notice negative changes to your bite and discomfort, then reach out to our team today to discuss possible solutions. Warning signs of bruxism could include painful toothaches and sensitivity, as well as headaches, migraines, jaw and facial pain, and even aches in the neck and shoulders. Our team can examine your smile to assess the cause and severity of your bruxism, and provide relief with treatment. You don’t have to live with discomfort and damage to your smile!

Treatment with a Custom Oral Appliance

For many, we will take impressions and images of the bite and use them to design and craft an oral appliance that is worn while you sleep. This custom-fitted device will look and fit like a mouthguard, and is worn regularly to help reposition the jaw and ease strain on the bite. This helps stop grinding episodes. If you do grind or clench your teeth, the soft barrier can help distribute pressure and prevent damage to your smile. The appliance is simple to use, easy to clean, and if you travel, it can go with you.

If your teeth have become damaged, we can help. With bonding, we can repair minor chips in only one visit. We also have custom crowns for more severe injuries to your bite. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like bruxism, then reach out to our team today to learn more and start your treatment journey!

Dental Impressions Provides Solutions for Teeth Grinding

Treating teeth grinding can help boost your oral health and protect your smile. To schedule an appointment for our custom appliances, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.