When you grind your teeth at night, or clench them, this could mean you suffer from bruxism, a serious oral health disorder. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist will explain how we approach diagnosing and treating issues like bruxism, and also how we approach repairing your teeth and keeping your smile full and beautiful.
The Causes of Bruxism
First: What causes bruxism? Factors could vary, but could include issues that upset the balance of your bite, such as tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, misalignment, or even the presence of TMJ disorder. High levels of stress in your daily life could be a factor too! People who grind their teeth may have a significant other let them know about it, otherwise there are symptoms that occur during waking hours. You may experience headaches, migraines, jaw pain, facial aches, or discomfort in the neck and shoulders. Your teeth could also feel sensitive and ache too!
The Dangers of Teeth Grinding
Unless treated, teeth grinding could cause serious problems for your smile. For example, you could wear down the structure so your teeth appear short. In addition, cracks or chips could appear. Damaged enamel then exposes the inner layers of dentin to bacteria, which makes cavities possible. Over time, a cavity could mean infection and even the risk of tooth loss. To avoid worsening pain and major changes to your smile, you should talk to us about treatment options.
Treatment Options
We could restore balance with a crown, or use clear aligners to correct misalignment. However, an oral appliance crafted based on detailed digital images and measurements is often the preferred option. The device is worn at night and fits like a mouthguard. When in place, the device helps reposition the smile to ease strain, and also places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent further damage.
Repairing Your Smile
What about any damage your smile sustains due to grinding or clenching? With dental bonding, we can repair minor chips and cracks in one visit. We also have lifelike dental crowns for more severe damage. Either way, we offer you lifelike repair that blends with your smile and provides a durable layer of protection for your smile. If you have any questions about how we treat issues like bruxism, or if you would like to schedule a visit for an exam, then please contact our team today to learn more.
Ready to Tackle Your Teeth Grinding?
Our team wants to help you enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile. To learn more about how our team offers solutions for teeth grinding and clenching, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
