Chronic teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, impacts millions of smiles in this country. Without treatment, bruxism could mean cracked, chipped, or broken teeth, as well as other major complications. To offer relief and prevent damage, your Astoria, NY, dentist could provide treatment with an oral appliance.
The Causes of Teeth Grinding
Why do some of us begin to grind our teeth so frequently? The issue often occurs due to factors that upset the balance of your bite, such as untreated TMJ disorder, injury to the face or jaw, tooth loss, malocclusion, or even high levels of stress and anxiety. As part of your treatment, we will assess the wear and friction on your teeth, and also gather detailed digital x-ray and intraoral camera images, to identify any possible causes. From there, we craft a custom treatment plan.
When to Seek Treatment
Warning signs vary. For example, a significant other could let you know that you grind your teeth. For others, there could be symptoms that occur during the waking hours. Headaches, migraines, jaw pain, facial aches, and pain in the neck or shoulders could be possible warning signs. Tooth sensitivity and toothaches could also develop, as the pressure begins to wear down enamel or even crack and chip teeth. Don’t ignore these warning signs, instead talk to our team about an exam and diagnosis.
Options to Stop Grinding and Repair Teeth
Putting a stop to bruxism could mean orthodontic aligners to correct misalignment, or even the placement of a custom-made dental crown to restore balance. The most common solution is an oral appliance, one custom designed and fitted for your smile. The device is created based on the digital images and measurements we take of your smile, and is worn as you sleep. Fitting like a mouthguard, the appliance then repositions the jaw to ease strain. The device also puts a barrier between your upper and lower teeth to avoid further damage.
As for the damage that may have already occurred, we could address minor chips and cracks with dental bonding in one visit, or place a custom-made dental crown too. We want you to enjoy a comfortable smile, and also one that inspires confidence. If you have any questions about treating bruxism, then contact our team today to learn more. Better oral health and comfort is possible!
Do You Have Questions About Teeth Grinding?
Treatment from our team could help ease strain on your smile and prevent damage from growing worse, so you avoid cavities, infection, and worsening discomfort. To learn more about how we stop bruxism or address issues like TMJ disorder, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
