Bruxism is a condition characterized by grinding and clenching of teeth. It usually occurs during sleep and even if the person is awake. The condition is often related to stress and anxiety or an effect of sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea. Bruxism does not usually harm but teeth grinding could cause problems over time. It can lead to other oral health complication and severe health issues. To prevent and treat the damages caused by bruxism, Dental Town Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, offers services to address this problem.
Effects of Bruxism
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS
- A headache
- Inflammation and receding of gums
- Sleep disruption
- Limited mouth opening
- Earache
- Facial pain around the jaw and muscles on the face
- Increased tooth mobility
- The stiffness of the shoulders
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
- An untreated Migraine
- Excessive facial muscle tone
- Lockjaw
- Tooth Loss or breakage
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Treatments for Bruxism
Mouth Guards
Mouth Guards balance the pressure across the jaw. It creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent damage due to teeth grinding. The materials used are rubber and plastic which is custom-made to fit the mouth. Mouth guards are removable. It can be worn at night or during the day.
Veneers
Uneven teeth shape and size, as well as misaligned teeth, also contribute in bruxism. Dental veneers can repair such issues and gaps between the teeth through a permanent bond of veneers to the front surface of the tooth. Aside from preventing bruxism, veneers are also used to fix the problems created by bruxism such as chipped or damaged teeth.
Dental bridges
Bruxism can cause tooth loss. In reshaping the chewing surface of the teeth, dental bridges are used to replace the missing tooth.
Invisalign
Malocclusion or misaligned teeth can be a cause of bruxism. Invisalign is a useful treatment for this condition. Invisalign is an innovative procedure for aligning teeth. The method uses transparent, thin plastic aligners which makes it unnoticeable while adjusting the teeth to the right position.
Solve your problem with bruxism now! Book an appointment with Dental Town Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and check out our Bruxism Treatment in Oakbrook. We are located at 17W679 Roosevelt Rd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.