Chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, could not only drive your significant other crazy, but could damage your smile and cause major discomfort. To treat the issue, we don’t need to rely on surgery or other invasive solutions. Instead, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist can treat bruxism with a custom oral appliance!
The Causes of Bruxism and Common Warning Signs
Why do some of us develop frequent teeth grinding? Bruxism often occurs due to changes to the balance of the bite. For example, tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, misalignment, loss of restorations, ill-fitting dental restorations, high levels of stress, or untreated TMJ disorder could all lead to the onset of bruxism. People with teeth grinding could soon notice jaw pain, facial aches, headaches and migraines, and tooth sensitivity and toothaches. If you experience one or more of these episodes, or if a significant other lets you know that you grind and clench your teeth, then let us know right away.
Could Bruxism Damage My Teeth?
Yes! The pressure could wear away enamel or even wear down tooth structure, so teeth appear short. The teeth could also become cracked or chipped too. The damage then exposes the sensitive inner layers of structure, which then leads to the onset of tooth decay and dental infection, causing additional pain and increasing the risk of infection or even tooth loss.
Treatment with an Oral Appliance
To offer relief, we may use an oral appliance. The device will look and fit like a mouthguard, and is worn at night. The device is custom-fitted to your smile and helps reposition the jaw to ease strain and bring relief. The device also prevents further damage to your smile by placing a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth. If you have TMJ disorder, this could also help by easing strain on the jaw joints.
Repairing Your Teeth
If after treatment you have chipped or cracked teeth due to the grinding and clenching episodes, then you may need repair with dental bonding. The material is a lifelike and metal-free composite resin we use to rebuild the broken or cracked portions of your smile. Repair only takes one visit! We also have crowns for more severe injuries. If you have any questions, then please give us a call today!
Do You Have Questions About General Dentistry?
Our team knows how to offer treatment for teeth grinding that is comfortable and noninvasive. To schedule an appointment and to learn about improving smile balance and health, please call Woodland Hills Dental Arts today at 818-347-5124. You can find us at 6325 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Suite 322 Woodland Hills, CA 91367. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.