Stop Teeth Grinding With A Bruxism Appliance

When we grind our teeth or clench our jaw on a regular basis, this is referred to as bruxism. Unless treated, bruxism could cause damage to your smile and lead to serious complications. Fortunately, your Ankeny, IA, dentist knows how to identify and treat this serious oral health concern, protecting the health and function of your smile.

The Causes of Teeth Grinding

How do we start grinding and clenching our teeth at night? The causes vary, but could include tooth loss, bite imbalance, dental misalignment, untreated TMJ disorder, injury to the face and jaw, and high levels of stress in your day-to-day life. As part of your treatment, we will examine your smile to assess the causes of your grinding episodes and recommend treatment to best correct the oral health concern.

Warning Signs and Complications of Bruxism

People with bruxism may experience headaches and migraines during the day, as well as soreness in the face and jaw, neck and shoulder pain, and tooth sensitivity and toothaches. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, then contact our team to schedule a consultation. Unless treated, bruxism could lead to enormous pressure on the teeth. The enamel could be worn down and the tooth could be cracked or chipped too. These exposes the inner dentin to harmful bacteria, and leads to the onset of tooth decay and even painful dental infections, putting the stability of your smile at risk!

Creating Your Bruxism Appliance

Treatment could vary. For some, we could use orthodontics to correct misalignment and ease pressure. Others may need a crown placed to restore the balance of your smile. If you have missing teeth, we can place them with a bridge, partial, or dental implant. However, in most cases we help with a custom oral appliance. We start by taking detailed impressions and measurements of your smile, which we use to design and create a mouthguard-like device that is worn as you sleep. The device moves the jaw to ease pressure and stop grinding episodes. The appliance also provides a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, preventing further damage to your smile. If you have any questions about tackling your teeth grinding, or if you simply want to set up your next checkup and cleaning appointment, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?

We want to help you enjoy a healthy and comfortable smile by putting a stop to common jaw joint disorders. To learn more about treating teeth grinding, then please schedule an appointment by calling Peddicord Family Dentistry in Ankeny, IA, today at (515) 963-3339. We also proudly serve patients of all ages who live in Bondurant, Polk City, and all surrounding communities.