Teeth Grinding & Clenching
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition that involves regular grinding and clenching of teeth. Oftentimes, patients are not even aware they are grinding their teeth because it is done at night. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to constant headaches, TMJ problems and damage to your teeth. We offer high-quality bruxism treatment that uses a mouth guard to be worn to protect your upper and lower teeth from coming into contact.
Why is treatment of Bruxism needed?
Bruxism often leads to a variety of dental problems if left untreated. While most people grind their teeth at night, the effects are obvious during the day and at your dental appointments. Some of the problems associated with bruxism include:
- Tooth pain
- Teeth breaking or cracking
- Teeth begin to look “flat” and worn-looking
- Problems with the TMJ
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Broken restorations and oral appliances
Who is a candidate for treatment of Bruxism?
With an exam, Dr. Galligan can help in determining if you need treatment for bruxism. Oftentimes, when you grind your teeth, they will begin to look worn and flat. When this occurs, it is obvious that bruxism is to blame and that adequate treatment is necessary. It is best to treat the grinding early on to prevent problems from developing in the future.
What can you expect during Bruxism treatment?
We will begin the treatment process with impressions, or molds. These impressions will be used to craft a brand new mouth piece, or bruxism splint, that you will wear. The mouth piece is comfortable and easy to wear. It provides a cushion between the upper and lower teeth so that they are not able to come into contact with each other. The mouth piece should be worn nightly in order to work effectively. We can remake and replace the mouth guard as it begins to show signs of wear.
If you are in need of bruxism treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment.